When Should I Take My Child To The Orthodontist?

Did you know that tooth misalignment not only affects the facial aesthetics of kids but can also have a significant impact on their quality of life? According to a research study, children with misaligned teeth are 1.7 times more likely to have an impaired quality of life than those with properly aligned teeth. So, parents must keep track of their child’s teeth and seek treatment if they are aligned optimally. 

Unfortunately, most orthodontic issues are invisible to the naked eye unless they have become significant and require extensive treatment. So, how to detect these issues timely? This can only be done by taking your child to an orthodontist so that they can monitor their teeth growth pattern and take measures to prevent misalignment. 

But the next question that may come to your mind would be, “When should I take my kid to an orthodontist for the first time?”. The answer to this question is given comprehensively in this blog. So, continue reading to learn the right time for the first orthodontic visit of your child.

At What Age Should A Child First Visit An Orthodontist?

This is one of the most commonly asked questions by parents. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, parents should bring their kids for their first orthodontic consultation by their seventh birthday. The reason is that by age 7, children have already grown most of their permanent teeth, and an orthodontist can detect underlying issues at this stage before they become more prominent and requires expensive or time-consuming orthodontic treatment. 

How Does An Orthodontist Fix Dental Issues In Children?

There are several ways orthodontists fix orthodontic issues in kids. The first and most effective is the preventive approach. In this approach, orthodontists monitor the growth pattern of kids right from an early age. In this way, any underlying issue will be detected and treated timely. Another approach is the use of functional appliances. These appliances harness the growth spurt in kids to redirect jaw growth and tooth movement to ensure optimal alignment and occlusion. Finally, if a child seeks orthodontic treatment in their teens, an orthodontist will use braces or clear aligners to fix the alignment of the teeth.

Why Is Orthodontic Treatment Necessary For Children?

Many people think that orthodontic treatment is only essential to ensure that their child enjoys an adorable smile. However, the fact is that optimally aligned teeth are equally essential for the following:

• One’s oral health and physical well-being. – Because our teeth help us chew and digest food.
• For keeping your teeth and mouth clean
• An improved and confident smile

If the teeth are not aligned properly, they cannot break the food into smaller pieces. As a result, the digestion of food will be affected, leading to malnutrition. Furthermore, misaligned teeth are difficult to clean and can increase the risk of gum disease due to plaque and tartar deposition.

What Role Do Braces Play In Your Child’s Health?

The main aim of dental braces is to align the teeth. So, when the teeth are aligned, they can effectively chew the food and help in its digestion. That is why children with properly aligned teeth have better physical health than those with crooked or misaligned teeth. 

How Often Does My Child Need To See The Pediatric Dentist?

The frequency of pediatric dental checkup visits depends on the child’s oral health status. For example, children with good oral health and cavity-free teeth may need to see the dentist twice a year. However, kids at risk of developing tooth decay and gum disease may need to see their dentist more often, for instance, every three months. Your child’s dentist will recommend the frequency of the checkup visits after a thorough clinical examination. 

What Age Is Recommended A Child Get Braces? 

According to the NHS, the ideal age for a child to get braces is 12 – 13 years. At this age, the child’s jaws are still growing, and they will allow for the movement of the teeth in optimal alignment. However, this does not mean that kids older than this age bracket are suitable candidates for brackets. Instead, age is just a number when it comes to orthodontic treatment. Whether you are sixteen or sixty, you can get your teeth straightened with braces or Invisalign clear aligners. 

How Old Is Too Old To Visit A Pediatric Dentist?

Pediatric dentists are professionals trained to diagnose and treat dental problems related to children. If you have grown-up kids, you might wonder when should be the right time to take them to a general dentist who treats adult dental problems. While there is no set age limit when a child becomes too old for pediatric visits, children past their teenage years should be taken to dentists who specialise in treating adult dental problems. 

Can You Fix A Gap Without Braces?

The ideal treatment option for fixing gaps between the teeth is orthodontic treatment with braces or clear aligners. This is because braces will address the underlying issue and restore one’s optimal dental function and aesthetics. However, if someone cannot afford braces or wait many months to complete their orthodontic treatment, another option is available. In this cosmetic option, your dentist will cosmetically mask the gaps using porcelain veneers. However, this option only fixes the aesthetic issue and will not address the underlying problem. 

If you are looking for the best kid’s orthodontist in Middlesbrough, look no more! Cleveland Ortho provides the highest-quality orthodontic treatment facilities to its esteemed patients. We also take pride in having the best dental team and state-of-the-art equipment in town. So, what are you waiting for? Book an appointment today to preserve your child’s pearly white, adorable smile.