Orthodontic treatments, often perceived with apprehension, are sometimes essential for maintaining optimal oral health. When initiated at a young age, these treatments can correct oral issues at their earliest stages, preventing minor problems from developing into more significant issues that could become harder to address over time. By starting orthodontic care early, children can benefit from timely adjustments that ensure proper dental alignment and overall oral health, reducing the likelihood of more extensive treatments in the future.
Benefits of orthodontic treatments for kids
If implemented in the early years, orthodontic treatments, also known as interceptive treatments, offer multiple benefits for kids.
Prevent further dental problems
One of the primary benefits of addressing oral issues early is the prevention of further damage. Neglecting jaw or teeth problems can result in these issues worsening over time, potentially reaching a point where major treatments, such as surgery, may be required to correct them. Early intervention helps mitigate these risks by tackling problems before they become severe.
Additionally, bones and tissues in younger children are more adaptable, which enhances the effectiveness of orthodontic treatments. This increased adaptability means that treatments can be more efficient and often require a shorter duration to achieve the desired results. By starting orthodontic care early, children can avoid more extensive procedures later in life and enjoy better oral health and function as they grow.
Improve oral health
When teeth are crooked, crowded, or misaligned, proper cleaning can become challenging, leading to the accumulation of bacteria and plaque. This build up can potentially cause tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental issues. Implementing orthodontic treatments helps ensure that your child can clean their teeth effectively, reducing the risk of these problems. By straightening and aligning the teeth, orthodontic care facilitates better oral hygiene, thereby mitigating further dental issues.
Correct biting problems
Ideally, your child’s upper teeth should slightly overlap their lower teeth, and their molars should interlock with the grooves of the opposing molars. When their teeth don’t align correctly when they bite down, this is known as a malocclusion. Malocclusion can lead to various issues with oral health and overall well-being, such as excessive tooth wear, jaw joint pain, gum recession, and even headaches.
Early orthodontic treatment can help fix your child’s malocclusion, allowing their mouth and teeth to develop properly. Addressing bite problems at a young age is crucial because the bones are still developing and can be more easily malleable. This makes the treatment process quicker and more effective. Early intervention not only alleviates immediate discomfort but also sets the stage for better oral health and function as your child grows.
Help reduce or correct speech problems
Another issue your child can face if suffering from severe dental problems is disruptions in speech. Conditions such as diastema (gaps between teeth), overcrowding, or overlapping teeth can significantly affect the way your child talks and impact their self-confidence.
In many cases, orthodontic treatments can help reduce or correct these speech problems. By addressing these dental problems early, orthodontic care helps improve speech ability and builds your child’s confidence in speaking and interacting with others.
Solas Orthodontic early orthodontics treatments
Hereditary predisposition, early signs of an irregular facial profile, underbite or overbite, speech difficulties, or early loss of baby teeth (before age 5), are indicators your child may need an assessment to determine if a specific treatment is necessary.
With no dentist referral required to book a consultation with our Specialist Orthodontist, our early years consultation services are designed to supervise and monitor your child’s dental development. They help identify whether treatment is needed and, if so, allow action to be taken at the earliest stages to prevent further damage.
After assessing the development of your child’s jaw and teeth, our Specialist will provide you with a prognosis and recommendations on the treatment to follow. At Solas Orthodontics, we have extensive experience in providing:
- Children’s Habit Breaker to help your child stop thumb-sucking, which can cause damage to teeth alignment and jaw development.
- Removable Plates to assist the growth of the jaw and teeth as they develop, ensuring they are set with the right space and direction.
- Interceptive Braces to address problems that occur as adult teeth grow in, potentially avoiding invasive treatments and the need for removing healthy teeth later on.
- Fixed Functional Appliances to correct moderate to severe jaw discrepancies in growing patients.
Implementing dental solutions early and tailored to your child’s specific needs can make a significant difference in their development, ensuring their dental health and overall well-being.