As with any medical condition, it’s best if it’s detected early on. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children get a check-up with either a dentist or orthodontist by age 7 to see how their teeth are developing. This is because many orthodontic conditions are easier to correct if they’re identified early on, preventing trouble in the future. A trip to the orthodontist provides the opportunity to have control over where the permanent teeth come in by designating the arrangement of the teeth and jaw while the primary teeth are still in the mouth. Dr. Heidi Harman and the H2O Orthodontics team have years of experience with children’s orthodontic treatment in Kansas City, MO, and shared their explanation as to why your child should see an orthodontist.

The Benefits of Early Intervention

There are several benefits of having your child’s teeth examined by an orthodontist early on- this is called the first phase of two-phase orthodontic treatment. By doing this, Dr. Harman will be able to determine how your child’s teeth will develop after they lose their primary teeth. Then, Dr. Harman will work to guide the growth of the jaw in order to make room for new emerging teeth, so that crowding won’t occur. This will also lower the risk of damage to any new teeth that are protruding or are starting to protrude. Regardless, a consultation from the H2O Orthodontics team will give you the opportunity to become more comfortable with any options or treatments that might be necessary as children get older.

The second phase of treatment occurs later on, usually in the pre-teen years, and involves treatment with braces. Braces are designed to improve teeth function and facial appearance, as well as move your child’s permanent teeth into their correct final positions. After treatment, your child’s self-esteem will grow as soon as they see their new, beautiful smile. Orthodontic treatment and a child’s growth are meant to match each other. The H2O Orthodontics team agrees that by timing orthodontic treatment with your child’s stages of development, Dr. Heidi Harman can take advantage of your child’s growth, making treatment easier. Problems that can be treated in a growing child may relieve more radical and intrusive measures later on.

Conditions to Watch For

There are several conditions that indicate if orthodontic treatment is necessary, and these can be identified by a dentist or orthodontist. Examples include:

• Crowding

• Open Bite

• Cross Bite

• Deep Bite

• Spacing

• Teeth not emerging in the right sequence

There are many reasons why you should have an orthodontist inspect your child’s mouth when they still have baby teeth. Dr. Harman agrees that a thorough evaluation will show how the teeth and mouth are growing, and will give the chance for your doctor to provide interceptive treatment. Interceptive treatment is designed to prevent a problem before it happens, thus making orthodontic treatment easier and less invasive in the long run. 

If you’re still curious about children’s orthodontics, then feel free to call Dr. Heidi Harman and the team at H2O Orthodontics in Kansas City, MO. We can assist in answering any questions that you might have about children’s orthodontics. So what are you waiting for? Call (913) 782-7223 today to schedule a consultation to give your child the smile they deserve!