When Is The Best Time For My Child’s First Orthodontic Visit?
August 5th, 2018
You may be surprised to learn that it’s very important and should be done around their 7th birthday. While most problems can be successfully managed at a later age, Doctor Manisha Jindal has special training in early orthodontic treatment and can determine the best time for your child to receive treatment.
- Why are kids being evaluated at such an early age?
If early orthodontic treatment is indicated, it can simplify later treatment, once all the permanent teeth come in. For example, benefits may include guiding the growth of the jaw and incoming permanent teeth, regulating the width of the upper and lower dental arches, creating space for permanent teeth, preventing the need for permanent tooth extractions, reducing the likelihood of impacted permanent teeth, correcting thumb sucking, and eliminating abnormal swallowing or speech problems.
- Does early orthodontic treatment benefit all children?
Early treatment does not necessarily benefit all children. Certain types of orthodontic problems can be more easily and efficiently corrected in the teen years when all the permanent teeth have all come in. Some skeletal orthodontic problems should not be addressed until growth is more advanced or has been completed. Dr. Jindal develops a customized treatment plan based on each individual child’s needs. Coming in for an evaluation doesn’t necessarily mean that we’ll begin Early Orthodontic treatment. We will only start if Dr. Jindal believes it will help your child in the long run.
- If my child has treatment early, will this prevent the need for braces as an teen?
Early treatment can begin the correction of significant problems, prevent additional problems from developing, and simplify future treatment, but oftentimes, additional treatment is still necessary. However, children who have undergone early orthodontic treatment typically wear braces or Invisalign for a shorter period of time in their teen years than those who have not undergone early intervention. It’s a nice trade off!
At Dentalign Orthodontics, in London, Ontario, Dr. Manisha Jindal creates a custom treatment plan for each child, teen (or adult) in our care. Your child may not need Early Treatment, but it’s best to come in and find out early, rather than waiting and risking increased issues.
Please click below to schedule a complimentary consultation and find out if your child is a good candidate for Early Orthodontics. We look forward to meeting you!