The term “early orthodontic treatment” refers to any orthodontic treatment delivered before your child has all of their adult teeth, which usually happens at the age of 12-13. It’s important because certain orthodontic issues are much easier to treat when your child is young, and their jaws and teeth have not yet fully developed.
By addressing problems with their jaw position and teeth from an early age, Dr. Christie in Edmonds can help ensure your child’s adult teeth erupt properly. This keeps your child’s mouth healthy, and minimizes the need for or duration of future orthodontic care, too.
The best way to determine if your child needs early orthodontics is to see Dr. Christie at Thrive Kids Dentistry. However, there are a few signs that you may want to schedule an appointment at our office.
Abnormal growth of baby teeth is a common sign of orthodontic issues. If your child’s baby teeth come in really late or early, this could indicate problems with their oral development. You may also notice that your child has misshapen, misaligned, or crowded teeth.
You may also notice an obvious misalignment in their teeth and jaws. For example, if their upper teeth extend much further than their lower teeth, this indicates an overbite, and your child may need orthodontic treatment. You may also notice that your child has problems biting or chewing properly, or has certain oral health habits like thumb sucking or mouth breathing.
For your peace of mind, we highly recommend scheduling a consultation at Thrive Kids Dentistry in Edmonds, WA if you notice any of these issues.
The exact treatments your child needs will vary depending on their needs.
We offer early or interceptive orthodontic treatments to help with habits, space loss prevention, and to encourage proper development. To learn more and see what’s right for your child, contact Thrive Kids Dentistry for a consultation in Edmonds.
