One of the greatest gifts you can give your child is a healthy, beautiful smile, and sometimes this includes straightening their teeth with orthodontic treatment. Children should have their first orthodontic evaluation around age seven or eight.
This may seem early, but some children can benefit from early orthodontic intervention. If our pediatric dentist determines that early intervention would benefit your child, he will refer you to an orthodontist for more information.
When Do We Recommend Early Orthodontic Treatment?
Children who might benefit from phase one orthodontic treatment may be experiencing these concerns:
- Severe tooth crowding — When baby teeth are crowded, there may be no room for adult teeth without early intervention.
- Protruding teeth — A prominent overbite can make chewing and eating difficult
- Bite concerns — Severe underbites, crossbites, or open bites can make speaking, chewing, and eating difficult.
Early orthodontic treatment allows us to take advantage of your child's growth patterns to make helpful corrections to their teeth and bite.
What Are the Benefits of Early Orthodontic Intervention?
Not every child needs early orthodontic intervention; however, those who would benefit from it will enjoy these advantages:
- Increased self-esteem
- Guided jaw alignment during growth
- Helps to avoid the need for future surgical procedures
- Makes phase two orthodontics, which focuses on tooth alignment, easier
- Improves chewing function
- Corrects bite and jaw alignment
Talk with your DUMBO dentist at (347) 830-7983 if it's time to schedule your child's first orthodontic evaluation.