Early Treatment
Even though orthodontic treatment is associated with teenagers, early orthodontic treatment in Overland Park, KS can be highly beneficial for youngsters. It’s been shown that early treatment can be a highly effective preventive measure so that potential future alignment issues may be avoided or lessened. Early orthodontic intervention, also known as interceptive orthodontics, aims to address and correct dental issues before they become more severe. Following is a closer look at early treatment orthodontic services and their benefits.
What’s the Purpose of Early Treatment of Orthodontics?
The reasoning behind early treatment of orthodontics is that most orthodontic problems don’t just crop up overnight, while your child is sleeping. Like other issues, orthodontic issues happen slowly, over a period of time. Often, the progression of alignment issues can be extrapolated along a timeline extending well into the future. In fact, in the past, many orthodontists were able to advise parents that their youngsters were going to need braces or some other orthodontic treatment as they hit their teens. Now, orthodontists and parents can act on that knowledge with early treatment measures.
When Does Early Treatment Begin?
Early orthodontic treatment typically begins between the ages of 7 and 10, when a child still has a mix of primary (baby) and permanent teeth. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. This early assessment can identify potential problems and determine the best time to start treatment. Early intervention can address issues such as overcrowding, spacing, and misalignment, which, if left untreated, can lead to more complex problems later on. You can schedule your child’s first orthodontic evaluation by contacting Bulleigh Orthodontics in Overland Park, KS and Shawnee, KS.
Common Issues Addressed by Early Treatment
A wide variety of issues can be addressed with early treatment. These include but are not limited to:
Malocclusions
Malocclusions are more widely known as underbites and overbites. Both are as bad as the other, as they have the potential to cause a range of other issues. They’re one of the most common reasons for early treatment, as well as orthodontic treatment in general. Early treatment can correct these issues by guiding the growth of the jaw and ensuring that the teeth come together properly in the bite formation.
Crowding and Spacing Issues
Crowded teeth are problematic and need to be addressed with orthodontics. But with early treatment, the issue of crowded teeth may be averted altogether, before the associated risk of cavities and gum disease comes full throttle. Early orthodontic treatment can create the necessary space for permanent teeth to emerge correctly. Conversely, if there are gaps between the teeth, early treatment can help close these spaces to ensure a proper bite and alignment.
Thumb Sucking and Tongue Thrusting
Many children—and their parents—deal with the ramifications of thumb sucking or tongue thrusting that persists into late childhood. These two habits, which are hard for kids to break, can wreak havoc on tooth alignment. Thankfully, early orthodontic intervention can help to mitigate these effects and guide the teeth into their proper positions.
