Implementing the appropriate orthodontic treatment is essential in improving the health and appearance of your smile. However, it is extremely beneficial to ensure that your children obtain early orthodontic treatment to provide the best possible outcome for their smile. This treatment can ensure that their treatment is effective and that they obtain the ideal head start for the health of their teeth. At Bailey Orthodontics, we provide valuable orthodontic treatment for children and adults alike. Here are some of the benefits of early orthodontic treatment.
Signs that your Child Needs Early Orthodontic Treatment
Understanding the signs that your child requires early orthodontic treatment can help to ensure that you obtain the right services when they will be most beneficial for your child. There are several signs that can help you to identify the necessity of early orthodontic treatment. Common signs of the need of early orthodontic treatment includes thumb sucking after the age of 5, protruding front or bottom teeth, the presence of a speech impediment, or difficulty with chewing or biting.
What is Early Orthodontic Treatment?
Early orthodontic treatment is commonly referred to as Phase One of orthodontic treatment. This is the type of treatment that often begins before the adherence of braces or what is commonly known as orthodontic treatment. In general, early orthodontic treatment begins around the age of 8 or 9 years old. When your child reaches this age, it can be incredibly beneficial to bring them in for a consultation with our team.
Early Identification
Early orthodontic treatment allows your orthodontist to identify problems in the early stages. It can be particularly useful to be able to rectify orthodontic issues while the jaw is still growing and developing. In many cases, this allows for easier guidance of the teeth into their proper location.
Improves Confidence
It is no secret that crooked and misaligned teeth can be detrimental to overall confidence levels. By implementing the appropriate early orthodontic treatment, you can generally improve the overall confidence of your children. This can ensure that they are more confident and happier with their smile.
Helps with Speaking
Crooked teeth are often the major culprit behind speech impediments. Having a speech impediment can make it difficult for a child to communicate. It can also impact their overall confidence levels. When they obtain early orthodontic treatment, you will be able to limit the impact that misaligned teeth can have on their speech.
Lowers Risk of Tooth Decay
When teeth are crooked or misaligned, it becomes far more difficult to thoroughly clean the teeth of debris. When food particles become lodged in the teeth, they provide a food source for bacteria. This can substantially increase the risk of tooth decay. With early orthodontic treatment, it becomes easier to keep their teeth in good condition, because it helps to prevent misalignment.
Reduced Risk of Chipping of Protruded Teeth
When misalignment causes teeth to protrude, it can easily lead to chipping. This vulnerability can lead to a significant amount of damage. It is often easier to reduce the risk of chipping teeth than it is to restore damage after it has occurred. Early orthodontic treatment can be a particularly beneficial strategy to minimize damage to your teeth.
Improved Digestion
The smaller the particles of food are that your child swallows, the easier it will be for their body to digest the food. When they have early orthodontic treatment, it often is much easier for them to thoroughly chew their food. This can be especially helpful in minimizing digestive problems.
Reduces Teeth Grinding
The grinding of teeth is often caused by misalignment of the jaw. This can lead to a significant amount of damage to the teeth because it can cause them to wear out more quickly. Teeth grinding can even lead to cracks and other damage. When you provide early orthodontic treatment for your children, you can reduce the likelihood of this grinding.
Guides Adult Teeth
Early orthodontic treatment helps to guide the permanent teeth into proper alignment. This can go a long way toward reducing the duration of Phase Two orthodontic treatment. The proper guidance of adult teeth can be one of the best benefits of providing early orthodontic treatment for your children.
At Bailey Orthodontics, we are dedicated to providing superior early orthodontic treatment to improve the health of your children’s smiles. This can help to ensure the best possible condition for their teeth and can even go a long way toward reducing the possibility of damage. To learn more about the many benefits that can be obtained with early orthodontic treatment, contact us at Bailey Orthodontics today!
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