Orthodontics for children is more than just about straightening teeth, it’s rather about establishing a strong base for a lifetime of healthy, confident smiles. Early orthodontic care can spot and fix potential dental problems before they get more complicated, making sure your child’s oral health develops correctly. If you’re unsure about when and how to determine if your child needs an orthodontist, this blog will serve as a thorough guide for you.
What is Orthodontics for Children?
Orthodontics for children is a part of dental care that deals with diagnosing, and fixing problems with teeth and face shapes. It works on straightening crooked teeth and jaws using dental techniques like braces, retainers, and expanders. By moving teeth to the right spots, this treatment makes a child look better and helps their teeth work well and stay healthy. Starting orthodontic care early can lead to good results in the future, as it fixes growing issues during critical growth periods, making sure kids get a healthy and happy smile.
What Are the Benefits of Early Orthodontics for Children?
- Orthodontic treatment can greatly improve a child’s facial look, which can boost their self-esteem and confidence as they grow up.
- Fixing jaw alignment problems early can improve how well a child can chew and speak, and it can also lower the chances of dental issues later on.
- Straight teeth are simpler to clean, which reduces the chance of cavities and gum disease, leading to improved overall dental health.
- Acting early can spot and fix possible orthodontic problems before they become more serious issues that might need a lot of treatment in the future.
What is the Ideal Age for Orthodontics Evaluation?
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) suggests that the check-up of orthodontics for children should be by the time they are 7 years old. This is important because, at this age, children usually have both their baby teeth and some permanent teeth. This helps orthodontists understand how their teeth are growing and developing. Early check-ups help orthodontists spot any problems that are present or starting to form and can lead to early treatment if needed.
Addressing these concerns early can prevent more complex problems from arising later, potentially reducing the need for extensive treatments. Additionally, this initial visit helps familiarize children with the orthodontic environment, easing any anxiety they may have about future treatments.
Overall, age 7 is considered an optimal time to ensure that children are on the right path to achieving a healthy and beautiful smile
How to Know That Your Child Needs Orthodontic Evaluation
There are some signs that if found mean early orthodontics for children is needed and you must schedule a visit to the orthodontist. These signs are:
- If your child’s baby teeth fall out too soon or take too long, it might cause the adult teeth to grow in the wrong places.
- If your child feels pain when eating or biting, it could mean there are problems with their teeth that a specialist needs to fix.
- Breathing through the mouth all the time can cause different dental issues that an orthodontist can help solve.
- Hearing a clicking sound or feeling movement in your jaw could mean there are issues with how your teeth fit together. This might lead to pain in the jaw and other dental issues.
- If your child frequently bites the inside of their cheeks, it could mean their top and bottom teeth are not lining up correctly.
- Any noticeable unevenness in the face should be checked out, as it might point to hidden dental problems that need orthodontic treatment.
Common Orthodontics Treatment for Children
- Braces
Braces are made up of brackets that stick to the teeth and wires that go through small openings in these brackets. They can be made of different materials like metal, plastic, or clear, tooth-colored ones. To make them less noticeable, braces can also be put on the back side of the teeth.
- Aligners
Aligners are transparent, slim holders made of a plastic-like substance, designed to fit perfectly over a person’s teeth. Patients can put on and take out these aligners by themselves.
- Retainers
Retainers are removable, transparent, and somewhat bendable devices made of a material similar to plastic. They are created to match the precise shape and position of the teeth.
- Orthodontic Surgery
This type of surgery, also called orthognathic surgery, is done to fix issues with the jawbone that make it difficult to bite, chew, and talk.
Pediatric Dentistry at El-Shenawy Dental Centers
Dentists at El-Shenawy Dental Centers who work with kids are committed to providing complete dental care that is specially designed for children. They have a group of experienced dental experts who know what kids need, and they make sure the visits are fun and comfortable for the children. The center deals with many common dental issues that children face. El-Shenawy Dental Centers aim to make dental visits enjoyable for kids and to help them feel less scared about going to the dentist.
Parents can be sure that their child’s dental health is well taken care of by our team of pediatric dentists.
Choose El-Shenawy Centers for Your Child’s Dental Health
At El-Shenawy Dental Centers, we prioritize your child’s dental health and well-being, with a strong emphasis on early orthodontics for children. Our group of experienced dentists for kids knows exactly how to take care of their teeth, making sure they grow properly and stay free from issues later on.
Our children’s dentists offer a special and fun dental care experience, made just for each child’s individual needs and likes. Because they work hard and always want to do their best, you can be sure that your child will get the top care at El-Shenawy Dental Centers. Our clinics have modern equipment and use the newest technology, so your child gets the best and most helpful treatment.
Book your child’s consultation today!
Frequently asked questions
Should I wait until my child turns 7 even if I notice some signs before the age of 7?
No, if you observe any problem with your teeth, you should see an orthodontist right away, no matter how old your child is.
Are there any useful tips to follow to maintain the results of early orthodontics for children?
- Use retainers as your orthodontist tells you to.
- Keep brushing and flossing to avoid tooth decay and gum problems.
- Plan regular check-ups with your orthodontist to keep track of your progress.
- Stay away from tough foods that could break your orthodontic devices.
- Watch for any shifts in your teeth or jaw and talk to your orthodontist if needed.
