Early Orthodontic Intervention at Fox Valley Dental Care
At Fox Valley Dental Care, we are dedicated to setting the foundation for a lifetime of healthy, beautiful smiles. If your child is 7 years of age or older and hasn’t yet had an orthodontic evaluation, contact our dental office today so we can evaluate your child’s teeth.
Why Early Orthodontic Intervention Matters
Starting orthodontic treatment during the developmental stages of teeth can have significant benefits, especially as your child loses their primary teeth and their permanent teeth begin to come in.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends children have an orthodontic evaluation by age 7, before all their adult teeth come in. This early assessment doesn’t necessarily mean your child will need braces right away, but it gives Dr. Dokhanchi an opportunity to closely monitor the development of your child’s teeth and jaws.
What Can Early Orthodontic Screenings Detect?
With early screenings, Dr. Dokhanchi can watch for a bad bite and other potential issues as your child’s teeth develop and grow. Some common orthodontic issues that can be detected early include:
- Overbite: a type of malocclusion where the upper front teeth significantly overlap the lower front teeth when the mouth is closed.
- Underbite: occurs when the lower front teeth are positioned further forward than the upper front teeth.
- Open Bite: a type of malocclusion where the upper and lower front teeth do not touch when the mouth is closed.
- Crossbite: a condition where the upper teeth do not come down slightly in front of the lower teeth as normal when biting down.
- Crowded Teeth: a condition where there is not enough space in the jaw for all of the teeth to fit normally.
There are a variety of treatment options for orthodontic issues in children. Phase I intervention is most effective when the child has a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth. Orthodontic appliances like palatal expanders or space maintainers are often used as a first phase of treatment to help encourage proper facial growth.
The orthodontists may also recommend partial braces or removable appliances like clear aligners to fix problems such as deep bites, overbites, underbites, or significant misalignment.
In cases where the orthodontic issues are a result of oral habits like thumb-sucking or tongue thrust, the treatment plan may include habit-breaking appliances to deter bad habits.
The Power of Early Intervention
Interceptive orthodontic treatment is not just about straightening teeth. Interceptive treatment can also have an impact on the future growth of your child’s facial structure and overall oral health. Here are some of the benefits of early orthodontic intervention:
- Proper Alignment: Correcting crowded and crooked teeth can help create facial symmetry by influencing the direction of jaw growth.
- Safety: Minimize the risk of dental trauma by correcting protruding front teeth.
- Creating Space: Ensures there is sufficient space for newly-erupting permanent teeth.
- Preservation: Reduces the risk of tooth decay and prevents the need for tooth extractions.
- Time-saving: Reduces the duration of treatment for adolescent or adult orthodontics.
- Boosts Confidence: A well-aligned smile improves self-esteem and confidence.
Early orthodontic treatment doesn’t necessarily eliminate the need for future treatment later on, but it can make later treatments less intense.
Take the First Step Today
If you have a child aged 7 or older who hasn’t had an orthodontic evaluation yet, now is the optimal time to take action. We offer comprehensive treatment for both children and adults who need orthodontic care. Contact Fox Valley Dental Care in Aurora, IL, to schedule an appointment for a consultation with Dr. Dokhanchi to determine the type of treatment your child may need.