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.
As teenagers grow up, they may need orthodontic treatment, particularly if they have crooked teeth or gaps in their smile. These issues can affect their self-esteem and take a toll on their mental health if they are left unaddressed. Clear aligners are an effective treatment for teens to help correct misaligned or crowded teeth. In…
Orthodontic treatment focuses on fixing malocclusions ("bad bites") and other teeth alignment issues. This therapy can benefit people of all ages who want a straighter and healthier smile. Here is a closer look at what this treatment involves, what they can do, and things you need to know to help you decide if orthodontic treatment…
Orthodontics can get you straighter teeth over 12 to 36 months, but treatment can put your teeth at an increased risk of developing tooth decay. Your risk of gum disease also goes up during treatment. This is due to the nature of the appliances used for orthodontics.Braces come with the highest risk of tooth decay.…
There are various options for those who want to straighten their teeth. Invisalign® for teens is a popular option for this age group, as it is less obvious than traditional metal braces. Invisalign consists of clear trays that fit over the top and bottom rows of teeth. This straightening method has many benefits. However, not…
Many are often aware of alignment issues during their teens or early childhood. However, some people may not be as excited about wearing braces due to the altered aesthetic and treatment times. Invisalign can produce results in a few months with minimal discomfort as an alternative to braces for teens. In addition, this process can…