Early Prevention
Early intervention usually starts at age 8 when there are indications of bite problems or detrimental oral habits in your child. Early treatment aims to correct bite problems, guide the development of the jaws, and ensure there is enough space for permanent teeth to come in properly.
What are the early signs that your child may need orthodontic treatment?
- Early loss or late loss of baby teeth
- Crooked teeth
- Mouth breathing
- Open bite caused by parafunctional habits such as thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, or prolonged use of a pacifier
- Bucked teeth
- Crossbites (when the lower teeth sit above your upper teeth)
What are the benefits of early intervention?
Early orthodontic treatment can prevent complex bite problems from developing, which requires a more extensive treatment or worse teeth extraction in the future. It will also ensure that there is enough space for the permanent teeth to come out, avoiding the need for orthodontic treatment when they get older.
To give your child the best start to oral health, book them in for a consultation with Dr. Mehan or Dr. Johnson III today.
