Orthodontics can help address issues with your bite and provide a variety of benefits, like improved oral hygiene, improved speech, and an improved smile. Orthodontics works best when patients are around the ages of 9 to 14. At this point, the jaw and facial structures are still developing, but most of the permanent teeth should have erupted.
Parents should take their child to a dentist for orthodontic screening before the age of 7. This allows for early detection of any issues that are developing, so appropriate treatments can be performed while the child’s jaw and facial structures are developing.
If a malocclusion is detected during a bite analysis, the dentist will come up with a strategic treatment plan that addresses it. In some cases, treatment might not be needed immediately. The dentist might opt to monitor the child while their jaw and facial structures continue growing before making a recommendation about potential treatment options.
If the child’s bite issues require immediate treatment, the dentist will talk to the child and their parent about potential treatment options. Early treatment of orthodontic issues can help create enough space for teeth that have yet to erupt, it can stop developing problems, and it can guide the growth and development of facial structures. Dental issues that a dentist might opt to fix before all of a child’s permanent teeth have erupted include:
Orthodontic problems can develop as a result of a child’s genetics, trauma to the face, dental disease, or habits like thumb sucking.
There are many ways to address bite issues early on. In some cases, an extraction might be all that is needed to stop a malocclusion from developing. Removing a tooth on a crowded jaw creates more space for the remaining teeth to grow into their proper alignment.
Appliances like braces can also be used to move the patient’s teeth. Clear aligners can get the job done, but they typically are not recommended for children because they require a level of commitment that most children cannot meet. Clear aligners need to be worn for at least 20 hours daily, and that can be challenging for a child to keep up with.
Fixed appliances, like braces, work best for children because they cannot be removed during the duration of treatment. Regardless of what option the dentist recommends, treating orthodontic issues early on typically leads to more effective and shorter treatment times.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Orthodontics in Los Angeles, CA
Straightening your child’s teeth early on can help them avoid being the target of bullies and can even give them a confidence boost. The process of straightening teeth works best when your child’s facial structures and jaw are still forming. Call or visit our Los Angeles clinic to learn more about how our dentist can fix your child’s malocclusion.
Request an appointment or call NELA Orthodontics at 323-203-0721 for an appointment in our Los Angeles office.
Orthodontics typically involves wearing oral appliances like braces or clear aligners in order to straighten teeth. These devices work by constantly pushing on the wearer’s teeth, moving them to more desirable positions over time. Teeth misalignment can lead to a less aesthetically pleasing smile and a variety of oral issues, like gum disease. Getting appropriate…
Traditional metal braces have served as the foundation for orthodontics for over a century. These metal appliances are not the most aesthetically pleasing oral appliances, but getting braces is still the most effective way to correct severe orthodontic issues.Traditional braces are permanently fixed in place once attached by a dentist, and they apply constant force…
Every person has unique reasons for seeking orthodontics. Some seek treatment to enhance the way that their smile looks, while others might want to address more serious issues, like not being able to speak properly due to teeth misalignment. Dentists often recommend orthodontics if they notice abnormalities like poor teeth alignment or a lack of…