When should your child first see an orthodontist? Many parents think orthodontic care should wait until all their child’s permanent teeth have come in. However, an early orthodontic evaluation can give valuable insight into how a child’s teeth, jaws, bite, and facial structures are developing.
At Dream Smiles in Raleigh, NC, we believe orthodontics is about more than straight teeth. An early evaluation allows our team to identify potential concerns while your child is still growing and determine whether treatment is needed.
7 Reasons an Early Orthodontic Evaluation Matters
1. Monitor Jaw Development
An orthodontist can evaluate how your child’s upper and lower jaws are developing and how they relate to one another. Identifying certain jaw development concerns early may allow an orthodontist to consider treatment while your child’s facial structures are still developing, particularly if they have been thumb sucking for an extended time.
2. Evaluate Crowding and Spacing
Crowded or misplaced teeth can sometimes indicate that there may not be enough room for permanent teeth to erupt properly. An early evaluation gives your orthodontist an opportunity to monitor tooth eruption and determine whether intervention could help create space for developing permanent teeth.
3. Identify Bite Problems
An uneven bite can affect more than the appearance of a smile. Orthodontists evaluate how the upper and lower teeth come together and look for concerns such as overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites.
4. Pay Attention to Airway Health
Orthodontic evaluations can also consider certain structural factors related to airway health. The development of the jaws and dental arches can play a role in the overall structure of the mouth and face, which is why airway considerations may be part of a comprehensive orthodontic evaluation.
If your child frequently breathes through their mouth, snores, or has other concerns related to breathing or sleep, it is important to discuss those symptoms with an appropriate healthcare professional.
5. Monitor How Permanent Teeth Are Coming In
As baby teeth are lost and permanent teeth begin to erupt, your child’s smile can change quickly. An orthodontist can monitor this process and identify teeth that may be crowded, misplaced, or having difficulty erupting.
6. Take Advantage of Your Child’s Growing Years
Timing can be an important part of orthodontic treatment. Because children are still growing, orthodontists may have opportunities to guide certain aspects of dental and jaw development that aren’t available in quite the same way once growth is complete.
7. Know When Treatment Is Needed
One of the biggest benefits of an early orthodontic evaluation is simply having information. An evaluation does not automatically mean your child needs braces or clear aligners. Instead, it gives your orthodontist the opportunity to assess development and recommend the right next step.
It’s More Than Teeth
A beautiful smile is important, but orthodontics is about more than simply making teeth look straight. Jaw development, bite alignment, tooth eruption, dental arch development, and other factors can all play a role in creating a healthy, functional smile.
At Dream Smiles, our Raleigh orthodontic team takes a personalized approach to care, using advanced technology and treatment options designed around each patient’s individual needs. If you’re wondering whether your child is ready for an orthodontic evaluation, we’re here to help you understand their options.
Schedule an orthodontic evaluation with Dream Smiles and give your child’s growing smile the attention it deserves.