Did the tooth fairy visit your child’s bedroom last night? Are they smiling at you with a gap where the baby teeth used to be? Yes, now is the time to decide if early orthodontic treatment is needed for your kids. At Richmond Virginia Orthodontics, we are here to answer any questions that you may have and guide you and your child to a healthier and happier smile.
What will orthodontics do for my child?
A great smile does more than give your child added confidence in social settings as they grow. Correcting physical problems like an overbite, crowded teeth, or a crossbite when they are young can help to avoid problems as an adult.
A properly aligned bite will help prevent cavities, jaw pain, and tooth loss later in life. It can also lower future dental costs.
How old should my kid be for their first orthodontics visit?
Most children should see their orthodontist for the first time between the ages of 6 and 9. They should have lost a few of their baby teeth, and some of their adult teeth may have erupted.
Why is it crucial to bring them to the orthodontist this early?
As your kid starts to lose primary teeth and grow their adult ones, potential problems with crowding or an incorrect bite will be apparent. Addressing those issues while they are still young is easier than as a teen or adult when the jaw and roots are more difficult to adjust.
Early treatment is proactive and will save you and the patient money and pain in the future.
What types of treatment are available for my first or second-grader?
Several approaches are available at the earliest visit to the orthodontist. Your doctor may use a palate expander to help the top and lower jaw be properly aligned. Spacers can be installed to help erupting teeth slide into the proper spot. If a misaligned tooth is spotted, braces may be used to push it into a better position.
Some children may require no or minimal treatment, while others could benefit from extensive adjustments.
What happens if we wait to see the orthodontist for a few years?
Once your child’s first molars and adult front teeth have come in, the geometry of their bite becomes set. While it is possible to properly align their bite at a later time, it may include more invasive treatment such as extractions or even surgical correction of their palate. The cost rises significantly, and the results are not as predictable.
Work with a Local Family Orthodontist for Your Convenience
If you opt for treatment now, you will want to work with a qualified orthodontist who is also close to your home, school, and work. Your child may need to visit the office once a month or so to check the progress of adjustments, so having a local office will save you time while running errands.
Richmond Virginia Orthodontics offers two offices. One is in Midlothian, just off Route 60 for easy access around town, and the other is in Richmond near Route 250 and Interstate 64.
What are some signs that my child will benefit from early orthodontic treatment?
- Thumbsucking After the Age of Five: The repetitive motion may misalign teeth and lead to an overbite.
- Gaps Between Adult Teeth: If new teeth come in crooked, it can cause later ones to follow the lead.
- Difficulty Chewing or Biting Their Tongue: This may indicate a misalignment of the upper and lower jaw.
- Crooked New Teeth: If the baby teeth didn’t come out before, this could force the permanent ones to come in, which can cause more problems.
Are you unsure of what you see in your child’s mouth? Ask an expert! Your orthodontist has the training and experience required to make a more informed decision regarding your child’s oral health.
We Make It Easy to Schedule Your First Appointment
There’s no need to call us to set aside some time to get to know your local Richmond orthodontist. Just fill out the online form or call our office to reserve your preferred location, time, and date. Our friendly receptionists will help get your appointment scheduled.
Congratulations! You have taken the first steps toward a happier and healthier smile for your child. We look forward to seeing you at Richmond Virginia Orthodontics soon.
