Children’s Orthodontics – The Benefits of Early Assessment
We all hope to enjoy good dental health throughout our lives, and by addressing orthodontic problems early in life, the risk of experiencing more serious problems is greatly reduced. It is not uncommon for children to experience orthodontic issues including protruding teeth, crowding, uneven spacing, missing teeth and overbite. When identified early, orthodontics can help to restore the appearance and function of children’s teeth and set them up for a lifetime of optimal dental health.
Early Assessment for Children’s Orthodontics
Treating dental issues in children is much more straightforward during the early developmental stages, when the jaw bones are still soft and pliable. By the time children reach their late teens, jaw bones will have begun to harden, and treatment may be more complicated.
Dentists recommend that children visit the dentist for an early orthodontic consultation at around 8 years of age. By this time, the first permanent molars should be visible, and this will enable the dentist to identify any developing malocclusion. Incisors should also be present, enabling identification of problems such as crowding, deep bite and crossbite. All potential issues will be noted and communicated to you, and an appropriate treatment plan can then be formulated.
Seeking early orthodontic treatment will help to ensure that your child’s adult teeth grow into their ideal position and give them the best chance of enjoying a healthy, straight smile for life.
Signs Your Child May need Early Orthodontic Treatment
There are a number of signs that could indicate a need for early orthodontic treatment. If you notice your child experiencing any of the following, you should schedule an appointment with Sydney Park Dental at your earliest convenience.
- Loss of baby teeth before the age of 5
- Uneven bite
- Mouth breathing
- Protruding front teeth
- Crowded front teeth
- Snoring
- Difficulty biting or chewing
- Speech impediment (e.g. lisp, whistling)
- Thumb or finger sucking which persists beyond the age of 5
Children with crooked and crowded teeth will have difficulty cleaning and maintaining them, whilst a bad bite can lead to abnormal tooth wear. It is important that the above problems are addressed as soon as possible, as otherwise they may worsen and necessitate more costly and extensive dental treatment later in life.
Easing Dentist Anxiety in Children
Many children experience some anxiety around visiting the dentist, and this is completely understandable. As a family orientated practice, the team at Sydney Park Dental aim to help children develop good oral hygiene habits for life. Rest assured that our friendly and experienced dentists will make sure your child feels comfortable and relaxed during their visit.
Assessments are straightforward and generally take around 30-60 minutes. Whilst in the chair, the dentist will examine your child’s existing tooth structure, followed by an examination of jawbone development and smile structure. X-rays may be taken to gain a more complete understanding of your child’s mouth.
Book an Appointment at Sydney Park Dental Today
Orthodontic treatment using braces does not typically begin until around the age of 11-12, but an early orthodontic assessment is a worthwhile endeavor which can help you prepare for the future and set your child up for a lifetime of optimal dental health.
To schedule an early orthodontic assessment for your child, please call Sydney Park Dental on 02 8084 7170, or contact us online. We’re conveniently located at Sydney Park Village in Erskineville, and we look forward to seeing you soon.