You want the best for your child’s health, and their bright smile is a big part of that. It’s common to wonder if your child might need comprehensive dental care—and when the right time is to start. An early check-up can give you peace of mind and a clear path forward.
The greatest benefit of early orthodontic care is that it can identify and address small issues before they become bigger problems, often making future treatment simpler. By assessing your child’s development while they’re young, we can guide their growth for a healthier smile down the road. This proactive approach towards children’s dentistry sets them up for long-term oral health.
What Is Early Orthodontic Treatment?
Early orthodontic treatment is all about timing. It’s intended to help straighten teeth and correct bite problems. Your dentist should check your child’s teeth and jaw development around age seven.
The main goal of early orthodontic treatment is to guide the growth of the jaw and help make sure there’s enough room for permanent teeth to come in properly. A chat with your dentist in NE Calgary during a regular visit is a great way to learn more.
1. Guide Jaw Growth & Correct Bite Issues
A child’s jaw is still growing, which makes it much easier to guide and correct. Early treatment can resolve potential bite problems like an overbite or crossbite while they’re still easier to fix.
Help the Jaw Develop Correctly
When an issue is spotted early, orthodontic appliances can help guide the jaw into a better position. This approach works with your child’s natural growth, improving their facial profile and helping their bite function correctly.
Create Space for Permanent Teeth
Sometimes, a child’s mouth is too small for all the permanent teeth that are coming in. Early treatment can help create more room. This may prevent the need to remove permanent teeth later on.
2. A Simpler Treatment Journey Later
Tackling orthodontic early makes later orthodontic treatmentse—such as braces for a teenager—much smoother.
Reduce the Need for More Complex Work
Early treatment may lower the chances of needing more involved procedures, like jaw surgery, in the future. It also sets the stage for a healthier mouth as your child grows.
Potentially Shorter Time with Braces
When major alignment or bite issues are corrected early, the time your child might need to wear braces later is often shorter. This can mean less time spent in the dental chair later on.
3. Improve Your Child’s Oral Health
A healthy bite and straight teeth do more than just look good. They contribute to better oral hygiene and can prevent future dental problems. Proper alignment makes taking care of teeth much easier.
Make Teeth Easier to Clean
Crowded or crooked teeth are hard for anyone to brush and floss well. But this is especially true for kids. Straightening the teeth helps reduce places where plaque can hide. This lowers the risk of cavities and gum problems.
Prevent Uneven Wear & Tear
When teeth don’t line up correctly, they can wear down unevenly over time. This can put stress on the enamel and the jaw. A proper bite helps protect teeth from unnecessary damage.
4. Boost Your Child’s Well-Being & Confidence
A healthy smile can have a positive impact on how your child feels about themselves. Think of it as an investment in their overall well-being.
Help with Speech Problems
Sometimes, tooth and jaw alignment problems can affect how a child forms sounds and speaks. Early orthodontic care can help correct these issues and help them communicate with confidence.
Support A Positive Self-Image
Feeling good about their smile can help your child feel more self-assured in social situations. A healthy mouth is often an important part of a person’s self image.
5. Know The Best Time For Treatment
One of the biggest benefits of an early check-up is getting professional advice on your child’s dental needs. Your dentist can tell you whether treatment is recommended now or if it’s better to wait.
What Is the Best Age to Start Orthodontic Treatment?
Most dental professionals suggest an orthodontic screening for children around age seven. This doesn’t mean treatment will start right away; it’s simply the best time to check their development and plan for the future.
Signs Your Child May Need A Check-Up
It’s a good idea to talk to a dentist if you notice any of these signs:
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- Trouble chewing or biting food
- Teeth that are crowded or out of place
- Mouth breathing
- Jaws that shift, make sounds, or stick out
At Rundle Dental, we create a comfortable and welcoming space for your whole family. We offer flexible hours, including evening and weekend appointments, to fit your busy life. Contact our friendly team to schedule a consultation and learn more about your child’s oral health.
