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Have you ever observed your child’s smile and pondered whether their teeth align properly or develop as they should? You are not alone – more and more parents are realizing how important child orthodontics care is for kids.
From crooked bottom teeth to an overbite, misaligned teeth can negatively impact a child’s confidence with peers and their long-term oral health. As a parent, it’s natural to want the best for our kids – which is why understanding child orthodontics is so significant.
Let’s discuss the significance of child orthodontics and why it should be considered an essential part of your child’s healthcare routine.
Understanding Child Orthodontics
Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that focuses on improving the alignment of teeth and jaws, and child orthodontics refers to orthodontic screening and treatment for children. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation no later than age seven.
At this stage, they will likely have a mix of baby and permanent teeth, making it an ideal time to detect any oral development issues. After initial evaluation, the orthodontist selects the most suitable orthodontic treatment based on the child’s age, dental development, and specific needs.
Importance of Child Orthodontics
Here are some of the many reasons why child orthodontics is of great significance.
Preventing Dental Problems
Orthodontic treatments concentrate on the development of your child’s dental well-being. Orthodontic braces, for example, are the most common treatment option that fixes mild to severe misalignments in your child’s teeth.
Teeth that are out of position can cause issues such as crooked teeth, poor bite, and incorrect arch development. If not treated promptly, these concerns could lead to severe dental problems such as tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss.
Early orthodontic treatments can prevent such dental problems from arising and give your child a healthy, happy, toothy smile.
Improved Oral Hygiene
Orthodontic treatments for children can help improve oral hygiene. Misaligned teeth can make it challenging to perform proper dental hygiene, such as brushing and flossing. This lack of proper oral hygiene can lead to dental problems, i.e., dental decay, bad breath, staining, etc.
Early orthodontic treatments help to correct such dental problems, making it easier for children to perform proper dental care. Straight teeth are easier to clean and care for, promoting healthy dental hygiene.
Increased Self-Esteem
A healthy, beautiful, and happy smile enhances your child’s self-esteem and confidence. Teeth that are correctly aligned provide a pleasant appearance and can positively influence your child’s social interactions.
Misaligned teeth can hinder your child’s ability to present themselves with confidence and could lead to self-esteem issues. The orthodontic treatment provided at an early age can improve your child’s self-image and encourage them to face the world with a positive outlook.
Shortened Treatment Time and Reduced Costs
You might think that orthodontic treatments at a young age are expensive. However, the opposite is true. Early orthodontic treatments require less complex treatments, translating to faster treatment time and reduced treatment costs.
Moreover, early treatments ensure that your child’s dental development is healthy, so your child might not require invasive orthodontic procedures. Two significant advantages of orthodontic treatments are saving money and avoiding lengthy treatments.
Improved Overall Health
Orthodontic treatments are not only beneficial for your child’s dental health but also improve their overall physical health. Teeth that are poorly aligned can cause speech difficulties, difficulty chewing and biting, and even headaches.
Children who undergo orthodontic treatments early can avoid the physical stress that misaligned teeth can put on their jaws and teeth. Moreover, a healthy smile provides a tremendous mental boost that can improve your child’s overall mental health.
Orthodontic Treatment in Eugene, OR
Child orthodontics plays a crucial role in a child’s oral health and development. Early evaluation and potential intervention can help guide a child’s growth and development, preventing more serious issues later on. If you have a child around the age of seven, consider scheduling an orthodontic evaluation at 360 Dental.
Our highly trained and exceptionally skilled dentist, Dr. Binder, offers a comprehensive range of high-quality dental services and treatments, including dental implants, professional teeth whitening treatments, SureSmile clear aligners, and others. We cater to the dental needs of patients of all ages, from children to older adults.
For information or to schedule a consultation with our providers, call us today at (541) 689-1645 or fill out our online appointment request form. We look forward to serving you!
