It seems as though children are getting braces at a younger age than ever before, and it is common for parents to worry about whether it is time to visit their Las Vegas orthodontics clinic. While you definitely don’t want to go too soon, you should know that the American Association of Orthodontics does recommend that children should have their first orthodontic assessment when they turn seven years old. Naturally, not all orthodontic problems can be treated this young, but an orthodontist will be able to identify areas that require treatment so that you can plan ahead. When you bring your child for their first orthodontic appointment at Nevada Dentistry and Braces, you can expect the following things to happen to help you make the best decisions for your child’s oral health.
Identify Early Ways to Prevent a Need For Children’s Dental Braces
When a child is between the ages of six and eight, they are at the height of their tooth loss and eruption cycle. It is normal for most children to lose their teeth in a certain order, and the majority of children have lost at least eight of their primary teeth by the time they reach the age of seven. Ideally, your 89121 dentist will find that these teeth are immediately replaced by permanent ones. Yet, all children do develop differently, and it is possible for a tooth to be retained longer than normal or for some primary teeth to fall out prematurely. For some children dental braces can be avoided by treating these alterations in their development early. For example, our orthodontist may suggest extracting a baby tooth that is blocking a permanent tooth from coming in to prevent crowding, or your child may need spacers to act as placeholders when they lose a tooth to early.
Assess Alignment Issues With Las Vegas Orthodontics Care
It is common for the dentist at your child’s 89121 dental clinic to discover that an alignment issue is posing a risk for their teeth. This is because an incorrect bite leads to uneven wear and tear because of the pressure added on certain biting surfaces. Having crooked teeth can also wreak havoc on your child’s self-esteem since even young children are sensitive to perceived differences that they see in their smile. For children, dental braces that are placed before damage occurs to their teeth preserves their natural smile into adulthood while giving them a confidence boost that comes with teeth that are perfectly aligned.
Check For Improper Bites That Interfere With Chewing and Speaking
Under, over and cross bites each come with the potential for increasing discomfort as your child ages, and an incorrect bite also places undue stress on the teeth biting surfaces. Although correcting an underbite is best achieved at the end of your child’s growth cycle when they are about 16 or 17 years old, it is still possible to jumpstart their treatment as early as seven. For a crossbite, it is much more effective to begin working on aspects of the bite such as expanding the jaw early on when their jaw is still growing, and your Las Vegas orthodontist will want to check to see if oral habits such as tongue thrusting or thumb sucking might be causing an overbite early while it can still be easily corrected.
Discuss Potential Treatment Options
Orthodontic treatments have come a long way since you were a kid, and you will be happy to know that you have more options for helping your child achieve the perfect smile. Many teenagers are interested in Invisalign since it offers a more discreet way to correct alignment issues, and your orthodontist will help you determine if your child is a good candidate for this type of procedure. During this initial consultation, you can also discuss other options such as traditional metal braces or those that are placed sublingually.
At Nevada Dentistry & Braces, taking care of your child’s oral health includes scheduling that first orthodontic appointment around the time that your child turns seven, unless your dentist refers you earlier after noticing problems during their regular exam. Not only will this early appointment give you an idea of what to expect for your child’s future dental needs, but it also allows your child to develop a positive relationship with their orthodontist early in their life. By partnering with your child’s dentist and orthodontics team, you can give them the benefits of having a beautiful smile that will last a lifetime.
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