What Are the Benefits of Early Intervention Braces?

We know that as parents, you’re all about giving your children the best head start. We’re here to spill the beans on why early orthodontic intervention braces can benefit your child.

Now, we understand that the idea of braces for your child might sound daunting. But trust us, it’s a game changer. Early orthodontic intervention can help correct dental problems such as overcrowding, misalignment and incorrect bites as your child’s mouth and jaw develop. It’s the secret sauce for a picture-perfect smile and fully functional teeth and jaws. 

When Should My Child See the Dentist for Orthodontic Treatment? 

According to the Australian Society of Orthodontics, the best age to start early orthodontic treatment is between the ages of 7 and 10. Why, you ask? Because your child’s facial structure is still developing, making it the perfect time to begin orthodontic treatment. 

When you take your child to visit the dentist during these ages, our orthodontist can assess your child’s teeth and determine if early treatment is necessary. We will check if your child is developing a bad bite and assess the teeth that have come in to detect problems like crowding, crossbites and open bites.

Treatment, however, may not always begin at this age. We typically start with braces once all the baby teeth have fallen out. However, an assessment allows us to keep a vigilant eye on the development of your child’s teeth and intercept any issues before they become severe problems.  

How to Know if Early Orthodontic Care is Necessary? 

Wondering if your child needs early orthodontic intervention? Here are some signs to keep an eye out for: 

• Early loss of baby teeth (before the age of five)
• Crowded or protruding teeth 
• Mouth breathing and/or snoring 
• Habits such as thumb-sucking past the age of five
• Difficulties in biting and chewing 
• Speech impediments
• Grinding or clenching of teeth 
• Teeth that don’t meet properly when biting

Spotting these signs early on means our dental team at SDG can swoop in and make adjustments efficiently and effectively. Give your child’s teeth the TLC they deserve. It will set them up for a dazzling smile in the future. 

Schedule a consultation with our friendly dentists ASAP if you notice any of these signs.  

Benefits of Early Orthodontic Intervention 

Early orthodontic treatment brings about a range of benefits for your child: 

Faster & Effective Solutions 

Your child’s jawbone doesn’t harden until they reach their late teens. Early orthodontic treatment that begins while your child’s jawbone is still developing and soft allows for easier manipulation of the jaws. This makes corrective procedures smoother, faster and more effective.  

Prevents Long-Term Dental Problems 

Think of early orthodontic intervention as the solution that nips dental problems in the bud. By tackling orthodontic problems like overcrowding, crooked teeth and problems with the bite early on, we can prevent dental troubles like decay, infections and tooth loss. Not only that, early intervention can also prevent orthodontic issues from developing in the first place. 

Boosts Confidence 

There’s nothing like the confidence that comes with having a straight and healthy smile. It makes your child more confident to laugh and interact with peers, greatly aiding their early development. 

Corrects Speech Problems 

A misaligned bite can create problems in your child’s speech, such as lisping. Early orthodontic treatment helps improve your child’s bite, allowing them to speak and pronounce words clearly and confidently. 

Improves Digestion 

Believe it or not, aligned teeth and jaws can aid in digestion. How? By making it easier for your child to chew their food easily and break it down into smaller pieces. 

Helps Maintain Oral Hygiene 

Misaligned or crowded teeth can make cleaning your teeth a challenging task. This is because it leaves many spaces and areas that are hard to reach, which become breeding grounds for bacteria and plaque. By straightening your child’s teeth early on, you can make cleaning their teeth an easier and more enjoyable process while boosting their oral health.

Corrects Bite Problems 

When your child’s teeth and jaws don’t align properly, it can cause teeth to become crowded and grow at awkward angles. Early orthodontic treatment helps correct these issues and guide the jaw’s growth pattern while making room in the mouth for permanent teeth to erupt correctly. This will prevent your child from needing tooth extractions later on due to crowded teeth. 

Saves Time & Money 

Orthodontic problems, left untreated, can develop into more severe problems over time. Correcting these problems early on will not only improve your child’s smile and oral health but will also save you money and time in the long run. 

Early Orthodontic Solutions in Wantirna

• Early Intervention Braces – When it comes to braces, most people don’t need braces until they reach their teens.. However, early intervention braces may be necessary, especially if your child has crowded or crooked teeth. Braces are one of the most common orthodontic treatments which involves wearing bonded or cemented brackets that hold flexible wires using clear or colourful bands to move teeth into the desired position. Depending on the complexity of your child’s case, treatment time may take an average of 12-24 months. 

• Damon System Braces – They are discreet-fitting braces that ensure comfort and convenience. Damon braces can be attached to your teeth in just one visit and are best suited for teenagers and adults. 
• Clear Aligners – If you want a virtually invisible orthodontic solution for your child, clear aligners are your best choice. Custom-made to fit their teeth, they are comfortable and removable. 
• No Braces Approach – This approach involves wearing functional, removable or bonded orthopaedic appliances. Your child’s age and complexity of malocclusion and crowding determine the suitability of this approach. 

If you think your child may need early orthodontic treatment, schedule a complimentary orthodontic consultation today at SDG Dental. It’s not just about a pretty smile, but a healthy one too!