Parents should take their child to a dentist for orthodontic screening before the age of 7. This allows for early detection of any issues that are developing, so appropriate treatments can be performed while the child’s jaw and facial structures are developing.
If a malocclusion is detected during a bite analysis, the dentist will come up with a strategic treatment plan that addresses it. In some cases, treatment might not be needed immediately. The dentist might opt to monitor the child while their jaw and facial structures continue growing before making a recommendation about potential treatment options.
If the child’s bite issues require immediate treatment, the dentist will talk to the child and their parent about potential treatment options. Early treatment of orthodontic issues can help create enough space for teeth that have yet to erupt, it can stop developing problems, and it can guide the growth and development of facial structures. Dental issues that a dentist might opt to fix before all of a child’s permanent teeth have erupted include:
Orthodontic problems can develop as a result of a child’s genetics, trauma to the face, dental disease, or habits like thumb sucking.
There are many ways to address bite issues early on. In some cases, an extraction might be all that is needed to stop a malocclusion from developing. Removing a tooth on a crowded jaw creates more space for the remaining teeth to grow into their proper alignment.
Appliances like braces can also be used to move the patient’s teeth. Clear aligners can get the job done, but they typically are not recommended for children because they require a level of commitment that most children cannot meet. Clear aligners need to be worn for at least 20 hours daily, and that can be challenging for a child to keep up with.
Fixed appliances, like braces, work best for children because they cannot be removed during the duration of treatment. Regardless of what option the dentist recommends, treating orthodontic issues early on typically leads to more effective and shorter treatment times.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Orthodontics in Brooklyn, NY
Straightening your child’s teeth early on can help them avoid being the target of bullies and can even give them a confidence boost. The process of straightening teeth works best when your child’s facial structures and jaw are still forming.
Call or visit our Brooklyn clinic to learn more about how our dentist can fix your child’s malocclusion.
Request an appointment or call Brooklyn Heights Orthodontics: Susan Liebman, DMD at 718-416-6368 for an appointment in our Brooklyn office.
Orthodontics can fix almost all teeth alignment issues. Poorly aligned teeth can ruin the way that your smile looks, and they can also leave you more vulnerable to a variety of oral issues, like tooth decay and gum disease, because it is harder to remove plaque from teeth surfaces.Improperly aligned teeth can also make simple…
Traditional metal braces have served as the foundation for orthodontics for over a century. These metal appliances are not the most aesthetically pleasing oral appliances, but getting braces is still the most effective way to correct severe orthodontic issues.Traditional braces are permanently fixed in place once attached by a dentist, and they apply constant force…
Consulting with a dentist about using orthodontics like braces is the first step toward getting straighter teeth. Orthodontic devices move teeth to a more optimal alignment by applying constant force on them. Treatment times vary for each patient based on their unique condition, but it is typically somewhere between 12 to 36 months.Misaligned teeth can…
When a patient tries to find an orthodontist, specific questions can help narrow the search…
Anyone who wants to correct teeth misalignment and bite issues first must find an experienced…
As teenagers grow up, they may need orthodontic treatment, particularly if they have crooked teeth…
Clear aligners are generally more comfortable than other teeth-straightening methods.
No matter how flawlessly an orthodontist procedure goes, there is always a chance of damage…
Trying to find an orthodontist can be a long process, but there are certain points…
