Why early orthodontic treatment is important

Early treatment in Charlottesville

Charlottesville Orthodontics knows that a healthy smile can last a lifetime. That’s why our children’s orthodontists at Charlottesville Orthodontics offer early treatment services among our many treatment options. In addition to our adolescent and adult orthodontic treatments, early treatment helps establish a healthy smile that can last the rest of your life.

When to visit your children’s orthodontist

The American Association of Orthodontics (AAO) recommends that children visit an orthodontist for an early treatment evaluation by the age of seven. Early screenings are important because they provide your children’s orthodontist the opportunity to view your child’s mouth when a sufficient number of adult teeth have already emerged. At this point, both adult and baby teeth are visible, making it possible to detect misalignment and teeth crowding issues. That means you can begin planning treatment options as soon as possible. While it is important to visit your kids’ orthodontics specialists at an early age, treatment typically does not begin until a later age.

Benefits of kids’ orthodontics

Early orthodontic treatment is responsible for a number of aesthetic and health benefits for your child’s smile. Kids’ orthodontics helps…

  • Guide permanent teeth into an ideal position while in early stages of development
  • Support and assess healthy jawbone development
  • Lower the risk of damage to protruding teeth or buck teeth
  • Begin to correct improper bite or misplaced teeth
  • Improve facial symmetry

Additionally, early detection of common orthodontic issues in children means earlier treatment. Treatment for kids’ orthodontic problems is easier, faster, and less intrusive when it takes place while the child is still growing. While many orthodontic problems can be treated with appliances such as braces or Invisalign®, if left untreated until a later age, they may require more intrusive treatments such as surgery. Early treatment with your Charlottesville orthodontist can help your kids’ orthodontic treatment be as smooth and effective as possible.

Signs your child needs early treatment

While the AAO recommends visiting your children’s orthodontist by the time your child is 7 years old, orthodontic treatment may be necessary at an earlier age. The following symptoms indicate that your child may require early orthodontic treatment:

  • Grinding or clenching teeth
  • Biting into the cheeks or roof of the mouth
  • Thumb sucking for a prolonged period
  • Breathing through mouth only/most of the time
  • Difficulty chewing
  • Early or late loss of teeth

If you recognize any of these symptoms in your child, contact your orthodontist in Charlottesville to schedule an appointment.

Visit your Charlottesville children’s orthodontist

Our orthodontists are eager to help your child achieve and maintain a healthy smile throughout their lives. Through early screenings, orthodontic treatment through methods such as braces or Invisalign®, and a regimented retention process, our orthodontists help patients achieve the smile of their dreams. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please contact us today! We look forward to working with you and your family.