The Advantages of Early Orthodontic Treatment

Orthodontic treatment involves the use of braces to align the teeth and correct the bite. Treatment is usually recommended in teenagers, but it is possible to begin orthodontic treatment in adulthood as well. Here are some advantages of orthodontic treatment as explained by our orthodontist in Hamilton, MT, and orthodontist in Stevensville, MT.

Improved Dental Hygiene

If the teeth are crowded or overlapping, it can be difficult to clean the mouth properly. This can lead to plaque and tooth decay. Mouth hygiene is essential in preventing gum disease. If left untreated, this can lead to tooth loss. Scaling and root planing is a common procedure used to treat periodontal diseases. During this treatment, the gums are cleaned down to the roots. This helps remove bacteria and tartar buildup on the teeth that causes them to loosen from the gum tissue. When the teeth are in the correct positions, it is easier to brush the teeth and floss between them to prevent cavities and decay.

Early orthodontic care also improves your child's self-esteem and confidence. Many children struggle with their smile if they are self-conscious about the way their teeth look. Braces can help improve these issues by straightening teeth and correcting bite alignment issues. Once a child reaches adulthood, they are more likely to have healthier teeth and gums because they received early orthodontic treatment. This will help prevent the need for more invasive procedures in the future to correct misalignment.

Better Overall Health

If early orthodontic treatment is started at a young age, it can help guide the jaw and teeth into a better position; this can help avoid the need for extractions later in life. It can also create a comfortable bite for eating, speaking, and smiling. Additionally, it can improve self-confidence in social and professional situations.

It is best to have your child evaluated by an orthodontist by age seven. They will be able to recommend the best treatment for your child's needs.

By starting treatment as early as possible, you can protect your child's dental health while also ensuring that they maintain a beautiful, healthy smile into adulthood!

Reduced Risk of Future Problems

While your orthodontist may recommend starting treatment at any age, early orthodontic treatment is often recommended for a number of reasons.

By getting your child's teeth straightened at an early age, you can help them avoid many of the future problems that can be caused by misaligned or crooked teeth. Misaligned teeth can result in difficulty chewing food properly, which can result in digestive problems and the potential for disease. When teeth are crowded together, they are much more difficult to clean as well, increasing the risk of cavities and decay.

Other problems that can occur as a result of misalignment include abnormal wear on tooth enamel, such as when one side of the mouth is chewed more than the other, overbite or underbite, speech impediments, jaw pain, and increased risk of developing gingivitis. By addressing these problems while they are still relatively minor, you can prevent them from becoming much more serious later.

Get in touch with Carroll Orthodontics at 1116 W Main St, Hamilton, MT 59840, or 3920 US Hwy 93, Stevensville, MT 59870, or call (406) 363-2200 to learn more.