What is the Best Age to Start Orthodontic Treatment?
One commonly asked question is what is the best age for starting orthodontic treatment? While it is never too late to undergo treatment, most orthodontists would recommend starting treatment as early as 7 or 8 years old.
Orthodontic treatment is focused around moving and aligning teeth to improve both functioning, as well as aesthetic appearances. Poor tooth alignment can cause a number of issues, not limited to jaw pain, strain, tooth damage and decay, and even chronic headaches.
Children orthodontists recommenced beginning care and initial assessments early, as this gives plenty of time for proper care and treatment plans. Early detection of potential issues can help to prevent these and other problems from becoming more difficult to fix later down the road. In fact, early treatment may end up saving time and money in the long run but preventing problems before they become more serious.
Beginning orthodontic treatment does not necessarily mean jumping right into braces, appliances or retainers (although it is a possibility). An initial consultation and evaluation of jaw and bite alignment, as well as positioning of baby and permanent teeth (even those which have not emerged yet) will give a good understanding of what treatment may need to be done, whether that’s 1 or even 5 years later. Dental appliances may be used early to make room for new and emerging teeth, preventing problems from compounding as new teeth erupt, before moving onto braces once permanent teeth have come in.
Orthodontic care is just as important to a child’s health and development as regular brushing and dental hygiene. Talk to your dentist or orthodontist to make an appointment for an initial consultation.
