Many children in Australia need orthodontic work such as braces. It’s now around 40-50% of children who get braces – a number that was much smaller in the past.
Orthodontic work isn’t just about having a straighter smile. Properly aligned teeth makes brushing and flossing much easier, corrects overbites and underbites and improves chewing and speech.
Here, Victorian Dental Group – Melbourne’s leading family dental practice – outlines the benefits of early orthodontic evaluation.
At what age should my child get an orthodontic evaluation?
The Australian Society of Orthodontists recommends children visit an orthodontist for an assessment between the ages of 8-10 years old. This allows the orthodontist to evaluate your child’s teeth and determine if they need early treatment. Orthodontists assess existing teeth as well as those that are yet to erupt to help predict their future growth.
What are the benefits of an early orthodontic evaluation?
There are several key benefits to early orthodontic evaluation. These include:
- Early problem detection
Orthodontists can detect problems with your child’s teeth and jaw before they start having effects. For example, an orthodontist can observe that a child’s tooth will compact the mouth before it has erupted. This allows orthodontists to get a clear picture of what needs to be done, while minimising the effects on your child.
- Orthodontic work is most effective on children
If a corrective procedure is needed, it’s better to start early. Children’s jaw bones are soft and pliable; they don’t start hardening until the late teens. This makes orthodontic work faster and more effective on young children than late teens and adults.
- Boosted confidence in teenage years and adulthood
When children grow into teenagers, they begin to become more conscious about their appearance. Starting orthodontic work while they’re still young means that by the time they’re teenagers, their smile will be straight, boosting their confidence.
- Reducing risk of dental care problems at an early age
As mentioned previously, having a straighter smile isn’t the only benefit of orthodontic work. Crowded and crooked teeth make it far more difficult to properly brush and remove food debris from the entire mouth. This can lead to plaque and tartar build-up, tooth decay and increased risk of gingivitis and periodontitis.
By correcting malocclusions at an early age, this gives your child a better opportunity for more effective brushing and flossing, preventing serious problems later in life. It’s important for children to have great oral hygiene early on, and orthodontic assessments can help with this.
Are you interested in learning more about early orthodontic evaluations? Get in touch with Victorian Dental Group today. Our family dentists can provide expert opinions, and can connect you with highly-rated orthodontist clinics. Victorian Dental Group is one of Melbourne’s leading family dentists, with a focus on gentle dental and quality work. Book an appointment for your child at our clinic today.