Like most parents, you want to do everything you can to ensure that your child’s teeth and gums are as healthy as possible, especially before his or her permanent teeth start coming in. After all, your child’s smile is one of the first things people will notice about him or her. One option to help maintain that smile and those pearly whites is braces from a pediatric orthodontist near me . As with any health decision involving your child, it’s important to consider all your options before making a final decision on whether braces are right for your little one.
Why Parents Should Care About Early Orthodontic Treatment
It may not be on your radar, but if you have kids or are thinking about having kids, it’s important to know that early orthodontic treatment is a viable option. If you are thinking, What? My child isn’t even out of diapers!—it’s true: Some dental offices offer early orthodontic treatments to families with children as young as 5. The goal is to correct teeth and bite issues before they become problematic or harder (and more expensive) to fix later in life. An orthodontist who specializes in pediatric dentistry can guide you through all of your options for treating early problems, including how soon treatment should begin and which cases warrant surgery.
Deciding When to Start Orthodontic Treatment
Everyone has different timing on when to start braces. Whether your child should get braces will depend on a variety of factors like: tooth size, jaw growth and alignment, bite issues, how much space is left for teeth in their mouth and family history. You’ll want to consult with an orthodontist about whether or not your child is a good candidate for orthodontic treatment and how long it would take. Orthodontists help move teeth into positions where they can fit together more easily so we don’t have to grow into our smiles as adults. If you’d like to schedule an appointment with an orthodontist near you, contact us today!
Establishing The Right Timetable For Your Child
If you’re considering braces for your child, schedule a consultation with an orthodontist as soon as possible. According to Dr. Stephen Berman, a pediatric orthodontist in Chicago at Chicago Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, an early consultation is important because it will help you establish a timeline for treatment and determine if your child qualifies for orthodontic treatment from a medical perspective (e.g., if he/she has any growth abnormalities or malocclusions that need to be addressed). A pediatric dentist or general dentist can refer you to a pediatric orthodontist near you.
What Are Early Signs Of Orthodontic Problems In Children?
Orthodontic problems can begin as early as birth. How your child’s teeth fit together can determine whether or not he or she requires orthodontic treatment, though a good rule of thumb is that if your child has any issue with his or her teeth, you should bring it to your pediatric dentist’s attention. In some cases, a pediatric dentist may recommend braces for kids who have mild spacing issues and gummy smiles. This early diagnosis can prevent larger issues later on in life.
Is My Kid A Candidate For Dentist-Assisted Appliance Therapy?
It’s normal for kids to be self-conscious about their smiles. But if your kid feels like he can’t smile in photos because of crooked teeth, it might be time to make an appointment with a pediatric orthodontist near you. A specialist will know whether orthodontic treatment is necessary (and if so, which kind) and how best to talk with your kid about it. For example, parents of younger children should let them know that there are multiple treatments available—the most common one being a traditional metal wire-and-bracket appliance—but that they’ll have to wear it for a year or two. Once braces come off, many kids want straight teeth just like mommy and daddy anyway!
