Orthodontics is typically linked to teenagers and braces, and getting used to their new smile. However, have you heard that orthodontic treatment is not required in the teenage years? Indeed, the earlier the treatment, the better, and that early treatment can be a smile-saver for your child. Have you ever thought about the benefits of starting an early orthodontic treatment? This blog will walk you through everything you should understand in an easy and relaxed manner.
Let’s dig deeper into why early orthodontic treatment is more than just tooth-straightening—it’s an active process of establishing the groundwork for a lifetime of healthy, stunning smiles.
What Is Early Orthodontic Treatment?
Before knowing what are the advantages of early orthodontic treatment, let us first discuss what it is. Early orthodontic treatment, or more commonly referred to as interceptive orthodontics, typically starts at about 6 to 10 years old, with a combination of baby and permanent teeth.
Compared to the conventional orthodontic process, which only takes place once the permanent teeth have come up, the treatment given in childhood works to eliminate impending dental and jaw conditions before they develop into something untreatable. It might involve leading jaw formation, aligning invasive oral behaviors, and generating space for the eruption of the teeth.
Orthodontists suggest that children come in for their initial orthodontic exam at age 7. They will not apply braces until later, but the professional can identify if there is anything that might happen and can determine if they should start early treatment.
Why Timing Matters?
The facial and jaw bones of a child further develop through the early years of childhood. These become more pliable and receptive to orthodontic movement. Should such problems as crowding, crossbites, underbites, or overbites be taken care of early enough, it is very easy to repair them before they have become fully developed, as would be the case if such were to be waited out until later in life.
This is where the benefits of starting an early orthodontic treatment really make a difference. Let us briefly discuss the five most important advantages.
5 Benefits of Starting Early Orthodontic Treatment
- Guiding Healthy Growth and Development of Jaws
One of the greatest advantages of starting early orthodontic treatment is that it can guide normal jaw growth and development. Kids generally tend to grow up with unbalanced jaws, which lead to overbites, underbites, or crossbites.
These problems, left untreated, will lead to facial asymmetry and even impairment in chewing and speech. By identifying these problems early on, orthodontists are able to employ instruments such as expanders or partial braces to direct jaw growth naturally. This keeps everything in place, enhances facial symmetry, and prevents more complicated treatments (such as jaw surgery) later on.
Essentially, early intervention ensures even growth of the face and provides the child with an improved bite and more attractive facial features in life.
- Avoids Risk of Future Dental Complications
Another great advantage of initiating early orthodontic treatment is that it significantly lessens the risk of developing long-term dental problems. Crooked teeth aren’t just about aesthetics—since they are more difficult to brush, they pose a higher risk for cavities, gum disease, and tooth wear.
If the teeth are crooked and crowded, it’s harder to brush and floss. The plaque and food could accumulate in the spaces where they’re trapped and expose the mouth to gum disease and decay.
Orthodontic therapy at an early age will align the teeth so that it will be easy to brush and floss. It literally and metaphorically gives the child a clean slate by laying the foundation for healthier gums and teeth.
Furthermore, correctly aligned teeth get polished down more evenly and are not put under trauma. This eliminates future dental problems of chipping, grinding (bruxism), or even TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder) issues.
- Averts the Requirement for Tooth Extraction or Surgery
Most parents are grateful to hear that one of the lesser obvious advantages of starting an early orthodontic treatment is escaping the possibility of having teeth extracted or jaw-correction surgery in the future.
If misalignment of the jaw or crowding of the teeth is not treated as a child, it worsens with age. It can result in impacted teeth or overcrowding, in which case the permanent teeth have to be extracted to accommodate them. In extreme cases, surgery could be necessary to realign the jaw.
Early treatment avoids such extreme work by generating sufficient space for the emergence of healthy permanent teeth and guiding the growth of the jaw. A palatal expander, a space maintainer, or a functional appliance may be used to gradually move the bone structure while continuing to grow so that subsequent treatment will be easier, or even avoidable.
- Enhances Self-Esteem and Self-Confidence
It’s not just a question of body health—a smile of teeth can break or make the mental and emotional health of a child. One of the best advantages of early orthodontic treatment is the increase in self-esteem that it provides for children.
The children can be self-conscious of their looks, particularly if they have noticeable dental imperfections such as crooked teeth, buck teeth, or spaces. It can influence the way they smile, speak, and interact with people. Orthodontic intervention should be initiated early enough to correct such flaws before shyness can be imparted.
When the child becomes aware of their smile-enhancing at an early stage, self-confidence and expressiveness accrue. All this positive thinking will translate to school life, socialization, making friends, etc.
And don’t forget—earlier intervention can eliminate or minimize the need for orthodontic braces during their teenage years, a whopping self-confidence builder in those impressionable years of growth.
- Saves Time and Money in the Long Run
Finally, one of the positive advantages of early orthodontic treatment is the saving of time and money in the long term. Although early treatment appears to be an added expense at first, it tends to decrease the need for longer and more costly treatments later on.
Think of it as repairing a small crack in the wall—less expensive and hassle compared to waiting until the whole wall falls. By dealing with orthodontic problems early, you can usually reduce the amount of future treatments, prevent expensive surgery, and reduce the number of visits over the teenage years.
Also, treatment done earlier makes braces unnecessary or at least easier, and when the child grows up, it will be an easier, less painful process.
When to Choose Early Orthodontic Treatment?
These are some signs that your child can choose early orthodontic treatment:
- Premature or delayed loss of the primary teeth
- Difficulty with chewing or biting
- Mouth breathing
- Thumb sucking over the age of 5
- Speech difficulties
- Protruding or long teeth
- Misaligned or crooked jaws
- Crowded or too far apart teeth
If you see either of these, it’s definitely worth going to see an orthodontist who works with children. Even if there isn’t a need for treatment in an emergency situation, having a professional take a look at your child can be reassuring and give you good advice for the future.
There are numerous advantages of early orthodontic treatment. From healthier teeth and jaws to increased confidence and fewer chances of future issues, early treatment sets the stage for a brighter, healthier smile. It’s a good move that benefits the body and mind.
While every child is different, this is one thing you can count on: early detection and early treatment can transform your child’s dental life for the better. So, as a guardian or parent questioning when to proceed first, wait no further. A speedy orthodontic consultation can lead to your child having a lifetime of benefits.
And don’t forget, it’s not teeth—it’s health, self-confidence, and happiness. That’s why the decision to begin early orthodontic treatment is such a freedom.
If this information has been useful to you, be sure to arrange an initial consultation with a local, established orthodontist. The appropriate specialist will be able to evaluate your child’s needs and create a customized treatment plan.
Make your child proud—since when it comes to teeth, the early bird is always the wise bird.
