If you’re a parent, getting early orthodontic care for your child is important for proper teeth formation. Not only does it affect dental health, but it also impacts jaw and facial structure in the future.
In Edmonton, finding the right orthodontist is critical to monitoring the growth and development of your dental and oral conditions. The sooner you start, the earlier your child can benefit from a healthier smile, eliminating the need for complex extractions or prolonged future treatment with possible major surgical procedures down the road.
At Embrace Orthodontics, our Edmonton orthodontist and team provide early orthodontic services, including diagnosis and treatment. We’ll provide treatments to promote proper permanent teeth formation for your child, simplifying later treatments. Contact our experienced dental group to book an appointment today.
Recommended Age for First Orthodontic Visit
According to the Canadian Association of Orthodontists, it’s recommended that children receive their first orthodontic screening by the age of seven. During the visit, your orthodontist will assess the condition of your child’s teeth, looking for crowding or other issues that require attention.
While not necessary, further orthodontic treatment may be required to facilitate proper jaw and tooth development or to prevent the need for future tooth extractions. Regular monitoring during the child’s development is also crucial for providing effective treatments early on, minimizing costly problems in the future.
Signs When Early Orthodontics is Needed
Early orthodontic intervention may be required when you notice misformed bites, crossbites, jaw imbalances, or other issues, such as:
Early or late baby teeth loss
If your child encounters teeth loss before the age of five or does not have fully formed permanent teeth well into their teenage years, there is an increased risk for gaps or overcrowding.
Eating, chewing, or biting difficulties
Pain or discomfort while biting down could signal improperly aligned teeth or jaws. Orthodontic intervention may be recommended if your child has trouble with chewing or digesting food.
Speech issues, slurring or lisping
Your child may experience difficulty pronouncing certain sounds or consonants, resulting in lisping or inarticulate speech. Identifying early orthodontic needs is important to developing proper speech patterns and confidence in speaking.
Thumb-sucking
While thumb-sucking is quite common during toddler years, this habit should not be carried over past the age of four. An orthodontist can intervene, recommending braces or appliances that discourage thumb-sucking.
Benefits of Early Orthodontic Intervention
Getting orthodontic treatment early on is crucial to prevent more complex treatment procedures and improper dental development before it worsens. Benefits include:
Better Oral Health
Early orthodontic intervention can make maintaining a healthy oral hygiene routine easier and reduce the risk of cavities, gum disease, or major dental interventions.
Reduces Need for Surgery
Receiving early orthodontic treatment allows your child to address overcrowding or crossbites using treatments such as palatal expansion or interceptive braces. Guiding teeth and jaw development at a young age reduces the need for more complex surgery in adulthood.
Facial Development
Improper jaw growth can negatively impact your child’s facial development. Early orthodontic intervention enhances facial symmetry and promotes jaw growth.
What to Expect During Your Child’s First Visit
Before scheduling your child’s first orthodontic appointment, consider finding a trusted orthodontist in your area who provides early orthodontic services and treatments. To best prepare for the first visit, it’s important to have a discussion with your child about what to expect ahead of time.
During the first visit, your orthodontist will perform a screening, which may involve X-rays, to identify any underlying problems or issues that require monitoring. Next, your orthodontist will take impressions, informing you of any recommended appliances, treatments, and associated costs.
Parents may also consider enrolling their child in an orthodontic observation program, a free program to monitor the eruption of your child’s teeth.
Embrace Orthodontics for Early Orthodontics
If you’re wondering whether or not your child may need orthodontic treatment, our friendly Edmonton orthodontist and team are here to assist you at Embrace Orthodontics. No referrals are required, and we welcome new patients, offering orthodontic services for all ages.
We also offer interest-free payment plans, making orthodontic treatment accessible for anyone. Book an appointment today to learn more about our services and treatments, including braces and clear aligners.