Author (sophiaharris). Submitted on Fri, 13 Jan 2012
Many parents believe that their child has to be an adolescent with massive alignment issues in order to be considered for early orthodontic treatment. Today I would like to clear up the misconceptions of early orthodontic treatment.
My child will have to wait until they are older to see an orthodontist
Any dentist trained in orthodontics will tell you that this is simply not true. At Spokane Dental Care, we know that the prime time to assess the possible needs for orthodontics is between the ages of 5 and 12. This is known as the preventative or phases one of orthodontic treatment. At this stage we will monitor their jaw growth and how their alignment will progress. This will help us develop an individualized treatment plan for your child.
Even if potential issues are identified, my child will still need braces
This is not necessarily true. By monitoring the development of your child’s teeth while they are young, it is often possible to avoid more extensive orthodontic treatment in their future. We do this by using orthodontic appliances and other methods that promote proper tooth alignment. Your child may still need braces; however the treatment time will be shortened because of our preventative measures.
How do I know if my child is a candidate for early orthodontics?
A dentist specializing in early orthodontics, like Cheney Dental Office, is the most qualified to decide if your child needs orthodontic treatment. Generally speaking, your child may be a candidate if you notice any of the following:
● Overbite or underbite
● Crowded or misaligned teeth
● Thumb-sucking habit
● Cleft palate
If you have questions, please visit us at www.thespokanedentist.com for complete details and answers.