Early Orthodontic Treatment - 4 Reasons Your Kids Will Thank You Later

However, there are some benefits to early orthodontic treatment – benefits that will serve your child now and into adulthood.

If you’re on the fence about investing in braces for your child, consider some of the benefits of orthodontic treatment.

What Is Early Orthodontic Treatment in Santa Barbara?

Early orthodontic treatment is treatment that occurs when there are still some baby teeth present.

While many orthodontic problems are best treated after a child has all their adult teeth, there are some instances when early treatment is better. It might be in the patient’s best interest to have treatment at a younger age if they have an issue that could become more serious if left untreated.

Such issues include:

Malocclusion issues that result in the upper and lower teeth not touching
Large spaces between the teeth
Underbites and crossbites
Thumb or finger sucking
Supernumerary teeth
Crowded teeth
Missing teeth

According to the American Association of Orthodontists, the goal of early orthodontic treatment is to:

Address an issue that could eventually become more serious if it’s left untreated
Intercept developing issues
Guide the growth of the jawbones and facial muscles
Ensure there’s adequate space for the adult teeth

It isn’t uncommon for a child who has had early orthodontic treatment from a Santa Barbara orthodontist to need a second course of treatment. The second round occurs once all the child’s adult teeth have come into their mouth. This round of treatment aims to ensure the permanent teeth come into optimal positions.

When Should I Take My Child to a Santa Barbara Orthodontist for the First Time?

Your child’s family or pediatric dentist will evaluate their teeth and bite during every cleaning and exam appointment. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children see an orthodontist for the first time by age seven.

Why Should You Take Your Child to a Santa Barbara Orthodontist?

While most dentists are well-equipped to evaluate a person’s occlusion (bite), they aren’t specialists in the area.

An orthodontist trains for at least 10 years. Their education includes:

Four years of undergraduate education
Four years of dental school
Two to three years of specialized orthodontic training

Because of their extensive education, they have the knowledge, experience, training, and tools needed to:

Identify even the slightest malocclusion issues
Provide early orthodontic treatment
Treat complex malocclusion cases

What Are 4 Important Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment in Santa Barbara?

Orthodontic treatment in Santa Barbara is an investment in your child’s long-term health. Here are a few reasons why early orthodontic treatment is an asset to your child now and in the future.

1. Corrected Occlusion Helps Prevent TMJ Disorder

The temporomandibular mandibular joints (TMJ) are the jaw joints that attach the upper and lower jawbones. The joint acts like a hinge, allowing your lower jaw to move in all directions so you can chew and speak.

Malocclusion can contribute to the development of a condition called TMJ disorder. When your bite is off, it strains the muscles, tendons, and ligaments of the head and neck. The TMJ doesn’t function as it’s supposed to, which can cause:

Damage to the joints’ discs
Arthritis
Jaw pain
Headaches and migraines
Earaches
Difficulty moving your jaw
Difficulty chewing
Difficulty opening and closing your mouth
Lockjaw

Correcting malocclusion at an early age can help preserve the function and health of the jaw joints. Doing this can prevent a lot of damage and pain for your child.

2. Straighter Teeth Are Easier to Brush and Floss

It’s hard enough to get kids to brush and floss. Add to that the fact that malocclusion makes it difficult to clean thoroughly, and you’re dealing with a difficult situation. Not only is it not fun to try and brush and floss teeth that are crowded or crooked (leading to broken floss or floss that gets stuck between the teeth), but it can lead to dental disease.

Failing to clean the teeth thoroughly increases the risk of:

Gum disease: Plaque and tartar build up in those hard-to-reach places and cause gum irritation and infection. Your child can have puffy, red, sore gums that bleed. In the future, they’re at risk of tooth loss if their gum issues aren’t resolved.
Decay: Plaque and tartar contain bacteria that release harmful acids. The acids destroy the enamel, causing tooth decay. In the future, your child can be at risk of recurrent decay if the bite isn’t corrected since they will always have difficulty brushing and flossing.

3. Your Child Will Have More Confidence

People with straighter smiles tend to feel more confident. They’re less likely to hide their smile or avoid smiling, which means they can make a great first impression in later years when they’re on a date or job interview.

4. You Can Potentially Avoid Costly Dental Treatments in the Future

Over the years, malocclusion can lead to damaged teeth. In addition to decay and gum disease, the teeth can start to crack or break due to excessive bite pressure on specific teeth. Clenching and grinding (often associated with stress and TMJ disorder) can also cause enamel wear that weakens the teeth.

Eventually, if the malocclusion isn’t resolved, your child might have to invest in:

Dental Crowns
Porcelain veneers
Tooth extractions
Dental Implants
Dental Bridges
Partial dentures
Full dentures

Thankfully, by treating malocclusion with early orthodontic treatment in Santa Barbara, you can help keep your child’s teeth healthy and strong.

Talk to Your Santa Barbara Orthodontist About Early Orthodontic Treatment

Is your child a good candidate for early orthodontic treatment? A visit to an orthodontist can help you determine what course of action is best for your child.

During your child’s orthodontic consultation, their orthodontist will evaluate their teeth and bite. They’ll take diagnostic images and records to diagnose your child’s condition. Then, they’ll create a custom treatment plan to fit your child’s needs and help them achieve healthy, well-functioning dentition.

Call Orthodontics of Santa Barbara at 805-979-9070 or use our contact form to schedule a consultation for your child.