Most parents understand the importance of starting children young with an at-home oral care routine. While children start their dental care routine in their toddler years, do you know the best age to start them with orthodontic treatment? Some parents choose to wait until all of their child’s permanent teeth have come in, but what is the real answer? Lucky Number 7
At Boyd Orthodontics, we suggest bringing your child in for an orthodontic evaluation at age seven. We recommend this age because the first molars come in around this time. While your child will have a mix of adult and baby teeth, our staff can identify any abnormalities or problems in the near future. These problems can include crowding, deep bites and open bites.
In some cases, early treatment can help regulate the width of the upper and lower dental arches, reduce the threat of impacted permanent teeth, eliminate the need for extractions and resolve speech problems. When caught early and quickly treated, many patients do not need orthodontic treatment later in life, saving them both time and money.
How Soon Will Treatment Begin?
Keep in mind that while you can have your child evaluated for early orthodontic treatment, the treatment itself may not begin for another few years after the exam has been performed. Depending on our findings, treatment can start as soon as one year later and as late as five years after the examination.
Early Treatment Benefits
Taking a proactive approach to your child’s oral health could prevent physical and emotional trauma as they mature. Kids can be cruel and children with misaligned teeth can experience poor oral hygiene and a lot of teasing from peers.
It is important to note that not every treatment plan is the same. Dr. Richard Boyd works with each patient to develop a custom plan for treatment based on their needs. If treatment is not yet necessary, patients are placed on our orthodontic supervisory program in order to monitor progress.
Is your child’s seventh birthday coming up? If you suspect that your child may need an evaluation, contact our Northeast Columbia or Downtown Columbia office to schedule your complimentary consultation. The sooner we meet, the better our chances of ensuring your child has a healthy smile and even brighter future.
