At Epic Orthodontics, we take great pride in our ability to create amazing smiles for our patients which are both healthy and attractive! Whether you’re looking for an orthodontist in Weatherford or in Granbury, TX for your child or want to improve your own smile with discreet braces, we welcome you to our practice as we treat patients of all ages with many different types of braces.
Early Orthodontic Treatment For a Life-long, Healthy & Beautiful Smile
Due to the popularity of adult braces, most people know that it is never too late to be treated by an orthodontist as long as the teeth and gums are healthy. However when it comes to children, many don’t realize that being treated by an orthodontist early in life has multiple advantages over waiting until children are older. Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommend that all children receive their first orthodontic evaluation by the time they turn 7 years of age.
How Your Child May Benefit From Early Treatment
Children receiving orthodontic treatment when they’re young benefit in many ways. By the time your child turns 7, most of the adult teeth have come in. This allows Dr. Hall the opportunity to fully evaluate your child’s bite to spot any potential problems early on. It’s important to note that even if a problem is detected early, it doesn’t necessarily mean that your child will begin wearing braces right away. In many cases, children who are evaluated early are simply monitored by their Weatherford, TX orthodontist so that treatment can begin at the most optimal time for the best possible results and to prevent future problems from developing.
When Earlier Treatment Is Best
Typically, children are between the ages of 9 and 14 when they begin wearing braces. But when certain conditions are detected early on, it is far easier to treat them earlier versus later when all the adult teeth have erupted. Some of the most common orthodontic problems that are best treated early in life while a child is still growing and developing include:
A crossbite: When the upper teeth close inside the lower teeth- Crowded teeth: When the jaws are too small to accommodate all the permanent teeth
- Protruding front teeth: When the front teeth protrude over the lower teeth
- Underbite: When the lower jaw grows larger than the upper jaw
- Undesirable habits: Thumb or finger-sucking, teeth clenching and mouth-breathing are all habits that can negatively affect the alignment of the teeth and jaws.
All these problems can be corrected by an orthodontist early in life using a variety of orthodontic treatment methods. In most cases, the sooner these types of problems are treated, the better. When certain orthodontic problems are corrected early in life, it can help a child avoid the need for more extensive and most costly treatment later on.
Contact Your Granbury and Weatherford TX Orthodontist
If you notice any of the above symptoms in your child or if your child is 7 years of age or older, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with Dr. Hall today. At your child’s first visit with us, Dr. Hall will conduct a thorough examination followed by a discussion with you and your child about his findings and your child’s potential treatment. We look forward to welcoming you and your child to our practice where we love making our patients smile!
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