Taking care of your teeth is a long-term commitment, no matter your age. We offer orthodontic treatment for patients aged 7 and up, but there are distinct benefits to getting braces or Invisalign sooner rather than later. From lower costs of care to more efficient tooth movement, giving your child a head start on a straight smile is the best way to give them the confidence they deserve. Keep reading to learn Dr. Ross and Dr. Rothenburg’s top five benefits of early orthodontic treatment and how to get started today!
Detect Orthodontic Issues Earlier
According to the American Association of Orthodontists, Dr. Ross and Dr. Rothenberg recommend that children have their first orthodontic screening at seven years old. At this age, they have a mix of baby and permanent teeth, which makes it easier to predict how their other permanent teeth will erupt. However, we can work with your child’s growth to move the teeth more efficiently because they still have baby teeth.
The important thing to remember is to bring your child in for an orthodontic consultation at the first sign of a potential problem. During this visit, we will assess your child’s jaw and teeth for potential signs of malocclusion. These symptoms include:
- Poor alignment
- Mouth breathing
- Speech and chewing difficulties
- Lisp development
- Asymmetrical facial proportions
- Jaw pain
From there, we can identify if your child has any of the following conditions:
Crowding
Orthodontic crowding occurs when there isn’t enough space in the jaw for all of the teeth to fit properly. As a result, the teeth can overlap, twist, or become misaligned as they compete for space in the mouth.
Spacing
Spacing occurs when there is too much room in the jaw for the teeth, causing them to spread out instead of fitting closely together. Various factors can cause spacing, such as missing teeth, smaller-than-average teeth, or an overly large jawbone.
Overbite
An overbite is a common dental condition where the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth more than normal when the mouth is closed. A slight overbite is normal, but when the overlap is too large, it can lead to various issues.
Underbite
This dental condition is where the lower front teeth extend beyond the upper front teeth when the mouth is closed. In other words, the lower jaw protrudes forward, causing the lower teeth to sit in front of the upper teeth. This misalignment can give the face a more prominent lower jaw and affect the smile’s overall appearance.
Open Bite
An open bite is a type of dental malocclusion where the upper and lower teeth do not meet or touch when the mouth is closed. This creates a noticeable gap or space between the upper and lower teeth. An open bite can occur due to a variety of reasons, such as thumb sucking, prolonged use of a pacifier, tongue thrusting, or genetic factors.
Lower Treatment Costs Overall
No matter when you start, orthodontic treatment is an investment. The earlier your child begins seeing Dr. Ross or Dr. Rothenberg, however, the less money you’ll be likely to spend on treatment in the long run.
That’s because it is generally easier to correct orthodontic issues as your child grows, which can also translate to cost savings. The earlier we detect orthodontic concerns, the less likely your child will undergo serious (and costly) dental procedures, such as tooth extraction or corrective jaw surgery.
Faster, More Efficient Treatment
Seeing an orthodontist by the age of 7 can significantly streamline and enhance the effectiveness of orthodontic treatment. Early evaluation allows Dr. Ross or Dr. Rothenburg to detect potential issues, such as crowding or jaw misalignment, while the child’s jaw and teeth are still developing.
By intervening early, we can guide proper jaw growth, create space for emerging teeth, and correct harmful habits like thumb sucking. This proactive approach often reduces the complexity and duration of future treatment, potentially avoiding the need for more invasive procedures.
Additionally, early monitoring ensures that any necessary treatment can be timed optimally, making the process more efficient and less costly in the long run. Starting orthodontic care early can lead to a healthier, more aligned smile with less intensive treatment.
Boosted Confidence
Your child’s teeth and smile majorly affect their confidence and self-esteem, especially at critical life milestones. Early orthodontic treatment can significantly boost a child’s confidence by addressing dental issues that might otherwise cause self-consciousness as they grow.
By correcting problems like crooked teeth, gaps, or misaligned bites early on, children are more likely to develop a straight, attractive smile that they feel proud of. This can enhance their self-esteem, especially during critical social years when appearance often plays a big role in how they perceive themselves and how others perceive them.
Early treatment can also prevent more noticeable or severe issues from developing, reducing the likelihood of teasing or embarrassment. When children feel good about their smiles, they are more likely to smile freely, engage with peers, and participate confidently in social and school activities, laying the foundation for a positive self-image that can last a lifetime.
Your Child’s Smile Is As Precious as Their Oral Health
Taking care of your child’s smile is easy when you start treatment early. With free consultations, expert providers, and treatment options to suit every need, Orthodontics of South Miami is here for you and your family.
To get started, schedule your child’s first appointment with us today!