Interceptive orthodontics or the initial phase of orthodontic treatment is a systematic management of the developing dentofacial structure to correct or prevent the malocclusion which might develop during the growth period.
It is, however, common to find parents seeking orthodontic care for their child when the child is in his/her teenage, but there are advantages of seeking orthodontic care earlier.
According to the American Association of Orthodontists it is advised that the initial examination should be carried out by the age of seven, when the permanent teeth start to develop.
That is why early orthodontic treatment of children can be very useful.
1. Correcting Developmental Issues Early
The following is among the major benefits that come with early orthodontic treatment; it helps to correct certain developing problems before they become evident.
At seven, the child’s mouth is still not fully developed, and that is why it is easier to influence the growth of the jaw and the teeth.
Some problems include overcrowded teeth, improper bite, or small jaws, and these may be easily treated during the growth period of a child.
For instance, a child may have a narrow upper jaw and the dentist may recommend that the child gets an expander to encourage the jaw to expand and provide enough room for the permanent teeth that are to come in. This is much easier to do if the child is still growing for example if the child is still young.
This is because most of the problems can be solved before they worsen and require complicated procedures like tooth extraction or jaw surgery.
2. Avoiding Serious Dental Issues Later
Early treatment of orthodontic problems is recommended in order to avoid the worsening of the condition.
Some of the common issues such as overcrowding, crooked teeth or a bad bite (malocclusion) may gradually become more severe if they are not treated during childhood.
When orthodontic problems are addressed early then there is less possibility of having to go through more aggressive and costly procedures in future like getting braces in teenage or jaw surgery in adulthood.
For instance, Malocclusions can cause the teeth to wear out unevenly, expose the teeth to severe tooth decay and even affect one’s speech.
If these complications occur the patient is advised to have an early orthodontic treatment in order to have a healthier, more functional smile for life.
3. Boosting Confidence and Self-Esteem
This is because the treatment of early orthodontic cases is primarily aimed at enhancing the health of the teeth but also has psychological dimension.
Poor dental health especially with children who have issues with crooked teeth or bite may lead to low self-esteem in social settings or at school.
This means that if they are treated early, they can easily notice the improvements in their smile and this can buildup their confidence.
On some occasions, children can be ridiculed or harassed because of poor dental health which is visible.
Dealing with these issues early in childhood would also reduce these social pressures so that the child can be able to concentrate on his/her activities and school work without having to worry about how they look.
4. Improving Oral Hygiene Habits
Misaligned or filled teeth might be hard to clean, and that is a big issue as far as children’s oral health is concerned.
It is also difficult to clean between the teeth using a toothbrush or floss, meaning that there is a tendency of developing plaque which may lead to formation of cavities or gum diseases.
Such measures can be taken at an early age where the teeth can be aligned in a way that will enable one to easily brush and floss the teeth.
After the teeth are aligned, kids can learn how to take care of their teeth well, which is very important throughout one’s lifetime.
It is imperative to begin the process of cavity and gum disease control at a young age in order to establish good oral hygiene throughout the person’s lifetime.
5. Guiding Jaw Growth
In addition, early orthodontic treatment has a great potential to regulate jaw growth In the early childhood, the jaw is not fully set and this makes it easier for the orthodontists to use devices such as expanders or headgear which help in the appropriate jaw growth.
It can also fix problems like overbite, underbite or crossbite that may hinder an individual from being able to chew or even speak properly.
Thus, the above-mentioned issues can be solved in the initial stage of the development, and orthodontists can prevent the need for a more complicated treatment during adolescence.
Sometimes, the treatment can be done in the initial stage so that there is no requirement of braces in the future.
6. Reducing the Length of Treatment in Adolescence
Some children may require early orthodontic intervention that can reduce or minimize the treatment that they may require during adolescence.
If some problems are identified early, the child’s orthodontist can help minimize the duration that a child will spend with braces or aligners when they are a teen.
This is a great advantage for both the child and his/her parents since it can save time, money, and discomfort that results from using orthodontic appliances.
Conclusion
There are various advantages of early orthodontic treatment which includes correcting developmental problems and enhancing oral hygiene, confidence and self-esteem.
Thus, avoiding possible issues is a child can have healthier and nicer smile as they get older.
It is, however, important to note that not every child will require early orthodontic treatment; however, it would be helpful to have an evaluation with an orthodontics clinic by the time the child is seven years old in order to determine his or her specific dental needs and whether early treatment may be necessary.
Preventive orthodontic measures will help kids get the perfect smile that is both aesthetic and functional, something, which if maintained properly will last a lifetime.
