The goal of the dental specialty of orthodontics is to straighten and align your teeth. If your teeth are twisted, overlapped, crooked, or gapped, you may need to see an orthodontist. Clear aligners, detachable retainers, and conventional braces are common orthodontic treatments. Whether there is an issue now or if one is just developing, your dentist in Upland, CA can advise you on the best course of action, when to begin it, and how long it will take.
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that a child see an AAO orthodontist for the first time when an orthodontic issue is first recognized in them, or by the age of seven. At that age, children have a combination of primary and permanent teeth. The examination provides a wealth of information to the child orthodontist at this age.
Why Is Orthodontic Treatment Necessary for Children?
The goal of orthodontic therapy is to realign misaligned jaws and teeth. Although many people believe that orthodontics is only done for aesthetic reasons, there are some reasons why children need to get this therapy. Better dental health is one of the main advantages of orthodontic therapy. Brushing and flossing teeth completely is made simpler when they are correctly aligned and straightened. This lowers the chance of developing gum disease and tooth decay later on. It also decreases the risk of developing cavities.
Furthermore, addressing biting problems can help avoid speech difficulties and enhance general speaking and eating performance. When biting or chewing food, misaligned jaws can hurt or create discomfort, which over time might result in poor nutrition.
Early orthodontic therapy is particularly crucial since, as we age, our bones grow more inflexible, making it more difficult to achieve major improvements with orthodontics alone.
Having orthodontic treatment is crucial to having healthy teeth for the rest of your life. Kids can have lifetime oral health if these problems are treated at an early age with the right treatment from a qualified dentist!
By the time they are seven years old, children should have had their initial orthodontic screening completed. This might make it easier for an orthodontist to identify problems and talk to you about orthodontic treatment options. They will talk to you about your options and suggest the best course of action, which may or may not include braces.
