Is It Necessary to have Early Orthodontic Treatment for Children?
Your Child’s Consultation for Planning & Peace of Mind
Parents are usually relieved to learn that “early orthodontics” at Reese Orthodontics is NOT focused on getting braces, but rather about setting the child up for their best oral development. Did you know that overall oral health is affected by the alignment and symmetry of your smile, jaw, and face? Your child’s early evaluation by our pediatric orthodontist near James Island, SC, is not simply for aesthetics, but will help guide the growth and development of your child’s jaw and teeth – and prevent more serious problems later.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that your child’s initial orthodontic evaluation is completed by age 7 – the time when adult teeth begin coming in. At Reese Orthodontics, we evaluate erupting teeth to detect issues such as an overbite, open bite, crowding, or gummy smiles. This enables us to see if your child will benefit from early treatment and take preventive measures instead of risking potential problems down the road. Beginning treatment at this optimal time not only ensures the best results but also means less time and expense later in life.
Have questions about early treatment for your child? Reese Orthodontics is available to answer any question you may have about the process!
Indicators That Your Child Needs an Orthodontic Assessment
According to our orthodontic expert, treatment at this early stage may not even be necessary. However, it is especially important to schedule a screening with our board-certified specialist, Dr. Reese, if you notice any of the following problems with your child’s teeth, jaw, or habits:
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- Crowded or misplaced teeth
- Difficulty in chewing or biting food
- Early loss of baby teeth
- Mouth breathing
- Finger or thumb sucking
- Jaws that “pop” when opening and closing
- Misaligned teeth that close abnormally or without touching
- Jaws and teeth that are not in proportion to the rest of the face
Benefits of Early Treatment
While Dr. Reese says parents don’t need to rush into braces for their young children, certain oral health problems can be avoided with early screening and treatment, including:
- Open bites – when the upper and lower teeth don’t touch when the jaws are closed
- Crossbites – when the two rows of teeth don’t meet correctly. A misaligned bite can cause tooth decay, gum disease, stress on the jaw muscles, headaches, and more.
- Speech impediments
- Injury to protruding teeth
Your Consultation with our Pediatric Orthodontist is FREE at Reese Orthodontics
To learn more about early treatment for your child from our pediatric orthodontist near James Island, SC, schedule your child’s complimentary Dr. Reese Smile Analysis by calling 843.573.7279 or by clicking here for our convenient online appointment form. Regardless of the outcome, after consulting with Dr. Reese, parents often feel reassured about their child’s overall oral health. They also appreciate the opportunity to learn about cutting-edge orthodontic treatment options – whether it is for now or in the future. Call Reese Orthodontics at 843.573.7279 and let us put your mind at ease!