Early Orthodontic Treatment From Our Dentist
Did you know the best time to bring your child in for an orthodontic evaluation is when they’re seven years old? Many parents aren’t aware that their children’s teeth may need early orthodontic treatment at such a young age, but our dentists can treat their dental issues now before they develop into more costly problems.
Our dentists are not only experts in the latest advancements in the field of dentistry, but also have extensive background and training in children’s orthodontics. We understand the countless benefits that come with a child’s orthodontic evaluation in the earlier stages of life. Explore our guide to children’s orthodontics to learn more.
Your Child’s First Visit to the Orthodontist
At Turtle Town Dental, we follow the recommendation made by the American Association of Orthodontists, which urges parents to have their children evaluated by a trained orthodontic specialist at the age of seven. Early evaluation is not the same as early treatment, however, as the purpose of the evaluation is to identify any dental issues with your child’s smile to determine if they require care.
During the evaluation, our Churubusco dentist will take the opportunity to examine your child’s bite and jaw alignment, which allows him to see if preventative treatment can address any present issues such as crooked teeth. Most parents who bring their child in for an early evaluation leave the office happy to know that orthodontic treatment can either wait or won’t be needed.
Does Your Child Need Early Orthodontic Treatment?
While not all children require early orthodontic treatment, sometimes it’s necessary to have them receive dental care to help prevent future problems. If you notice the following signs in your child, we strongly recommend that you bring them to our dentist in Churubusco, IN for an evaluation:
- Difficulty chewing and/or biting
- Mouth breathing
- Speech impediments
- Protruding teeth
- Unevenly spaced teeth
- Crowded teeth
- Thumb-sucking past age three
- Underbites or crossbites
Interceptive treatment can stop any orthodontic issue in its tracks, avoiding more serious complications later on in your child’s life. If you suspect your child may benefit from early treatment or evaluation, schedule an appointment with Dr. Bixler by calling (260) 693-9300.
Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment
In the case of speech delays or poor speech issues, our office also works with a local speech pathologist to evaluate your child’s mouth development.
Early orthodontic treatment can bring about numerous benefits for your child, such as:
- Reduce or eliminate the need for braces later
- Eliminate the need for adult tooth extractions
- Reduce wear on teeth
- Less costly solution
- Reduce or eliminate the need for jaw surgery
- Improve overall facial development
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my child need to follow any special instructions while undergoing orthodontic treatment?
If your child requires an orthodontic appliance like braces, you’ll need to help them follow certain care instructions to avoid damaging the device. This includes avoiding sticky, tough, or chewy foods, as well as ensuring your child maintains good oral hygiene. Daily brushing and flossing are key to both good oral health and maintaining orthodontic devices.
What’s the best age for a child to receive braces?
According to the American Academy of Orthodontics, the best time for children to receive braces is between the ages of nine and fourteen. Because braces help shift teeth into position, it’s best for children to undergo this treatment after their permanent teeth have come in for long-lasting results. To learn if your child is eligible for braces, visit our dentist in Churubusco.
How much does early orthodontic treatment cost?
The cost of your child’s early orthodontic care depends on several factors, such as if they require additional treatment after an evaluation. Dr. Bixler will provide you with a cost estimate of the treatment at your child’s initial consultation. We recommend contacting your dental insurance provider to learn what costs your plan covers.
Visit Dr. Bixler For Reliable Early Orthodontic Care
Orthodontic care is vital for patients of all ages. For children’s orthodontic evaluations and treatment you can trust, turn to the experts at Turtle Town Dental. Our Churubusco dentist will ensure your child’s orthodontic needs are met in a welcoming, friendly environment.
To schedule a consultation, contact our office at (260) 693-9300 or fill out our convenient online contact form. Our team at Turtle Town Dental provides exceptional dental & orthodontic care to pediatric patients from Churubusco, Albion, Columbia City, Avilla, Kendallville, and Ligonier, IN.