Early treatment to help prevent orthodontic issues.
Why should my child have early orthodontic treatment?
The goal of early treatment is to help the jaws develop in a way that will accommodate all the permanent teeth and improve the way the upper and lower jaws fit together. Children often exhibit early signs of jaw problems as they grow and develop.
How does early orthodontic treatment work?
When your child is young, they are still growing and developing, so their skeletal structure is malleable, making it possible to modify their jaw development, which may help avoid the need for surgery later in your child’s development
By addressing teeth crowding early, we can often help eliminate tooth extractions later in your child’s development. At this time, some of the causes of orthodontic problems that develop later in life, such as mouth breathing, thumb-sucking and dental decay, can be treated early to prevent problems from worsening.
What are the benefits of early orthodontic treatment?
- Creates space for crowded and erupting permanent teeth
- Conserves space for teeth that have not yet surfaced
- Influences jaw growth and creates facial symmetry
- Reduces the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth
- Reduces the need for permanent tooth removal
- Reduces treatment time with braces
At what age should my child see the Orthodontist?
The Australian Association of Orthodontists recommends an initial orthodontic evaluation at no later than seven years of age. This allows problems to be anticipated and corrected before it’s too late.
Please consider bringing your child in for a consultation if you feel that early orthodontic intervention may be necessary. Recall appointments are then free of charge as we monitor developing teeth, jaws and bites.