Why Early Orthodontic Evaluation Matters for Your Child’s Smile

Many parents are confused about when to take their child to see an orthodontist. You may be surprised to learn that the answer is typically around 7-8 years of age. When a child reaches this age, they still have a mixture of baby teeth and permanent teeth, but their jaws are developing rapidly. It is the right time for an orthodontic specialist to see how a child's teeth and jaws are developing and, at the same time, identify any potential issues early.

An early orthodontic evaluation does not always mean that your child is going to be treated with braces immediately. In the majority of cases, the orthodontist is simply monitoring the child's growth until there is a good time to start treatment. Although, if early intervention is needed, treating the issue while the bones are still developing can help prevent more serious or complicated issues in the future.

Early intervention means the orthodontist can start identifying issues, such as crowding, crossbites, open bites, and hygiene habits (thumb sucking) that may have long-term implications on the growth of the face. This preventive approach, often referred to as interceptive orthodontics, can assist in guiding jaw growth, making space for the permanent teeth, and improving bite alignment. Early intervention may sometimes reduce the need for tooth extractions and long-term treatment in the teen years. 

The reasons for early orthodontic treatment are not just esthetic.  Well-aligned teeth are easier to keep clean, which decreases the chance of cavities and gum disease.  Well-aligned jaws allow efficient chewing, clear communication, and appropriate development of the face.  Early treatment for a bite problem can prevent possible strain on the jaw joints and muscles, which may lead to headaches and discomfort later. 

Retaj Medical Center in Abu Dhabi has an orthodontic specialist to provide individualized, gentle care for children of any age.  We incorporate advanced diagnostic and digital imaging techniques to accurately assess your child’s dental and skeletal growth and development.  Once again, our vision is to manage your child’s smile development the best way possible and in the most natural way, with healthy function and aesthetic results.

Keep in mind that just because we offer an early evaluation does not mean you are committing to treatment. The goal of the initial visit is to plan to achieve the best possible outcome. By identifying potential problems early, we are often able to smooth, shorten, and predict the process toward a perfect smile. Provide your child with the gift of a beautiful, healthy smile that will last a lifetime. Make an appointment at Retaj Medical Center for a consultation with our orthodontist, who will help your child smile even more confidently with the beauty they already have.