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Orthodontic Braces, How Early Should a Child Be Treated?

How early should children get dental braces and orthodontic treatment?

A simple guideline to use is that children should be examined at the time their permanent teeth are beginning to come in. However, every child is different, and sometimes the best starting time for getting orthodontic braces and other dental appliances depends on the type of problem and how severe it is. So the answer really is: "It depends…"

If your child has crooked teeth and requires dental braces, early intervention can make a real difference. That is when the best results with orthodontic braces are seen; ones that might be impossible once your child's face and jaw have completely developed. Also, when started early, completing the orthodontics is much easier.

During an initial examination, your dentist will evaluate your child's facial growth, spacing between teeth, crowding, and extra, missing or crooked teeth. They will also look for overbite and for habits like tongue-thrusting and thumb-sucking that may hinder normal growth and development. These problems can change tooth alignment as well as alter facial appearance.

If, after the initial exam, your child doesn't require orthodontic braces or retainers, most dentists will schedule periodic follow-up exams. This is to ensure that while the permanent teeth are coming in, and their face and jaws continue to grow, their needs don't change. If they do, the problem can be caught and fixed early.

Getting orthodontic braces and retainers can bring your child's teeth, lips and face into harmony. We all know that a pleasing appearance and beautiful smile give children, and adults, a big advantage in life.

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.

Teen Braces: Straight Teeth In Progress!

Many pre-teens and young teenagers have colorful smiles -- they wear braces. Today's teen braces bear little resemblance to the "train tracks" that baby boomers may remember from their youth -- they're updated in style and make a colorful fashion statement that's good for their teeth! You can even get invisible braces, which are made by Invisalign.

Why Do Kids Wear Braces?

It's not surprising that many teenagers wear braces. Dental experts estimate that more than two-thirds of the population need braces to correct dental problems that occur, including teeth that protrude or are crooked, teeth that overlap and crowd each other, and teeth that have gaps between them. In addition, some children need braces to align their teeth and correct their bite. Whatever the condition, children recognize that they will enhance their appearance in the long term. Parents know that they are actually making an investment in their child's health and appearance. Now with invisible braces children won't have to be self conscious of their smile when the are wearing orthodontic braces!

What Happens If They Don't Get Orthodontic Braces?

Not everyone who needs orthodontic braces gets them. Children who have problems with their teeth will not outgrow them, nor will their teeth "just take care of themselves." Crooked teeth or overlapping teeth will stay that way, and will be difficult to clean, which can lead to bacteria growth and gum disease. Bites that need correcting will cause difficulty in biting or chewing as time goes on. Teeth that are not aligned correctly may wear the enamel more quickly, which exposes the teeth to more damage.

When Should My Child Visit an Orthodontic Dentist?

It's a good idea to schedule an appointment with an orthodontist when your child's permanent teeth appear, sometime between the ages of five and seven. Your family dentist may recommend an orthodontic dentist in your area if he isn't able to fulfill your needs. You may also ask friends whose children have had orthodontic braces if they have any recommendations.

An early appointment is advised to spot any potential problems that require treatment. Timing is critical since delaying treatment can multiply some dental problems. The orthodontist will be able to tell you how your child's mouth is developing and whether any problems exist. At early ages, children's jaws are still growing; at about age 12, the mouth and jawbones begin to harden. Some children at the earlier ages require a retainer, which sometimes eliminates the need for teen braces at a later age. After this age any structural work may require complex surgery so early treatment is advised.

Smile - Straight Teeth in Progress!

Because so many children have braces these days, much of the stigma of teen braces has disappeared. In fact, teen braces are often viewed as a fashionable rite of passage. While your child may experience some good-natured ribbing at first, chances are that lots of classmates have braces, too. Remind them that their smile -- and their dental health -- is important to you, and that it won't be long before the braces give way to straight, healthy teeth, guaranteed to make them smile! Plus invisible braces by Invisalign could allow your child to repair crooked teeth and have the smile they have always wanted without the teasing from their peers.

By Danine M. Fresch, D.D.S.

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.