Orthodontics can help address issues with your bite and provide a variety of benefits, like improved oral hygiene, improved speech, and an improved smile. Orthodontics works best when patients are around the ages of 9 to 14. At this point, the jaw and facial structures are still developing, but most of the permanent teeth should have erupted.
Parents should take their child to a dentist for orthodontic screening before the age of 7. This allows for early detection of any issues that are developing, so appropriate treatments can be performed while the child’s jaw and facial structures are developing.
If a malocclusion is detected during a bite analysis, the dentist will come up with a strategic treatment plan that addresses it. In some cases, treatment might not be needed immediately. The dentist might opt to monitor the child while their jaw and facial structures continue growing before making a recommendation about potential treatment options.
If the child’s bite issues require immediate treatment, the dentist will talk to the child and their parent about potential treatment options. Early treatment of orthodontic issues can help create enough space for teeth that have yet to erupt, it can stop developing problems, and it can guide the growth and development of facial structures. Dental issues that a dentist might opt to fix before all of a child’s permanent teeth have erupted include:
Orthodontic problems can develop as a result of a child’s genetics, trauma to the face, dental disease, or habits like thumb sucking.
There are many ways to address bite issues early on. In some cases, an extraction might be all that is needed to stop a malocclusion from developing. Removing a tooth on a crowded jaw creates more space for the remaining teeth to grow into their proper alignment.
Appliances like braces can also be used to move the patient’s teeth. Clear aligners can get the job done, but they typically are not recommended for children because they require a level of commitment that most children cannot meet. Clear aligners need to be worn for at least 20 hours daily, and that can be challenging for a child to keep up with.
Fixed appliances, like braces, work best for children because they cannot be removed during the duration of treatment. Regardless of what option the dentist recommends, treating orthodontic issues early on typically leads to more effective and shorter treatment times.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Orthodontics in Reston, VA
Straightening your child’s teeth early on can help them avoid being the target of bullies and can even give them a confidence boost. The process of straightening teeth works best when your child’s facial structures and jaw are still forming. Call or visit our Reston clinic to learn more about how our dentist can fix your child’s malocclusion.
Request an appointment or call Precision Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry at 703-391-8800 for an appointment in our Reston office.
Orthodontic care can help guide a child's teeth and bite as the mouth continues to grow and change. Some children need only routine monitoring, while others benefit from early treatment that creates space, improves bite function, or supports better alignment. A pediatric orthodontist can evaluate tooth eruption, jaw growth, and spacing concerns before they become…
A pediatric root canal can help preserve a child's oral health and prevent further complications when a tooth becomes damaged or infected. A dentist will determine if treatment is necessary based on symptoms and an examination. Understanding the signs of infection and the treatment process can help parents make the best decision for their child's…
Early orthodontic treatment, also known as interceptive orthodontics, offers numerous benefits for children. By addressing orthodontic issues at an early age, an orthodontist can guide the growth and development of a child's teeth and jaw, improving their overall oral health. Early orthodontic treatment provides long-term advantages that can make a lasting impact on the health…
Invisalign® dental aligners are an excellent option for patients who want to avoid the look and feel of traditional metal braces while straightening crooked teeth or closing gaps between teeth. Compared to braces, most observers do not realize when someone is wearing clear aligners.For this treatment, dentists take impressions of patients' upper and lower teeth…
If you have uneven or crooked teeth, you might be very self-conscious about it. Teeth straightening can correct this issue and give you the smile you want. But, some options are much more noticeable than others. Invisalign offers effective teeth straightening. It is discreet and almost unnoticeable. Gently correcting the teeth without the obvious flash…