Are you concerned about how your child’s teeth are growing? Do your child have crooked tooth? Are there visible gaps between the teeth? Does it seem like they have problems with the alignment of their teeth? While these are all great questions that you as a parent ask in regard to your child’s teeth, it’s important to take a look at the bigger picture and ask about the right time to get your child orthodontics treatment.
Child orthodontics is much different compared to the ones for adults because of the softness of their jaw tissue, which is why it’s important to have a scheduled appointment for your child the moment there are clear signs.
Many dentists and orthodontists in Perth Amboy get asked this question all the time, and if that’s your concern as well, then you’ve come to the right article, and we’ll lay out the answer for you.
Signs Your Child Needs to Undergo Orthodontic Treatment
Each kid is different. This means that every child’s mouth will develop in its own way. A lot of changes happen during childhood, not just in their teeth but also in their jaws and mouths. As you notice their growth, you can observe any underlying issues with their bite and teeth alignment.
Once your child reaches seven years old, this is when common orthodontic problems become more prevalent. Here are some examples:
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Uneven bite
- Overcrowding
- Protruding teeth
- Crooked teeth
One of the clear signs that your child needs to undergo orthodontic treatment is when they have crooked teeth or gapped teeth. However, these problems don’t necessarily require the need for braces.
Here are notable signs that your child needs to undergo orthodontic treatment:
- Difficulty in eating
- Mouth breathing, or
- Difficulty in breathing
- Snoring while sleeping
- Speech issues
- Misaligned bites
- Crowded teeth
- Teeth and jaw that are visibly unproportionate
As mentioned previously, you can start to take your child to the orthodontist by the time they reach the age of seven. However, if you have observed that your child is experiencing any of the problems listed before that age, then you can definitely schedule an appointment early on. When you address dental issues as early as possible, then the simpler it is to treat them.
Alternative Options For Your Child Orthodontics Treatment
Before, only traditional metal braces were the option that dentists and orthodontists would recommend to patients. Nowadays, there are a lot of options available, making one’s orthodontic treatment more personalized. Here are the different options for orthodontic treatment in Perth Amboy that can treat your child’s dental issues.
Ceramic Braces
They are quite similar to traditional metal braces, but they’re more discreet and less noticeable. The ceramic can be tooth-colored or simply clear, making it a nice option for those who don’t want to draw attention from others. If your child feels self-conscious and wants an inconspicuous approach to their orthodontic treatment, then this is a great option for them.
Ceramic braces are a bit more expensive than traditional metal braces and move teeth at a slower rate.
Invisalign
Invisalign uses clear retainer trays, also known as clear aligners, that are shaped to fit the patient’s teeth. Since they’re virtually invisible and mold to the teeth, it will be hard for others to tell that you’re wearing aligners.
With Invisalign, you can remove the aligners whenever you want, giving you more freedom with the drinks and foods you want to eat–no food restrictions if your child undergoes this orthodontic treatment! It’s very convenient for patients who have Invisalign.
The downside of this orthodontic treatment is that it’s much more expensive compared to ceramic and traditional metal braces. Additionally, if your child is not responsible for handling their clear aligners, they may easily lose or break them, which calls for a costly replacement.
When to Schedule Your Child for an Orthodontic Exam
The moment you observe your child experiencing dental concerns, then it’s time for you to schedule an initial orthodontic evaluation. While the orthodontist won’t necessarily suggest an immediate treatment for your child orthodontics, scheduling an early appointment helps to prevent issues as your child gets older.
With the help of your orthodontist, they’ll be able to pinpoint potential growth concerns, develop a treatment plan and maybe even speed up the treatment process as soon as it starts. The moment you initiate a discussion with them, you don’t need to worry about the right time for your child to get braces since they’ll keep you in the loop about it.
When is the Ideal Age For Your Child to Wear Braces?
Most orthodontists would say that the perfect age for orthodontic treatment would be between the ages of 10 and 14. At this time of growth, your child’s jaw would be expanding considerably. Their teeth are also more favorable to straightening when they’re within that age period.
As mentioned earlier, every child is different. Some kids may not be ready in terms of their developmental circumstances to undergo orthodontic treatment immediately. Moreover, some children may be reluctant to wire tightenings and the process of adhering to oral appliances.
Braces cause the teeth to shift and adjust the bite at the same time, which is why it’s highly recommended that your child get braces while they’re still young. At this age, your child will most likely have all of their permanent teeth, which is an important component that influences the timing of braces.
In order for the braces treatment to be the most effective, a child needs to have most of their permanent teeth present. Another factor to consider is the state of their jawbone. A malleable jawbone is ideal for braces treatment, and kids this age won’t have a completely developed jaw yet because it’s still growing and forming. This makes their teeth shift easier and braces will correct the majority of the bite issues in this state.
Child Orthodontics in New Jersey
It’s crucial to remember that orthodontists will recommend you schedule an orthodontic evaluation when your child is seven years old. Beginning at this age allows you to learn more about the different challenges your child could face when they get braces.
Schedule an initial consultation for your child’s teeth today!