Straight From the Start

Early orthodontic evaluations play a crucial role in maintaining the dental health of our children. These evaluations are more than just a quick look at the growing teeth. They’re a significant step towards ensuring our kids have a healthy, radiant smile as they grow.

By identifying potential orthodontic issues early on, we can intervene at the right moment, often leading to less invasive and more effective treatments. From preventing serious oral health problems to making way for perfectly aligned teeth, early orthodontic evaluations can serve as a game-changer in your child’s dental journey.

In the coming sections, we will delve into the five major advantages of these evaluations, establishing why they are vital in the field of kids’ orthodontics.

Common orthodontic issues in kids that parents should know about.

Orthodontic issues in children are often perceived as merely cosmetic, but these can lead to serious complications in the future if left untreated. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most common issues. 

Crowding

This is one of the most common orthodontic problems in children, and it happens when there’s not enough space for all the teeth to grow normally. Crowding can make it hard to brush and floss, leading to cavities and gum disease.

Spacing

On the flip side of crowding, spacing issues occur when there’s too much room in the mouth, causing gaps between teeth. This can affect the way your child bites or chews food.

Crossbites

This is when the upper and lower jaws are both misaligned, causing one or more upper teeth to bite on the inside of the lower teeth. It can happen on the front and/or the sides of the mouth and can lead to worn down or chipped teeth and asymmetrical jaw growth.

Overbites and Underbites

An overbite is when the upper front teeth overlap considerably with the lower front teeth. An underbite, on the other hand, is when the lower teeth are ahead of the upper teeth. Both can interfere with the proper functioning of the mouth and aesthetics.

By addressing these conditions as soon as they’re spotted, we can guide teeth to their correct position, promote the proper functioning of the mouth, and help your child achieve a beautiful, confident smile. Furthermore, early orthodontic evaluation provides a proactive means to circumvent more serious complications down the line, making it a necessity to ensure the long-term dental health of your child. 

Why do early orthodontic evaluations matter?

It’s recommended to schedule your child’s first orthodontic evaluation no later than age seven. Here are five reasons why seeing a dentist this early is a great idea. 

1. Timely Problem Detection

These initial assessments can identify developing oral issues before they exacerbate. The evaluations are targeted at catching early signs of malocclusion, such as crowding, spacing, crossbites, overbites, and underbites. By identifying these issues early on, orthodontists can employ preventive measures or treatments. 

2. Simplified Treatment Planning

If orthodontic issues such as crowding, spacing, or bite problems are detected early, there’s a greater chance they can be corrected using less invasive methods. Early intervention allows for the use of growth modification techniques that manipulate growth patterns to improve jaw alignment and facial symmetry. This often decreases or even eliminates the need for more severe treatments, such as tooth extraction or surgery, later in life.

3. Better Growth and Development Management

By examining and assessing a child’s oral development during the initial stages, dentists can predict and plan for the natural eruption of permanent teeth. When potential problems are identified, they can use tools, like braces, to influence the direction of growth and ensure that teeth emerge in the correct positions. This proactive management of growth and development fosters better alignment and reduces the likelihood of complications that could require more extensive treatments later on.

4. Improved Facial Symmetry

Early orthodontic intervention often improves facial symmetry, enhancing a child’s overall facial aesthetics. Orthodontic tools, such as braces, can be used to adjust the alignment of teeth and jaws, leading to well-balanced and harmonious facial features. Consequently, these early adjustments help create an aesthetically pleasing facial structure and a confident smile.

5. Boosted Self-Esteem

Misaligned teeth or a disproportionate jaw can often lead to self-consciousness, particularly during the sensitive years of adolescence. By addressing these issues at an early stage through treatments, such as braces or other orthodontic procedures, we can help alleviate these concerns. This not only improves physical appearance but also fosters a positive self-image, allowing the child to smile with confidence. This early boost in self-esteem plays a critical role in their social interactions and overall mental well-being as they grow.

What to expect from an early orthodontic evaluation.

During an early orthodontic evaluation, three key steps are typically taken:

Observation and Monitoring

The orthodontist will meticulously evaluate your child’s teeth, jaws, and facial structure, evaluating their current alignment and anticipating future growth trends. This involves a comprehensive dental evaluation, X-rays, and, in some cases, making molds of the teeth. This thorough evaluation allows the orthodontist to identify any existing or potential issues that may require intervention.

Necessary Treatment Initiation

If the orthodontist identifies any malocclusion or misalignment that could lead to future complications, they may recommend initiating treatment. This could include using orthodontic appliances, like braces, retainers, or space maintainers designed specifically to guide jaw growth and correct misaligned teeth. The appropriate age to start these treatments varies depending on the child’s individual needs and the complexity of the case.

Tailored Treatment Plans

The final step in an early orthodontic evaluation is developing a tailored treatment plan. This plan is customized to cater to your child’s unique orthodontic needs. It details the recommended orthodontic procedures, the estimated treatment duration, and any necessary follow-up procedures. The plan is designed to achieve optimal results in enhancing your child’s smile and improving overall facial aesthetics.

Book your child’s evaluation today at Sheppard Family Dental Care.

Ensuring your child’s oral health is a vital part of their overall well-being and development. As parents and caregivers, deciding to schedule an early orthodontic evaluation can significantly contribute to their future smiles. By their seventh birthday, or immediately, if your child is older, consider booking an appointment for a comprehensive orthodontic assessment.

At Sheppard Family Dental Care, we specialize in family and pediatric dental care, offering excellence in orthodontics for all ages right here in Lawton, Oklahoma. In addition to braces, we also offer Clear Correct. Don’t wait—give your child the gift of a healthy, confident smile by scheduling an evaluation with us today!