Visiting your Charlottesville children’s orthodontist
Our doctors and team at Charlottesville Orthodontics pride themselves on providing quality care for the whole family. This means offering the latest orthodontic equipment and treatments for adults, adolescents, and even children. While many people know that it is important to have a screening with a children’s orthodontist, it is sometimes unclear when to schedule that first visit.
How old should my child be before seeing a children’s orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontics (AAO) states that all children should visit their kids’ orthodontist by the age of seven. This age is the ideal time for detecting any orthodontic problems that may exist for your child.
Why is age seven ideal for early treatment?
Around this age, your child’s mouth will have both adult and baby teeth in their mouth. This means that your kids’ orthodontist will be able to predict the future bite, alignment, and spacing of the teeth as your child grows. Additionally, any current problems can be treated sooner rather than later.
What should we expect if my child requires early orthodontic treatment?
If an orthodontic problem is detected, your children’s orthodontist will prescribe some form of early orthodontic treatment or “phase one treatment.” This typically consists of a brief (about a year) long treatment involving a retainer, expander, or partial braces. Treatment will depend on your child’s individual needs, which will be evaluated by your Charlottesville orthodontist.
Why is early treatment important?
Catching and treating orthodontic problems earlier on has a number of benefits including cosmetic, health, and financial benefits. Early orthodontic treatment can improve spacing and alignment issues for a more natural and beautiful smile for those childhood years and throughout their lives. Additionally, correcting those orthodontic problems can improve speech quality, remove pain or discomfort from misalignment, and reduce the likelihood of cavities for your child. Finally, early treatment means orthodontic procedures can take place as your child grows and develops. This allows your Charlottesville orthodontist to treat using less intrusive equipment, reduce the treatment duration, and save you money that would have gone to lengthier or more involved treatments!
Visit your Charlottesville orthodontists
Early orthodontic treatment can improve your child’s smile and overall health, so why wait? Contact your kid’s orthodontist in Charlottesville or Zion Crossroads to schedule an appointment with one of our experts. We would love to discuss braces, Invisalign®, or any of our other treatment options. We look forward to working with you and your family.