Recent studies have shown that proper oral health is an essential part of every child’s well-being, and it is our responsibility as parents and caregivers to ensure our children receive the best possible care. One of the most important aspects of oral care is ensuring that your child’s mouth is developing properly.
In the Bend area, a large number of parents understand the benefits of orthodontic care for their children but are unsure of when to begin treatment. The answer to this question is that every child should have an initial evaluation by an orthodontist between the ages of 7 and 9. This allows the orthodontist to identify any potential issues in your child’s mouth that may need to be addressed in the future.
What to Expect at an Early Orthodontic Evaluation
At an early orthodontic evaluation, the orthodontist will examine your child’s mouth in great detail. This typically involves taking x-rays to examine the position of the permanent teeth, and the shape of the upper and lower jaws. The orthodontist will also look for other issues that could be impact on your child’s oral health.
If any issues are detected, the orthodontist will provide you with a recommendation for any necessary treatment. This could includee techniques to adjust misaligned teeth or cross-bites, a retainer or expander to help the jaw develop naturally.
Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment
Early orthodontic care for children in the Bend area provides a number of benefits. The biggest benefit is that early treatment can help to identify and address potential issues in the mouth at an early age. This can help to prevent more extensive or expensive treatments in the future.
In addition, early orthodontic treatment helps to improve a child’s self-esteem. When children are able to smile with confidence, and not be ashamed of appearance, this has a positive impact on their mental health.
Finally, early orthodontic treatment can help to prevent consuming habits, such as thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting, which can cause harm to your child’s oral health.
Conclusion
Early orthodontic treatment for children in the Bend area is an essential part of maintaining a child’s oral health. Every child should have an initial evaluation with an orthodontist between the ages of 7 and 9. This will help to identify any issues early on and prevent the need for more extensive treatment in the future. In addition, early orthodontic treatment can help to improve a child’s self-esteem and prevent consuming habits.
If you are a parent in the Bend area, and concerned about your child’s oral health, consider taking your child for an early orthodontic evaluation. This will ensure that you and your child have the peace of mind knowing that their mouth is developing properly.