Early intervention helps to decrease the chances of tooth misalignment and poor oral health as your child enters their teen years
The team at HiTech Ortho in Warragul knows that bringing children along for an early orthodontic assessment at around seven to nine years of age can help to detect orthodontic issues early and help safeguard their oral health.
What is early orthodontic treatment?
Early intervention, also known as interceptive treatment, refers to orthodontic treatment that is done prior to common orthodontic treatments, like braces. This often happens when some baby teeth are still present.
During the initial assessment, we will look for any abnormalities that require orthodontic care. Outcomes from an early orthodontic visit will indicate:
No treatment is required
Future treatment is required
Early treatment is required
Early interceptive treatment is carried out when the abnormality will worsen and should be treated as soon as possible.
What are the benefits of early orthodontics?
The benefit of early intervention is that it allows us to identify abnormalities as soon as possible; which allows us to intercept and treat the problem sooner.
Getting earlier treatment will prevent an orthodontic issue from worsening, as we can start eliminating the cause, guiding growth of your child’s growing jaw bones and ensure enough space is available for their incoming permanent teeth.
It’s best to seek help earlier, as a growing jaw is soft and easier to manipulate into the correct position, which may prevent the need for further orthodontic treatment later on.
Is early intervention necessary?
No, but it’s important if you would like to pave the way for your child’s healthy oral future.
In some cases, without early intervention, a problem can worsen into a huge orthodontic issue as they grow up into a teen or adult. So, it’s best to bring your child along for a consultation.
How do I know if my child needs early orthodontic treatment?
There are several signs that indicate whether or not it’s crucial that you take your child to the orthodontist for an assessment as soon as possible.
This includes the following cases:
Loss of baby teeth before five years of age.
Bite issue (open bite, crossbite, underbite or overbite)
Protruding front teeth (overjet)
Breathing through the mouth
Suffers from a speech impediment
Biting, chewing and eating difficulties
Your child’s jaw is shifting while they open and close their mouth
Your child still sucks their thumb after five years of age
When does a child need braces?
Your child will not usually need braces until they are between 10 to 15 years old, as we will have to wait until their permanent teeth have completely come through.
Contact HiTech Ortho Today
At HiTech Ortho, our team believes you should bring your child along for a check-up at around seven years old to help safeguard their healthy future smile.
Even if you suspect your child does not suffer from any oral or facial abnormalities, it’s important to still bring them as not all orthodontic problems are visible in the early stages; however an orthodontist will pick them up. If you would like to book your child in for an early orthodontic appointment, please click here.
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