Millions of American children will need braces by the time they reach adulthood. Because orthodontic treatment is so widespread in the United States, it’s essentially a rite of passage for children. Your children may have to join the many individuals who need braces or other orthodontic treatment.
The Essence of Orthodontic Care
The first thing to know is that orthodontic treatment is more than simply a cosmetic procedure. When you think about orthodontics, you typically think of teeth that need to be straightened to improve your smile. While this isn’t entirely false, orthodontics has two sides. The first is for cosmetic reasons, but the second is to treat any difficulties that make it difficult for a patient to eat, breathe, or talk.
These treatments are necessary for an estimated 3.9 million children that are orthodontic patients in the United States. If you have concerns as a mom that goes beyond dissatisfaction with the appearance of their teeth, an orthodontic visit may be effective in resolving these issues.
Get Your Kids Started as Soon as Possible
A medical practitioner must examine your children as they develop to ensure that everything is running well. You probably start taking your children to the doctor for yearly exams at a young age for their general health.
This principle should also apply to their dental health. Approximately 44% of Americans report that they wish they had taken better care of their teeth. At the age of seven, we recommend that you take your children to the dentist and orthodontist. This is because kids begin to develop their permanent adult teeth around 6 or 7.
You’ll want to make sure your children’s jaw and teeth develop correctly before they start gaining adult teeth. They’ll require more aggressive orthodontic treatment to correct any problems if they don’t.
When you bring your children in for frequent visits beginning at a young age, a dental expert can track their development and spot any concerns early on. They may then provide interceptive and preventive treatment, saving you time and money in the long run.
The Best Time To Get Braces
As a basic rule, children often get braces between ages nine and 14. This usually happens before kids reach puberty. If they’ve already gone through it, adjusting their jaw or teeth will be more difficult since they’ve already established into their post-puberty placements.
A large number of dental specialists use interceptive orthodontics. This implies they may not utilize braces on your children while they are still young. Because your children will still have most of their baby teeth, they can use alternative treatment options.
The orthodontist will begin the next round of treatment after they’ve matured a little and have a set of primarily adult teeth. In most circumstances, braces will be used. Because the orthodontist addresses your children’s dental concerns early on, they will have braces for a significantly shorter period. As a consequence, your children will be spared a great deal of pain from braces. It will also facilitate dental correction.
Does Your Child Need Braces?
Crooked or gapped teeth are some of the most obvious symptoms your children may require braces. Other critical indicators include:
- Breathing problems
- Snoring during sleep
- Eating problems
- Speech difficulties
- Abnormal bites
Orthodontic treatment usually starts between 8 and 14 because improper bites can appear between the ages of 6 and 12. However, make an appointment if your child detects any of the preceding issues. The sooner you treat your child’s dental problems, the easier they will be to fix, and you’ll be a relieved mom.
As a concerned mom, you want to make sure your children receive the right dental care. You can find reviews online to find the best care. Make an appointment with your local dentist today.
Metro Detroit Mommy writer Kelsey.