You might be surprised to learn that orthodontic treatment can begin as early as age seven. Despite what many people believe, braces aren’t just for teenagers. Early orthodontic treatment can help children from the young age of six and older here at Nautical Dental in San Antonio, Texas.
Our excellent dentist, Dr. Eric Cornelius, and his team are devoted to ensuring the best care for each patient in the office looking for dental treatment. As a father of eight children, Dr. Corneilus understands that, as parents, we all want to ensure our children have a healthy, beautiful smile that they can wear confidently. That’s why early orthodontic treatment is essential. Many parents believe their kids should only receive treatment once they reach their teenage years. However, by then, their misaligned teeth may cause even more dental problems, including speech difficulties and self-esteem issues.
In this article, we will go over everything you as a parent need to know about early orthodontic treatment and how our dentist at Nautical Dental can help your child with their smile.
What is Early Orthodontic Treatment?
Early orthodontic treatment is an orthodontic intervention during the developing stages of a child’s dentition, typically between ages six and nine. Most permanent teeth have yet to emerge at this stage, making it easier for Dr. Cornelius to detect, prevent, or correct dental issues. These include underbites, overbites, crossbites, and crowding. We may also refer to the treatment as “interceptive orthodontics” since it intercepts any emerging dental deformities and corrects them before they worsen. It’s better to start orthodontic treatments as soon as possible to lower the risks of painful dental treatment in the future.
What Options Are Available for Early Orthodontic Treatment?
For mild cases, there are early orthodontic treatments such as braces or ClearCorrect aligners. However, early orthodontic treatment may be necessary for moderate to severe cases to help simplify the treatment by building a better foundation for a better long-term result. Treatments we provide include:
- Metal Braces: Metal braces are a conventional orthodontic treatment for correcting dental misalignments and crooked teeth. They are made using high-quality stainless steel or titanium and consist of brackets bonded to each tooth’s surface and wires connecting each frame. These wires apply pressure that moves the teeth into the desired position. Known for their robustness and efficiency, metal braces often provide a reliable solution, especially for complex orthodontic cases.
- Clear Aligner Therapy: Clear Aligner Therapy signifies an innovative approach to orthodontic treatment, melding functionality with discretion. These aligners are virtually invisible and fabricated using transparent medical-grade plastic. They are customized to fit snugly over the patient’s teeth, thereby making them comfortable to wear and less intrusive in appearance compared to traditional braces. Clear Aligners apply consistent, mild pressure to the teeth, gradually moving them into the desired alignment. Being removable, they offer the benefit of easier oral hygiene and fewer dietary restrictions.
How to Keep Your Child’s Teeth Healthy After Treatment
Once your child’s orthodontic treatment is complete, it’s essential to maintain their teeth correctly. Children and adults must develop good dental care habits early to prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental problems. Excellent ways to help keep your child’s teeth healthy after orthodontic treatment include:
- Oral hygiene: Please encourage your child to brush their teeth twice daily and floss at least once daily.
- Visit Dr. Cornelius: Regular dental check-ups are essential to ensure the health of not just yours, but also your child’s smile.
- Retainers: After orthodontic treatment, your child must wear a retainer to maintain a freshly straightened smile. Retainers prevent movement, preventing your smile from returning to being crooked once more.
- Mouthguards: If your child is in high-contact sports, insist on using a mouthguard when taking part in sports to protect your child’s teeth and gums from injuries.
Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment
When we think about orthodontic treatment, many associate it with getting a straighter, more aesthetically pleasing smile. While that is a treatment benefit, the benefits go far beyond looks. Early orthodontic treatment can help address dental issues that may not be visible to the naked eye. Advantages of early orthodontic treatment include:
Never Too Early
Many parents wonder when is the best time to take their child to the dentist to address orthodontic concerns. The answer is simple – as soon as possible. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that children have their first orthodontic consultation at age 7. This is because we can identify and address any issues before they become significant problems. Early orthodontic treatment can help improve a child’s bite and prevent more serious issues from developing down the road.
Speech and Jaw Development
Did you know that orthodontic treatment can impact your child’s speech and jaw development? When teeth are crooked or crowded, it can affect how a child’s jaw develops, leading to speech impediments. With early intervention, dentists like Dr. Cornelius can ensure that a child’s teeth and jaw are developing correctly, which can help prevent speech impediments and promote proper jaw growth.
Better Oral Health
When teeth are crowded or misaligned, it can be challenging to brush and floss properly, which can lead to various oral health issues – like cavities and gum disease. Early orthodontic treatment can help address these issues before they become serious problems. Straighter teeth are easier to clean, which can help prevent cavities and gum disease, resulting in better oral health.
Boost Self-Confidence
While we’ve already established that orthodontic treatment is more than just about looks, it’s undeniable that having a straighter smile can boost anyone’s self-confidence. Children are often self-conscious about the way they look, especially if they have crooked or misaligned teeth. By addressing orthodontic issues early on, children can feel more confident in their appearance and ultimately have a happier, more fulfilling childhood.
Saving Money
Orthodontic treatment can be expensive, but early intervention can save parents money in the long run. By addressing any issues early on, we can prevent more severe and costly problems from developing down the road. Early orthodontic treatment may shorten the time a child needs to wear braces or other appliances, resulting in lower overall treatment costs.
Early Orthodontic Treatment in San Antonio, TX
Early orthodontic treatment can be immensely beneficial in correcting misaligned teeth and jaws and ensuring healthy development for your children’s smiles. By starting orthodontic treatment early, Dr. Cornelius can create room for adult teeth to come in properly, correct crowded teeth, and reduce overall treatment times.
Early orthodontic treatment plays an essential role in maintaining your child’s oral health, and it’s critical to act fast to avoid complex dental problems in the future. By detecting developmental issues early, you can help your child avoid painful and costly orthodontic treatments in the future, empower their smile, and boost their self-esteem. If you want to start early orthodontic treatment for your child, schedule a consultation with Dr. Eric Cornelius today!
