Orthodontic treatment can improve your smile at any age, but there is an optimal time to begin treatment. When young children receive orthodontic treatment, it’s known as interceptive orthodontics — and the process can begin as young as 6 or 7. At Old Metairie Orthodontics, we may not always recommend treatment at this age, but when children are young, their jaws are still growing, and it can be easier to address issues such as tooth crowding. Another benefit of early treatment is that permanent teeth can be guided into their proper positions, which lessens the chance of extractions in the future. If early orthodontic treatment is determined to be beneficial for your child, Dr. Block will create a comprehensive treatment plan to suit your child’s specific needs. We tend to start treatment for overbites, underbites, crossbites, or other progressive problems around age 8 or 9. The great news is, braces for kids have improved a lot in the last few decades! These days, braces are much more comfortable and good-looking than they once were.
The orthodontist at Old Metairie Orthodontics, Dr. Celeste Block, is an expert at assessing the orthodontic needs of young children. One of our main goals is to eliminate the need for extensive orthodontic work and/or oral surgery in your child’s future. To that end, we strive to provide our youngest patients with treatment options that prevent the development of more difficult and complex problems down the line. We treat all ages at our friendly Metairie, LA, office.
Does my child need early orthodontic treatment?
Early orthodontic treatment can have a very positive lifelong impact on your child’s oral health, dental development, and smile. According to the American Association of Orthodontics, a child’s first appointment with an orthodontist should be around the age of 7. Please visit us at Old Metairie Orthodontics for a free and comprehensive consultation appointment so that we can determine your child’s specific orthodontic needs.
There are a few signs to look for that may indicate your child is a candidate for early orthodontic treatment:
- Early or late loss of baby teeth (children typically lose their first tooth around age 5 and have all their permanent teeth around age 13)
- Difficulty chewing and/or biting
- Mouth-breathing
- Continued thumb-sucking after age 5
- Speech impediments
- Protruding teeth (the top teeth and the bottom teeth extend away from each other)
- Malocclusion (crossbite, overbite, underbite)
- Crowded front teeth around age 7 or 8
Keeping an eye on your child’s dental development is important. If your child is experiencing one or more of the above signs, we may want to discuss early orthodontic treatment with you. If you have any concerns about your child’s dental development, please contact our office for your complimentary consultation.
Early Orthodontic Treatment in Metairie, LA
All of us at Old Metairie Orthodontics are excited to welcome you and your child to our practice. Feel free to give us a call to schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Block to discuss and determine your child’s orthodontic needs. We appreciate your trust and thank you for the opportunity to provide your family with the best of care.
