Orthodontic treatment is often associated with older children and adolescents having spacing and alignment problems. However, orthodontic treatment is most beneficial when applied from a young age rather than later in life.
Considering this type of treatment at a younger age allows the medical staff to spot any alignment problems your child may be having as early as possible and intervene with effective treatment when teeth start to erupt.
Early dental care is important for maintaining good dental health, providing cosmetic benefits and promoting a child’s overall well-being.
Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment
Along with the cosmetic benefits of orthodontic treatment, there are several other reasons to start treatment early.
- Orthodontic treatment can reduce the number of treatments needed in the future.
- Early treatment gives the pediatric dentist the opportunity to direct the teeth into the correct position to prevent tooth extraction and help correct crossbites, underbites, and overbites.
- It’s easier to clean straighter teeth and prevent tooth decay.
- Early treatment gives parents the benefit of lower orthodontic costs for their children.
- Dental insurance usually covers early treatment.
Early Treatment Stages
Early orthodontic treatment consists of several stages.
- The initial stages of initial orthodontic treatment usually begin around the age of two and continue until the child is six years old. This is a preventive stage with steps aimed at avoiding bad habits that can lead to crooked teeth. It also involves making future plans based on teething. Learn more at https://pureorthodontics.ca/red-deer/.
- From six to 12, the eruption of the first permanent teeth occurs and dentists can identify possible treatment solutions for bite or misalignment problems.
- The third stage occurs during adolescence to correct further problems that may affect the permanent teeth.
- Observing the eruption of the first teeth makes it possible to know whether a child will eventually need braces. Early treatment means cleaner teeth; there will be fewer procedures and subsequently less costs.
Corrective Orthodontic Treatment
- Corrective orthodontic treatment involves more than cosmetic endeavors. It is the correction of crooked teeth and misaligned jaws, which ultimately results in a beautiful smile and improves general health.
- Although misalignment of teeth and bite is not a real disease, it can cause a variety of health problems that become chronic over time and can adversely affect other parts of the body.
- Orthodontics can be used to correct tooth displacement and regulate or modify facial bone growth to treat abnormalities that may be present at birth or as a result of an accident.
Treatment for Children and Adults
Most people have jaw and tooth misalignment and malocclusion, which require orthodontic treatment. It is recommended for children to undergo orthodontic examinations and most of the treatments are carried out from the age of 11 years.
Orthodontic treatment also applies to adults and there are many more who undergo treatment, correcting problems such as clenching and grinding and treating teeth and gums to increase their self-esteem with a beautiful and healthy smile.