If you think your child might benefit from orthodontic care or are unsure if your child needs to see an orthodontist, you’ve come to the right place. Delplanche Orthodontics is here to help! Keep reading to get answers to common questions about pediatric orthodontics and learn about our Do Good + Grow Kids Club!
When Should Your Child Visit The Orthodontist?
Children should start to see the dentist when they are still babies—when their first tooth appears or their first birthday, whichever happens first, but it’s not the same for first orthodontist visits. The American Association of Orthodontists pinpoints the ideal age for a child to see an orthodontist for the first time is no later than seven years old. This might seem surprisingly early, but we promise it’s not just a money grab. There’s a good reason for this advice.
At this age, children usually have a mix of baby and adult teeth, which allows orthodontists to effectively assess the development of their jaws and emerging teeth. Orthodontists can even predict the future, in a way, by treating concerns before they become more severe and spotting potential problems before they make an appearance.
Most children don’t need to start treatments such as Invisalign First, palate expanders, partial braces, or other orthodontic appliances immediately, but it’s better to be safe than sorry with a quick, free, and easy consultation.
What Are The Benefits Of Early Intervention?
Early evaluations and care can have several long-term benefits for your child. Let’s check out some of the benefits of orthodontics for kids:
- Improves Functionality – Early correction of teeth and jaw alignment issues can improve chewing and speech, making daily activities like eating and talking more comfortable for your child.
- Improves Oral Hygiene – A jaw that doesn’t open and close as it should can make performing an oral hygiene routine uncomfortable or challenging for your child. Misaligned teeth can make brushing and flossing a frustrating experience, too. By aligning the jaw, we can help make it easier to clean their mouth and develop proper oral hygiene habits.
- Prevents Complex Problems – Addressing orthodontic concerns early on can prevent them from developing into more severe problems that might require extensive treatment in the future. Not only does childhood orthodontic care make treatment more straightforward, but it can also save you and your child money and time down the road!
- Boosts Self-Esteem – A well-aligned, healthy smile can significantly improve a child’s confidence, positively impacting their social interactions and self-perception.
- Optimizes Jaw Development – Timely interventions can allow us to guide the jaw’s growth if necessary, ensuring it develops proportionately and functionally. This can help with breathing, facial proportions, eating, talking, oral hygiene, etc.
Signs That Your Child Needs an Orthodontic Visit
Knowing when to schedule an orthodontic visit for your child might seem tricky, especially because there might be no warning signs. However, if you notice any of the following, we suggest you bring your child in sooner than later.
- Overcrowded or crooked teeth
- Teeth don’t line up correctly when biting
- Difficulty chewing or biting
- Frequent accidental biting of the cheek or roof of the mouth
- Unusual jaw movements, such as shifting or noises from the jaw joints when your child chews or talks
- Losing baby teeth earlier or later than expected
- Consistent mouth breathing or snoring during sleep might indicate breathing obstructions
We strongly encourage you to follow the American Association of Orthodontics guidelines and have your child evaluated by age seven, even if they don’t have any symptoms. You don’t have to wait for a dentist referral! (In fact, you shouldn’t wait for a referral! Your dentist might not realize your child needs orthodontia.)
Do Good + Grow Kids Club
At Delplanche Orthodontics, we understand that oral healthcare isn’t the most fun or exciting thing for children. That’s why we started the Do Good + Grow Kids Club for children in two-phase treatment and pre-orthodontic observation.
The Do Good + Grow Kids Club is designed to make early orthodontic treatment engaging and stress-free for both kids and their parents. By joining the club, kids not only receive top-tier orthodontic care but also become part of a community that celebrates their progress and milestones. They’ll also receive a free lanyard and club card with their name on it, as well as a t-shirt and toothbrush.
The program teaches kids how to care for their smiles and rewards them for completing six non-orthodontic challenges, such as setting and achieving a personal goal and helping the community. Upon completion, children receive a pin they can proudly display on their exclusive lanyard and club card.
These challenges help children become more confident and build character. They also enable kids to feel more comfortable with and excited about the orthodontist by giving them something to talk about during their appointment and a goal to work towards between visits.
Start Your Child’s Smile Journey Today!
Timely orthodontic treatment offers your child foundational benefits that extend beyond a beautiful smile. If you suspect your child might need orthodontic care or it’s time for their first visit, don’t hesitate to book an appointment with Delplanche Orthodontics in Beaverton or Lake Oswego today! Let us provide your family with personalized, professional care for healthy, aesthetic smiles all around!