We often get asked, "Why age 7?" when it comes to a child's first orthodontic visit. It's a great question and one that we're excited to address. As a leading orthodontist, Dr. Jolley agrees with the experts at the American Association of Orthodontics, and believes in the importance of early orthodontic intervention to ensure a lifetime of healthy smiles for your child. Learn why age 7 is the ideal time to schedule that first orthodontic appointment – and maybe for braces.
By the age of 7, your child's mouth has typically developed enough permanent teeth for our orthodontic team to evaluate their dental health comprehensively. This early assessment allows us to detect any potential issues and intervene before they become more serious problems. Not all kids will need early treatment, but this is an imperative time for those who might. It is better to be safe than sorry!
While some orthodontic problems are obvious, others may not be noticeable to the untrained eye. By visiting us at Jolley Orthodontics for early treatment, we can catch issues like misalignments, overcrowding, or bite problems early on, preventing them from escalating into more significant concerns.
During your child’s initial evaluation, we assess for issues like crowding, open bite, overbite, or gummy smiles. Immediate treatment might not be needed, but if necessary, we develop a personalized plan tailored to their needs. Early orthodontic treatment, which can involve removable or fixed appliances, aims to create space for teeth, maintain jaw symmetry, and shorten overall treatment time.
One of the key benefits of early orthodontic intervention is the ability to guide the growth of your child's jaws and facial structure. By addressing issues like underbites or crossbites early, we can help ensure that your child's teeth and jaws develop correctly, minimizing the need for more invasive treatments later on.
By starting orthodontic treatment at age 7, we can often prevent future complications and reduce the overall duration and complexity of treatment down the road. Early intervention sets the stage for a smoother orthodontic journey and a healthier, more confident smile for your child.
Early treatment also allows us to educate parents about their child's dental health and any potential treatment needs. We believe in empowering parents with the knowledge and tools they need to make informed decisions about their child's oral care.
Don't wait until orthodontic problems worsen—schedule your child's first orthodontic visit with Dr. Jolley at Jolley Orthodontics today! Our friendly team provides the highest quality care in a comfortable and welcoming environment. Let's start your child's journey to a lifetime of healthy smiles together.
Posted on 09/04/2024 at 11:16 AM
