Children need to see orthodontists when their baby teeth begin to fall out and adult teeth start to emerge. It may be a hard concept to believe. Many parents think a regular dentist is all their child needs until braces become an issue or, there are obvious cosmetic issues with adult teeth. Dentists, however, will give the same advice to parents. If you are a parent and do not believe an orthodontists is necessary at a young age, here are three of many important reasons why children need orthodontics as early as the loss of baby teeth.
Children Receive Advanced Special Evaluations and Advanced Treatment
It has already been established children need to see dentists at the start of their lives, but according to Cobbe Dental & Orthodontics, they should have their first visit with an orthodontist by the time they reach the age of seven. Although there are many excellent dentists, orthodontists benefit from additional education and training in how to effectively and safely move teeth and solve other complex dental problems. Orthodontists are the specialists parents want their kids to visit if they want to know if their kid is suffering or at risk of suffering serious dental problems.
Orthodontists Help Kids Avoid Structural Problems as Adult Teeth Emerge
As children start to lose their baby teeth, they are quickly replaced with permanent teeth, so they only have one chance to get things right with their natural teeth. Orthodontists use their advanced training and technology to determine if emerging adult teeth are going to be problematic. There are a couple of examples of problems emerging teeth can cause, such as overcrowding and teeth coming in may risk damaging the roots of other teeth. Knowing in advance lets orthodontists treat the problems early, so all adult teeth can emerge properly.
Orthodontists Are Able to Treat Breathing and Sleeping Problems
It is an important medical fact people do not associate with dentistry or orthodontics, but there are many sleeping and breathing problems caused by teeth and mouth structure. For example, a snoring child can often mean they have breathing problems. Often, these problems in childhood are caused by dental structure or the jaw. Orthodontists can diagnose and help treat the problem.
These are three very good reasons to make sure your child has an orthodontist by age seven. It is also remember these three reasons are far from completing the list of why orthodontists are necessary. Find a local orthodontist before your child loses their baby teeth and plan ahead or have their dentist refer your to one of their colleagues.