When Should I Start Orthodontic Evaluation for My Child?

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when should i start orthodontic evaluation for my child

As a parent, you want nothing but the best for your child, and this is especially true when it comes to your child’s health. In the world of smiles, timing is very important. Early consultation with the orthodontist has proven to be life-changing concerning the dental health of your child. Let’s discuss why this early step is so important and how it might be able to build a strong base for healthy smiles throughout a lifetime.

Why Do I Need to Get My Child’s Early Teeth Checked?

You might want to think about finding a problem before it develops into a major issue—well, that’s the benefit of early orthodontic assessments. A visit to a Calgary dentist at an early age gives you an early advantage on potential issues that might arise in the future. Early checks will make it possible for us to identify these misalignments or issues of biting before they proceed to become something serious. It is like having a road map for the dental health of your child, which allows us to create an individual plan to keep your child’s smile in tip-top shape.

What Dental Problems Can Be Detected Early In An Orthodontic Evaluation?

So, just what do we look for in an early evaluation? Here are a few things we can detect:

  • Misalignment: If a kid’s teeth are crooked or crowded, catching them early can help us plan the best way to straighten them out.
  • Bite Problems: Early identification of issues such as overbites or underbites can prevent further and more challenging problems.
  • Jaw Growth: We can keep tabs on how well the developments of your child’s jaw are going and adjust plans in response.

How Does Early Orthodontic Treatment Benefit My Child’s Dental Health?

Starting treatment early can bring several early treatment benefits that make a big difference:

  • Improved Alignment: Fixing the issues now means fewer changes later, leading to a straighter smile more quickly.
  • Less Risk of Damage: Well-aligned teeth are less likely to suffer from wear and tear or other types of damage.
  • Improved Oral Hygiene: Straight teeth are easier to clean, which reduces the risks of tooth decay and gum diseases.

Think of it as giving your child a head start toward keeping his or her mouth healthy.

What Treatments Are Available if We Start Early Orthodontic Care?

When it comes to treatment options, early intervention opens up a range of possibilities. This is what we might expect :

  • Traditional metal braces or clear braces, about whatever would work best for your child and their personal preference, are services available.
  • Invisalign: If you’re seeking a discreet and effective orthodontic solution, our clinic offers Invisalign in Calgary. Patients receive personalized care with clear aligners that fit seamlessly into their lifestyles.
  • Palatal Expanders: These are used to widen the upper jaw if needed, making room for teeth to come in properly.

Our goal is to find the best treatment for your child so that it passes as smoothly and effectively as possible.

Will Early Treatment Improve How My Child Talks and Eats?

Definitely! Early orthodontic treatment can virtually make a tremendous difference in the way your child talks and eats:

  • Clearer Speech: Proper alignment can help with articulation, making it easier for your child to speak clearly.
  • Comfortable Eating: Fixing bite issues means less discomfort while chewing, which can make mealtimes more enjoyable.

Improving these basic functions can boost your child’s confidence and quality of life.

How Can Early Evaluation Help Me Teach My Child Good Oral Habits?

Early orthodontic examination can provide not only corrections of problems but is an ideal time to learn healthy practices. On these visits, your Calgary dentist can teach your little one the importance of brushing, flossing, and regular checkups in a fun, exciting way. 

Make It a Habit Routine visits to the dentist should be a regular occurrence and set in the child’s mind for a lifetime. Starting these conversations early helps instill a sense of responsibility for their dental care.

When Should My Child Start Orthodontic Treatment?

The best age for initiating orthodontic treatment is between 7 years of age, as that’s when most children have a mix of their baby and adult teeth; this fact works in our favour as we can:

  • Monitor Jaw Growth: Observe the development in the jaw and whether spacing inside the mouth is sufficient for the permanent teeth.
  • Identify Alignment Issues: Take the first steps in treatment in case of newly developing problems that might benefit from early intervention.

Starting orthodontic-treatment at the correct time not only solves some dental issues in children but also lays the foundation for a healthy lifetime smile and good oral habits.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Early orthodontic treatment can change your child’s smile and overall health. At Inglewood Family Dental, our devoted team is prepared to take you through the process, from the initial evaluation to the best treatment options, including Invisalign in Calgary.

Schedule an appointment with our orthodontists in Calgary today and let them help start your child on a path to great oral health, with a smile that is well-prepared for the future.

About Author

Dr. Arash Ravanbakhsh is a skilled Calgary dentist passionate about oral health. Graduating from the University of Alberta, he brings advanced dental knowledge to Inglewood Family Dental. Dedicated to patient care, Dr. Arash also volunteers his time on dental missions, improving oral health globally.