Orthodontics has come a long way, and starting early can help your child have a healthy, beautiful smile. Seeing an orthodontist by age 7 can make a big difference. Early check-ups can find problems and guide treatments that keep your child’s smile looking great.
The Important First Check-Up
Early orthodontic check-ups are crucial for setting a strong foundation for your child’s dental health.
Why Age 7 Matters
By age 7, your child has reached key stages in dental development. This is a perfect time for an orthodontic check-up. Early visits can find problems like crowded teeth, crossbites, and jaw issues that could become more serious later.
Milestones to Monitor
At this age, children usually have a mix of baby teeth and adult teeth. This period is great for spotting possible orthodontic problems. We can see how the teeth and jaw are growing and suggest treatments if needed.
Spotting Issues Early
Early detection of orthodontic problems can lead to simpler and more effective treatments. Common problems like crowded teeth, sticking-out teeth, and jaw alignment issues are easier to fix when caught early. This approach can stop the need for more complicated treatments later.
Benefits of Early Detection
Finding problems early means treatment can start before things get worse. Early care can help guide the growth of the jaw and the positioning of the adult teeth. This can lower the chances of more severe problems that may need surgery in the future.
Invisalign First for Growing Teeth
Invisalign First is a great treatment made just for young kids. These custom-made aligners are comfortable, nearly invisible, and effective in guiding the growth of young teeth and jaws. Early treatment with Invisalign First sets the stage for a healthy, beautiful smile.
How Invisalign First Works
Invisalign First aligners are made from flexible, medical-grade plastic. They fit snugly over your child’s teeth and slowly move them into the right position.
Your child will wear each set of aligners for about two weeks before switching to the next set. This gentle, continuous pressure helps guide teeth into their proper places without the discomfort often associated with traditional braces.
Traditional Metal Braces
Metal braces have been used for years. Thanks to new materials and designs, they’re now smaller, lighter, and more comfortable. These braces are very strong and can fix even the toughest orthodontic problems.
How Metal & Clear Braces Work
Metal and clear braces use brackets that are glued to each tooth and connected by a wire. The wire applies pressure to the teeth, slowly moving them into the right position over time. We adjust the braces regularly to keep your child’s progress steady.
Clear braces are made from clear or tooth-colored materials, making them less noticeable while still being effective.
Benefits That Last a Lifetime
Early orthodontic treatments offer significant long-term advantages.
Healthier Teeth, Happier Kids
Early orthodontic treatment offers many long-term benefits. It can improve oral health by making it easier to clean teeth properly, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease. A healthy mouth helps overall well-being, and early treatment can help achieve this.
Confidence Boost
A beautiful smile can boost a child’s confidence. By fixing dental issues early, children can enjoy the benefits of a straight, healthy smile that can positively impact their social interactions and self-esteem.
Saving Time & Money
Early treatment can be more cost-effective and less time-consuming. Fixing problems before they become severe can reduce the need for extensive procedures later on. This means fewer office visits and possibly lower costs overall.
Knowing When to Act
As a parent, it’s important to recognize the signs that your child may need orthodontic care.
Signs to Watch For
Parents should watch for signs that indicate their child may need to see an orthodontist. These include:
- Difficulty chewing or biting
- Mouth breathing
- Thumb sucking or other oral habits
- Crowded, misplaced, or blocked teeth
- Jaws that shift or make sounds
- Biting the cheek or roof of the mouth
- Protruding teeth
Your Role in Your Child’s Smile
Watching your child’s dental development is important. If you see any of these signs, it’s time to schedule an orthodontic check-up. Early care can make a big difference in your child’s oral health.
The First Orthodontist Visit
During the first visit, we’ll do a thorough check-up, including X-rays and dental impressions. This detailed check-up helps create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your child’s specific needs.
Detailed Evaluation
The check-up process includes a detailed look at your child’s teeth, jaw, and bite. X-rays help us see how the teeth are positioned and how the jaw is growing. Dental impressions provide a model of your child’s mouth, which is used to plan the treatment.
Customized Treatment Plan
Based on the check-up, we’ll develop a treatment plan that addresses your child’s specific needs. This plan will outline the recommended treatments, the expected duration of treatment, and the results you can expect.
A Healthy Smile for Life with Bankhead Orthodontic Specialists
Early orthodontic check-ups and treatments are important for your child’s dental health. By addressing problems early, you can ensure a healthier, more beautiful smile for your child. Reach out to us in Alton, Carlinville, Chesterfield, Lake St. Louis, O’Fallon, Warrenton, and Wentzville to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward a healthier smile for your child.
