At Utah Orthodontic Care, we believe everyone should be able to achieve a healthy, beautiful smile, and we’re committed to helping our patients achieve that through affordable orthodontic treatment. We’re proud to treat patients of all ages throughout the greater Salt Lake City area, and while most of our patients are adolescents, sometimes the best way to achieve a great smile is to start with early orthodontic treatment. If you’re wondering whether or not your child needs early orthodontic treatment, we can help.
What Is Early Orthodontic Treatment?
Early orthodontic treatment, also called interceptive treatment, refers to any form of orthodontic treatment that occurs roughly between ages 7 and 11. The most common form of treatment is braces, also it’s possible that other appliances like palatal expanders or headgear may be used. Early treatment is generally used to influence the development of the teeth and jaw, helping to correct problems before they get serious and achieve a better outcome in the long run. In almost all cases, early orthodontic treatment is followed by a rest period, then a second treatment phase during adolescence.
Signs That Your Child Needs Early Orthodontic Treatment
Ultimately, only a trained orthodontist can tell if your child needs early treatment, and you should bring your child in for an orthodontic evaluation when they turn 7 no matter what. However, there are a number of signs your child may need early treatment, including:
- Crowded or crooked teeth
- Upper front teeth that protrude out at an angle
- Lower front teeth that close outside the upper teeth
- Gaps between teeth
Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment
So how might your child benefit from early treatment? While not every child needs orthodontic treatment, when it is necessary, it can drastically reduce the length and extent of treatment required to achieve a great smile. During childhood, the jaws aren’t yet fully formed, and we can use orthodontic appliances to influence their growth and development – something that isn’t possible during adolescence. This means that early treatment allows us to conveniently, painlessly solve issues that might require extensive treatments like surgery later in life. With early orthodontic treatment, we can help your child achieve a better smile, be more comfortable during the treatment process, and spend less time in braces overall.
Schedule an Evaluation with Your Salt Lake City Orthodontist
Early treatment isn’t right for everyone, but for many children, it’s the best way to achieve a gorgeous, healthy smile. If you think your child might need interceptive orthodontics or you want to bring them in for their initial evaluation, Utah Orthodontic Care would love to help. Request an appointment online today at one of our convenient Salt Lake City locations. We’ll determine whether or not your child needs early treatment, craft a detailed treatment plan, and set them on the road to a beautiful, healthy new smile!
