Do you know what the difference is in early orthodontic treatment and regular treatment? Do you know what indicates that your child may need early treatment? Or, how it will be beneficial in the long-run? Those are just a few of the many questions that surround the topic of early orthodontic treatment for kids. It is recommended by the American Association of Orthodontists that all children visit a professional by the age of seven. This will provide them the opportunity to evaluate their condition to determine if they are, in fact, in need of treatment.
Early treatment offered by orthodontics in Jacksonville Beach is also commonly referred to as Phase-One and it will usually begin around the age of eight or nine. The next phase, Phase-Two, typically starts around 11 years old. The ultimate goal of the early treatment is for correcting certain types of bite or jaw issues. Early treatment will also be sued for making room for any permanent teeth that are trying to come in, which will reduce the chances that an extraction will be necessary in the future.
One of the biggest issues parent’s face when it comes to early orthodontic treatment in Beach is whether or not their child actually needs this type of intervention. Some of the signs that you should visit an orthodontist include:
• If your child loses their baby teeth early or later than what is considered normal. (Kids should begin losing teeth by the age of five and all permanent teeth should be present by age 13)
• If they find it difficult to chew or bit.
• If they breathe from their mouth.
• If your child is sucking their thumb after the age of five.
• If teeth have begun to protrude.
• Teeth will not meet in a normal way.
• The jaw shifts when they close their mouth.
• Teeth that appear crowded.
What Causes Early Orthodontic Issues and Why Early Prevention is Beneficial
Orthodontic issues such as teeth that are crowded, or teeth that have excessive space present, growth problems with the jaw, bad bites or protruding teeth are all issues that can result in the necessity of early orthodontic treatment. The ultimate goal of this early treatment is to try and prevent the need for treatment down the road. This is why having your child evaluated at an early age is so important.
