When Can My Child Begin Early Ortho Treatment?

As a parent, you want the best for your child, which may involve having good dental health. Many parents wonder when is the best time to begin orthodontic treatment for their child. At Lancaster Pediatric Dental Associates in Lancaster, PA, we understand that every child is different, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. However, we can provide general guidelines to help parents make informed decisions about their child's dental health.

What are the signs that my child needs orthodontic treatment?

The American Association of Orthodontics advises that children have their first orthodontic evaluation at seven years old. By this age, the adult front teeth have usually started to come in, and our orthodontist can evaluate whether there are any developing problems. A few signs indicating that your child may need early orthodontic treatment include an overbite or underbite, teeth that protrude, difficulty biting or chewing, or a thumb-sucking habit that persists beyond age five.

What are the benefits of early orthodontic treatment?

Early orthodontic treatment can provide numerous benefits for children's dental health, including:

• Guiding proper jaw and teeth development
• Improving oral hygiene by making it easier to clean teeth properly
• Boosting self-esteem and confidence by improving the appearance of the smile
• Shortening the overall treatment time if braces or other orthodontic appliances are needed later on

How early can ortho treatment begin?

In most cases, orthodontic care may begin as early as age 6 or 7 to address developing dental problems. Early intervention can guide the proper development of the jaw and teeth for a healthy smile, preventing the risk of more complex issues later on. Our team will perform a thorough evaluation and recommend a treatment plan customized to your child's unique needs. With early orthodontic care, we can help your child attain a stunning smile early on.

What does early ortho treatment involve?

Early orthodontic treatment aims to correct bite problems and guide proper adult teeth eruption without the use of traditional orthodontic appliances. Our team may recommend the use of space maintainers or palatal expanders to ensure adequate space is available for the adult teeth to come in properly. These appliances are designed to be comfortable and easy to wear, and our team will provide detailed instructions on how to care for them. The length of treatment will depend on the severity of the issue and the progress made during the course of the treatment.

Begin your child's journey to a beautiful smile today

At Lancaster Pediatric Dental Associates in Lancaster, PA, we are committed to providing the best possible care for your child's dental health. If you think your child may benefit from early ortho treatment, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with one of our orthodontists to learn more.