Braces Treatment: The Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment

There are over 4.5 million Americans wearing braces currently. While there is no age limit for getting a straight smile, childhood may be the ideal time to have teeth straightened. Early orthodontic treatment helps prevent teeth problems from worsening, removing the need for extensive treatments later on.

What Is Early Orthodontic Treatment?

Also known as ‘interceptive’ treatment, early orthodontic treatment refers to orthodontic services carried out when baby teeth are still present. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends scheduling an evaluation as soon as you see any signs of orthodontic issues, but no later than age seven.

At this age, the first adult molars erupt, establishing a backbite. The orthodontists can then inspect the front-to-back and side-to-side tooth relationships on the developing jaws and teeth. The evaluation allows an orthodontist to spot subtle issues that may become harder to correct later. Here are five advantages of early orthodontic treatment.

1. Early Detection

An orthodontist for all ages will be the first to spot any problems that could become serious over time if left untreated. Catching some of these issues early in life may save your child from potential surgery and complications later on. Early screening helps the Central Florida Orthodontists to determine the best time to begin treatment. If no immediate interventions are necessary, the orthodontic office can closely track their development to ensure the jaw and teeth align properly as they grow.

2. Ease

Orthodontic treatments work by applying slight pressure on the teeth, moving them into the correct position. The jaw bone will start to harden as your child approaches their late teens. At an early age, the mouth is still developing. It’s usually easier to gradually shift the teeth on the softer jaw of a child than on a hardened jaw bone of an adult.

3. Improved Facial Symmetry

Braces can help correct facial symmetry. Early orthodontic treatment can help address issues concerning protruding or recessed jaws, which improves the facial structure. It is vital to carry out the treatment at a younger age, so by the time your child is an adult, their facial symmetry is improved and corrected.

4. Guide Erupting Teeth

Early orthodontic treatment may help to guide your child’s permanent teeth into a more favorable position as they erupt to replace the baby teeth. The intervention treatment creates more space for the teeth to fit in, reducing the risk of overcrowding, overbites, or underbites. It may also reduce significantly the time that your child may have to wear orthodontic devices in the future.

5. Convenience

Having orthodontic treatment at an early age can be convenient for your child. Wearing braces and having to honor orthodontic appointments as an adult may get in the way of daily life. It is more suitable to have the teeth corrected while young, before commitments of adult life start catching up.

The Earlier, The Better

Braces are an excellent way to give your child a beautiful smile that will last a lifetime. Early orthodontic treatment is necessary to point out tooth alignment issues before they become difficult to rectify later on. To schedule your child’s first orthodontic appointment, reach out to Best Smiles Orthodontics.