Early orthodontic treatment refers to the treatment that a child goes through when there are still primary teeth left inside their mouth. You might have heard that kids should be taken to an orthodontist no later than the age of 7. But many patients wonder about the need for braces for young kids. Our experts at Nikaeen Orthodontics explain the early orthodontic treatment pros and cons.
Early orthodontic treatment pros and cons
Some believe that it is best to address oral issues since the beginning and get braces for young kids while others claim it’s best to wait till one’s older and more mature. Here, we will take a look at both sides of the coin.
Pros of early orthodontic treatment
Early orthodontic treatment reduces (and sometimes even eliminates) the need for full orthodontic treatment at older ages.
It ensures that your child’s teeth, gums and jawbones grow correctly.
It addresses oral issues (like crossbites, protruding teeth, etc.) early when it’s easier to correct them.
It helps your child feel confident about themselves and avoid trauma.
Early orthodontic treatment reduces the duration that braces are required to be worn.
Cons of early orthodontic treatment
Most kids shiver at the thought of going to the dentist. Hence, it sometimes becomes tough to achieve full cooperation.
Younger kids need constant attention and supervision to ensure the proper care of their teeth and braces.
Sometimes, parents force their kids to see an orthodontist. This should not take place as orthodontic treatment should not be at the cost of unnecessary trauma.
Early orthodontic treatment is not always effective. If your child has buck teeth or an overbite, early orthodontic treatment may not be able to solve the issue.
When can a child benefit from early orthodontic treatment?
There are certain situations which indicate that your child could benefit from early orthodontic treatment. The following are an indication that your child needs orthodontic evaluation.
- Early loss of primary teeth.
- Difficulty in speaking or biting normally.
- Teeth that are crowded or misaligned.
- Front teeth that are protruding.
- Bite issues such as underbite, overbite, crossbite, etc.
- Teeth that do not meet or set properly when your kid closes his or her mouth.
The pros of early orthodontic treatment outweigh the cons when done by qualified experts for specific issues. Talk to our professionals to determine whether your child needs early orthodontic treatment.
