How Early Can My Child Have Dental Braces?

How Early Can My Child Have Dental Braces?

Everyone wants their child to grow up with a great smile; that’s why it’s a good idea to receive an orthodontic evaluation once your child reaches seven years of age.

An orthodontist is a dentist who specializes in straightening and aligning teeth. Consulting an expert will help you learn more about your child’s teeth and know the cause of its misalignment. But at what age should you get your child’s teeth treated?

Signs that your child needs dental braces

Several tell-tale signs can help you identify if your child needs dental braces or not. One website says that your child’s 20 primary teeth should have erupted by the time the toddler reaches three. Then, the permanent teeth should begin to grow between the ages of six and nine. It mostly starts with the back molars and the front teeth because these teeth need a lot of room to grow.

The upper teeth often have a relation with the development of the maxilla or the upper bone. So, when the child’s upper dental arch grows crooked, it only indicates that the sinuses are cramped. This can cause your child to have trouble breathing.

Mouth breathing, snoring, and trouble to sleep, and slumped posture are just a few of the signs that your child needs dental braces. Neglecting to treat this can only put your child at risk of developing sleep disorders.

When to start dental braces

braces

The Mayo Clinic says that the best time to get your child dental braces depends on the severity of her teeth misalignment. Additionally, the orthodontist will also consider its cause. But traditionally, the treatment using dental braces only starts when a child loses most of her baby teeth, and most of her adult teeth have grown in. It usually happens between 8 to 14 years of age. If your child’s condition needs treatment, then you can opt for preventive or interceptive care while your child’s teeth are still developing.

Some experts in Taylorsville, Utah, recommend an interceptive approach for treating the condition. It’s a treatment that often involves dental appliances to treat the misalignment. Then, once the child has most of the adult teeth growing, the second phase can soon begin, which often involves getting clear braces or appliances.

Maintaining dental braces

Braces and other dental appliances can attract food and bacteria. These things can stain your child’s teeth. Even worse, it can also cause teeth to deteriorate over time. That’s why it’s crucial to teach children how to maintain their braces. Doing so can effectively prevent plaque from building up.

You should start by teaching children how to maintain their teeth properly. Also, experts recommend that children visit the dentist’s office regularly. They’ll help you explain the proper flossing and brushing techniques to help you maintain your child’s teeth.

These are only a few of the things that you should know to about dental braces for kids. If you feel that your child needs dental assistance, then it’s best to speak to your dentist about it.

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