Early orthodontic treatment is not as common as traditional orthodontic treatment, like braces for adult teeth usually worn during the adolescent years. However, early orthodontic treatment is often vital for addressing early oral cavity issues. Whether teeth are protruding excessively or baby teeth are lost before the age of five, early orthodontic treatment can appropriately address these issues and others to ensure that good oral health is obtained and maintained.
Nonetheless, some parents are hesitant to start their children with early orthodontic treatment before their adult teeth have developed. While it is normal to feel anxious about something unknown, it is often quite beneficial for the long term health of the child's oral cavity.
Outlined below are four of the best benefits that are associated with early orthodontic treatment. It can be helpful to review these benefits when considering early orthodontic treatment for children.
One of the best benefits that early orthodontic treatment offers children through early correction is that it serves as a guide to the oral cavity. Treatment can guide the growth of the jaw as it continues to develop. It can also help ensure permanent teeth grow in evenly and in the proper position.
Another benefit of early orthodontic treatment is that it helps correct physical problems early on. A lot of the children who require treatment early have bite issues. Overbites, underbites and crossbites can all cause serious dysfunction and pain in the jaw, which can result in long-term problems. When these bite issues are addressed early on, there is less pain and little to no dysfunction later in life.
A lot of children practice bad habits, like thumb sucking or tongue thrusting, which can cause developmental issues in the oral cavity. Over time, the gums, teeth and entire jaw can suffer as a result. The jaw can develop unhealthily, which can make eating, smiling and even speaking difficult or painful. When early orthodontic treatment is administered, children can break these bad habits earlier, which means less dysfunction later on and ensures proper function of the entire oral cavity.
When baby teeth begin to crowd as a result of bite issues, it likely means that adult teeth will also crowd. Crowding teeth can cause tooth decay and gum disease, both of which can affect adult teeth. However, when early orthodontic treatment is administered and bite isses are addressed sooner, there is less of a risk that gum disease or tooth decay will develop.
Early orthodontic treatment can provide even further benefits beyond the ones listed above. While treatment may be time-consuming and uncomfortable, the pros almost always outweigh the cons. To find out more about early orthodontic treatment and what it entails, reach out today. Any questions and concerns can be appropriately addressed, and a consultation can be scheduled.
Request an appointment here: https://www.ucsmilesortho.com or call UC Smiles Orthodontics at (210) 672-1054 for an appointment in our San Antonio office.
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