By age seven, as their smile grows, kids usually have a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth. This is when their pediatric dentist may suggest an orthodontic visit to see how their smile is developing.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic checkup by age seven. Our Lone Star Pediatric Dental & Braces orthodontic teams in the Austin, TX metro area are here to share why seven is a great age and what signs to look for.
How Early Should Kids See an Orthodontist?
At seven years old, most children are in second-grade. While it may seem early to consider orthodontic treatment, this is the ideal time for an orthodontist in Austin, TX to evaluate your child’s developing facial structure.
With baby and permanent teeth present at this age, including their first set of adult molars, an orthodontist will be able to see how their baby teeth are paving the way for their permanent teeth.
Types of Orthodontic Treatment
When it comes to orthodontics, your first thought likely includes traditional metal braces. Orthodontic care can look different for everyone, especially at early phases of the orthodontic journey. At Lone Star Pediatric Dental & Braces, our Austin, Copperas Cove & Elgin orthodontists use a variety of orthodontic treatments and appliances to achieve the desired results.
Types of orthodontic treatment can include:
Traditional Braces
This type of treatment utilizes metal brackets, bands, and wires. Metal braces are durable and effective for a variety of orthodontic needs.
Invisalign® Clear Aligners
Invisalign treatment involves a series of custom clear aligners to gradually straighten your teeth. This option is becoming more popular because of the discreet, almost invisible nature of the aligners.
Space Maintainers
Space maintainers do exactly what their name says – they maintain space. These are often used to hold space when a baby tooth falls out too early to avoid crowded and misaligned teeth.
Palatal Expanders
The purpose of a palatal expander is to widen the upper jaw to create space for crowded teeth, correct crossbites, and improve the overall fit of the top and bottom teeth.
Functional Appliances
These appliances are used to correct bite problems and help jaw growth and alignment.
Herbst Appliances
Herbst appliances are a specialized orthodontic appliance designed to correct overbites and encourage proper jaw development for improved function.
Signs Your Child Might Need to Visit an Orthodontist
Orthodontic treatment can help guide the development of facial and jaw bones to promote a better growth pattern and to create space for incoming adult teeth. There are several common signs that orthodontic care may be right for your child:
Gaps
Gaps in your child’s teeth are normal if they still have baby teeth. However, if their permanent teeth are coming in with gaps still present, it may be time to consider orthodontic care.
Orthodontic treatment can close the gap in your child’s teeth, preventing plaque and tartar buildup, as well as gum disease before it has a chance to develop and take hold.
Crowded Teeth
On the other hand, not having enough space may cause your child’s permanent teeth to crowd or overlap. Your orthodontist may use an orthodontic appliance, like a palatal expander, to encourage proper alignment.
Underbite
An underbite happens when your child’s lower teeth extend beyond their upper teeth. An underbite can lead to difficulty chewing and potential breakage or chipping of the teeth.
Overbite The opposite of an underbite is an overbite, which is when a child’s top teeth extend beyond the bottom teeth. Overbites can range from mild to severe, with severe cases leading to breathing difficulties when the child closes their mouths.
Mouth Breathing
Breathing through the mouth can lead to braces in the future. It can cause changes in your child’s face shape, causing the jaw to become too narrow for permanent teeth to grow properly.
Baby Teeth Lost Too Early or Too Late
In rare cases, children may lose their baby teeth early. This could be due to cavities in the baby teeth or an injury. Your orthodontist may hold this space with a space maintainer until the permanent tooth begins to erupt. This helps to keep teeth from shifting into the open space.
There is also the possibility of your child losing their baby teeth late, leading to crowding of their permanent teeth. In either situation, orthodontic care may be needed to help the permanent teeth grow in properly.
Crooked Teeth
The most common reason for children and individuals to get braces is to realign crooked teeth. Teeth that have grown in crooked can potentially lead to dental hygiene problems.
Set Your Sights on Great Dental Health for Your Child at Lone Star Pediatric Dental & Braces
Whether your child is experiencing an overbite or crowded teeth, orthodontic treatment can present a safe way to help your child’s permanent teeth develop properly and give them confidence with every smile.
At Lone Star Pediatric Dental & Braces, our team is proud to offer a variety of braces options and orthodontic care to fit your child’s unique needs.
From personalized treatment plans to the latest orthodontic technology, we are here to help and have multiple locations throughout Austin, TX, and the surrounding communities. Schedule an appointment with our orthodontic team today!
