As your orthodontic specialist in the greater Atchison, KS and St. Joseph, MO areas, Choice Orthodontics believe everyone deserves a healthy smile they are proud to show off. That’s why we put a big emphasis on orthodontic treatment, especially early treatment. Great orthodontics doesn’t just start when our patients first get their braces, ideally, it should start several years before that! Read on to learn more about the many benefits of early orthodontic treatment.
At What Age Should the First Orthodontic Visit Occur?
Many people are under the impression that orthodontic treatment (like braces) doesn’t typically begin until late childhood into adolescence, and at one point this may have been true. However, with the many advances made in the orthodontics field, treatment is now able to begin earlier in childhood.
According to the American Association of Orthodontists, a child’s first orthodontic visit should occur by age 7, or as soon as an orthodontic problem is identified. It’s by this age the first permanent teeth have typically erupted, which can help an orthodontic specialist get insight into your child’s development.
What Happens During Early Treatment?
During early orthodontic treatment, Dr. Lauren Windhorst at Choice Orthodontics will examine your child’s facial, tooth, and jaw development to look for any early signs of trouble.
Why is Early Orthodontic Treatment Important?
Early treatment has many benefits, the most obvious and important being getting ahead of any potential issues before they become a more severe problem that’s more difficult to treat. Other benefits of orthodontic treatment include:
- Confirming teeth are allowing for a proper bite and healthy chewing
- Helps detect and treat potential skeletal problems early (such as underbites, overbites, and crossbites)
- Reduces the likelihood of needing jaw or other oral surgeries
- Helps put a stop to unwanted oral habits such as thumb sucking, pacifier use, and tongue thrusting
- Reduces the length and intensity of future orthodontic treatment, like braces
Learn More from Your Orthodontic Specialist at Choice Orthodontics
If you’d like to learn more about how an orthodontic specialist can help your child through early orthodontic treatment, Choice Orthodontics would be delighted to help. Dr. Lauren Windhorst and our friendly staff have four convenient office locations in Atchison and Hiawatha, KS, and St. Joseph and Gallatin, MO. So you can rest assured there is a Choice Orthodontics nearby to serve you. Contact us to get started today!