As parents, we work hard to ensure our kids are as healthy and happy as possible. The alignment of their teeth and jaw is crucial for maintaining good oral health in children. Orthodontic problems can impact a child’s dental health, self-esteem, and general quality of life. That’s why it’s crucial to know when to seek the expertise of an orthodontist. In This article will guide you through the entire process and explain when your child needs to see an orthodontist. At Smiles Orthodontics in Puyallup, WA, we specialize in offering full-service orthodontic treatment, including braces and Invisalign, to help kids achieve beautiful, healthy smiles.
Understanding Orthodontics
Orthodontics is a specialized area of dentistry that focuses on diagnosing, preventing, and treating dental and facial irregularities. An orthodontist is a dental expert who offers additional education and training to specialize in this field. They can fix a number of problems, including crowded or misaligned teeth, overbites, underbites, crossbites, gaps, and other alignment problems.
Early Evaluation: The American Association of Orthodontists’ Recommendation
Children should receive their initial orthodontic evaluation by the age of seven, according to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO). This does not necessarily indicate that your child will need treatment at this age. Instead, it provides the orthodontist an opportunity to look at tooth development and identify any possible issues that might call for future intervention.
Early intervention can be beneficial as certain orthodontic problems are easier to treat when the child is still growing and developing. Early detection of these problems allows an orthodontist to provide a customized treatment strategy suitable for your child. This may result in a more effective and efficient treatment process, reducing the need for extensive orthodontic procedures in the future.
Signs that Indicate a Visit to the Orthodontist
However, there are some warning signs and symptoms that should prompt an appointment with an orthodontist immediately. The first evaluation is advised to be done around age seven. The following things to keep an eye out for:
Crowded or crooked teeth:
If your child’s teeth appear crowded or come in at odd angles, orthodontic treatment may be necessary.
Early loss or late eruption of baby teeth:
Permanent teeth are filled up by baby teeth. A possible problem may be indicated if they are gone early enough, or their eruption of permanent teeth is delayed.
Difficulty in biting or chewing:
A misaligned bite may cause your child issues or discomfort while biting or chewing.
Breathing through the mouth:
Constant mouth breathing may indicate a jaw or airway issue that has to be treated by an orthodontist.
Thumb sucking or prolonged pacifier use:
If these behaviors remain over the recommended age, they may result in dental misalignment.
Jaws that click or shift:
The clicking, shifting, or discomfort experienced when opening and closing the mouth might be brought due to jaw irregularities or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems.
Speech difficulties:
Dental or jaw misalignments may be blamed for some speech impediments.
Orthodontic Options: Braces and Invisalign
There are various options available to fix your child’s dental alignment after orthodontic treatment is determined to be essential. Traditional braces and Invisalign Puyallup, WA are the two commonly used methods of treatment. Smiles Orthodontics in Puyallup, WA, offers both of these options.
Braces:
Traditional metal braces are a safe and effective option for treating orthodontic problems. Braces are premium stainless steel and comprise brackets bonded to the teeth and archwires that connect them. By routine adjustments, braces gradually shift the teeth into their right places, providing a straight and aligned smile.
Invisalign:
For individuals looking for a more covert and flexible orthodontic procedure, Invisalign is a great option. With Invisalign, your child’s teeth are straightened using a series of clear, removable aligners. Without using brackets or wires, these aligners gradually move the teeth. Because they are practically invisible and are simple to take out for eating, brushing, and flossing, Invisalign aligners provide comfort and convenience.
Conclusion
The overall well-being of your child is greatly affected by their oral health. To ensure that their teeth and jaw develop properly and prevent future difficulties, you should seek early orthodontic evaluation and intervention. Using the most recent orthodontic techniques and treatment options, including braces and Invisalign, Smiles Orthodontics in Puyallup, WA, is dedicated to providing kids with high-quality orthodontic care. Schedule an appointment with our skilled orthodontist to offer them the gift of a healthy and happy smile.