Common Questions About Pediatric Orthodontics, Answered

If you find out your child needs pediatric orthodontics to treat a problem with their mouth, you may have questions. We know that hearing your child needs specialized care can be scary, but we are here to help by answering some of the common questions parents have about orthodontic treatment for children. 

How early is too early to see an orthodontist?

Orthodontics can help people of all ages, depending on their teeth' shape and oral health. However, if you are trying to fix problems before they become serious, most dentists will recommend a first visit by the age of 7 to catch any potential problems and treat them before they can cause additional issues. Pediatric orthodontics is specially equipped to deal with the issues that children face. You will not have to worry about your child getting the care they need because every treatment is designed with a child in mind. 

Do I always need a referral to see a pediatric orthodontist if I suspect a problem?

No, you can see a pediatric orthodontist if you suspect a problem with your child's teeth. In fact, being proactive about oral health is the best way to prevent problems before they get serious and require more advanced treatment. Children can suffer from a range of different problems, so vigilance is key to keeping them in good health. Taking them to the orthodontist early and often is the best way to prevent future health problems. 

What types of conditions does a pediatric orthodontist handle?

A pediatric orthodontist is responsible for the position and function of your child's teeth. This means if they develop issues with the position, spacing, or functionality of their teeth, your child needs to see an orthodontist. Crowding, gaps, overbites, underbites, crossbites, overjets, and more are all handled by a pediatric orthodontist. 

There is a whole range of problems that come with not getting these different issues treated. For example, a gap in the teeth can impact your child's ability to speak. They may develop a speech impediment or be unable to make certain sounds properly, which can be extremely detrimental to a developing child. Overbites, underbites, and crossbites can all cause excessive tooth decay, wear and tear, and eventually tooth loss if not corrected. 

What is the most common orthodontic procedure for children?

The most common pediatric orthodontics procedure is the installation of braces. Braces correct all sorts of spacing and alignment issues children's teeth can have. Several types of braces are available today, thanks to advancements in modern dentistry. This makes finding an option that works for your child much easier. 

How do you care for teeth with braces?

If your child has braces, it is more important than ever to ensure they keep up with their basic oral hygiene. Talk with the dentist about the proper way for them to brush and floss so that they can practice independently and get in the habit of navigating, brushing, and flossing while wearing their braces. If your child does not brush and floss well while wearing braces, they can develop cavities and infections that can ruin the work being done by the braces. 

Once your child has finished wearing their braces, they will need to wear a retainer every day to keep the teeth in place. The retainer should be cared for just like the teeth; keep it clean and then dry it before placing it back in the mouth. Retainers can be taken out to eat or to brush and floss and should be kept in a safe case when not worn. If your child happens to lose their retainer, it is important to see your dentist and get a replacement right away because without it, the teeth can start to shift out of position, and this can undo the work of the braces. 

If anything out of the ordinary happens while your child is wearing their braces or after, consult your dentist immediately to avoid a potential problem. 

Ask your local dentist about orthodontics for kids today

We all want our kids to have bright, healthy smiles, but we cannot predict everything that will happen when their teeth come in. The best we can do is get them the dental care they need to help fix any problems that pop up and teach them how to take care of their teeth, so they stay healthy for a long time. A pediatric orthodontist can help care for your child's teeth and treat most of the problems they will experience. 

Request an appointment here: https://www.orthodonticprecision.com or call Precision Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry at (703) 391-8800 for an appointment in our Reston office.

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