Is Early Orthodontics Necessary for My Child? 5 Useful Facts
Early orthodontics is gaining more and more attention as a way to ensure that your child’s teeth develop properly. But is early orthodontic treatment really necessary? Here are five useful facts that can help you make the right decision about early orthodontics in Princeton.
What is Early Orthodontics?
Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that focuses on diagnosing, preventing, and correcting misalignment in the teeth. Early orthodontics is a specialized type of orthodontic treatment used to address problems before they become more severe. It’s often recommended for children between the ages of 6 and 10 when primary teeth are still present.
Why is Early Orthodontic Treatment Necessary?
Early orthodontic treatment is necessary in certain cases, and at Princeton Orthodontics, we are well-equipped to provide the best solutions, including Invisalign Teen in Princeton. If your child is experiencing difficulty chewing, speaking, or breathing due to misalignment of the teeth, early orthodontic intervention may be necessary to address these issues effectively.
Facts About Early Orthodontics that Every Parent Should Know
#1 – Early orthodontics intercepts any possible issues that may arise.
Early orthodontic treatment focuses on correcting developing issues before they become more severe. This means that early orthodontics can help prevent more serious and costly treatments in the future.
To do this, orthodontists conduct an X-ray and dental exam to determine if any issues are developing and whether early orthodontic treatment is necessary. If not, they will continue to monitor and assess the teeth, jaw, and facial structure for any signs of misalignment. They can also recommend preventive treatments such as using retainers or spacers.
#2 – Seeing an orthodontist is recommended as early as 7 years old.
According to the American Association of Orthodontists, kids aged 7-8 are the ideal age to begin early orthodontic treatment. With or without a misalignment issue, they need to see an orthodontist for a checkup and assessment.
The orthodontist will then be able to evaluate the teeth, jaw, and facial structures in order to determine if early orthodontic treatment is necessary. It’s important to remember that early orthodontic treatments are not always necessary, and some issues may only require periodic monitoring.
#3 – Children’s permanent teeth are not guaranteed to come out straight.
Many parents think that their child’s permanent teeth will come in straight without orthodontic treatment, but this is not always the case. In some cases, the permanent teeth may come in crooked and require early orthodontic treatment.
To prevent this from happening, it’s recommended for kids to see an orthodontist as early as 7 years old. It’s during this age that they can assess any developing issues and determine whether treatment is necessary.
#4 – There are varying reasons behind crooked teeth or misaligned jaw.
Crooked teeth or a misaligned jaw can be caused by several factors. These include genetics and wrong habits, such as thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting. Issues such as mouth breathing, dental disease, trauma, poor dental hygiene, or early or late loss of baby teeth can also cause misalignment.
Parents need to be aware of these factors to help prevent misalignment. Your orthodontist will also be able to tell you what you need to avoid or start doing in order to ensure your child’s teeth and jaw develop properly.
#5 – Straight teeth bring a lot of dental and health benefits.
Straight teeth are not only aesthetically pleasing but also have several dental and health benefits. First, they are a lot easier to clean compared to when the teeth are crooked. Second, when the teeth come in straight, there is less pressure on the jaw joint, which can help prevent pain and discomfort.
Having straight teeth also helps individuals with chewing, speaking, and pronunciation. They also improve digestion as breaking down food is easier when the teeth are straight. And most of all, straight teeth make a person more confident and give them a better self-image.
Treatments for Early Orthodontics
If a problem is present, there are several treatments available for early orthodontics. These include dental braces, palatal expanders, and retainers. Each of these options is tailored to the specific needs of a patient and can help correct any misalignments.
#1 – Braces
Braces come in different mechanisms and materials. They use brackets attached to the teeth and wires connecting each bracket to move the teeth into their correct positions gradually. Braces usually take several months to a year to produce results, depending on the severity of the misalignment.
#2 – Invisalign or Clear Aligners
Clear aligners are removable and transparent trays that move the teeth into their proper positions. They must be worn for at least 22 hours daily and changed every two weeks. Invisalign treatment usually takes 6-18 months, depending on the severity of the issue. They are a great alternative for patients who want a more discreet treatment option.
#3 – Palatal Expanders
Palatal expanders are used to widen the arch of the upper jaw. They use a key or screw to widen the palate over time, and it can take up to 4-6 months to produce results.
#4 – Space Maintainers
Space maintainers are used to hold the space created by a baby tooth that has been lost prematurely. They allow permanent teeth to come in without any problems.
#5 – Retainers
Retainers are used to maintain the desired position of the teeth after braces have been removed. They can be removable or fixed and must be worn regularly to achieve the desired early orthodontics results.
#6 – Headgear
Headgear is used to correct overbite and underbite. The headgear attaches to the braces and pulls the upper or lower jaw into its correct position. Headgear is usually worn 12-14 hours a day and can take up to a year or more to produce results.
Early Orthodontic Treatment Princeton
If you live in Princeton, NJ, consult Princeton Orthodontics today and receive quality early orthodontic treatment in Princeton for your child! Our office is located at 601 Ewing St # B12, Princeton, NJ, and our experienced and friendly orthodontist and staff are here to provide your child with the best-suited early orthodontics treatment for their case.
Dr. Jonathan Nicozisis has been in the specialty practice of orthodontics since 1997. He specializes in early interceptive orthodontic treatment, braces, and Invisalign. At Princeton Orthodontics, we strive to give our patients the best possible care and results.
As a matter of fact, we have received the highest Invisalign certification—Top 1% Diamond Plus Provider ranking! Dr. Nicozisis is also a member of the Invisalign National Speaker’s Bureau and Clinical Research Network, where he helps conduct research and development of new technologies and improvements to the Invisalign technique.
Get a comprehensive assessment and an individualized early orthodontics treatment plan tailored to your child’s needs. Contact Princeton Orthodontics today and book your free consultation! We look forward to helping your child achieve a beautiful and healthy smile for life.
