Straight Talk The Best Time For Braces

By Nahee Williams, DDS

Precious Smiles of Virginia

. http://www.precious-smiles.com/

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Straight Talk The Best Time For Braces

Is your child starting to lose baby teeth? If so, you might want to shift your focus from playing the tooth fairy to researching orthodontists.

Here is why making your child’s orthodontic needs a top priority right now is crucial to achieving the best smile possible.

The Benefits of Braces

Cosmetic improvements are an obvious benefit of getting braces, but there are also important health reasons for sporting them

Lower potential for decay, due to difficulty cleaning crooked or overlapping teeth

Prevention of jaw-related problems, such as head and ear aches, or TMJ

Improved ability to chew or speak, if bite problems were to blame

Reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, which has been linked to poor dental health

In addition, correcting your child’s smile can help boost confidence and self-esteem.

When To Go and What To Expect

According to the American Academy of Orthodontics (AAO), children should see an orthodontist by the time they are seven years old. Your child’s pediatric dentist will also help to guide you. This does not necessarily mean treatment has to start at this age.

Regardless of your child’s dental situation, timing is everything. Early detection of certain problems may increase your options for treatment.

Differing Approaches To Braces

When caught early enough, certain tooth misalignments can be addressed via a method typically referred to as an “interceptive approach”. This form of treatment occurs in two phases, the first of which involves orthodontic devices while the child still has baby teeth, followed by standard braces once he or she has a full set of permanent teeth. Proponents of this approach believe that acting early makes it easier to correct problems, and also tout the fact that treatment will be finished at a younger age.

On the other hand, the traditional approach to braces doesn’t start until all permanent teeth have emerged, which can happen anywhere between the ages of 8-14 (even though assessment at an early age is still recommended).

The Best Course Of Action

Decisions on timing and treatment are up to the parent, but having your child’s mouth examined early can make the choices easier, especially if there are severe misalignments.

Your pediatric dentist will guide you as to when the correct time is for an orthodontic consultation.