How Young Is Too Young for Braces in Newark OH?

For many people, wearing braces in Newark OH is a family tradition. Their grandparents wore them, then their parents, and finally they themselves were ready. Now they’re wondering the same for their own kids. But how young is too young for the benefits of dental alignment therapy? In this post, we’ll give you the facts you should know about this timely topic.

Why Starting Orthodontic Treatment at Age 7 or 8 is the Traditional Choice

Traditional wisdom in dental circles says that age seven or eight is a good time for a child to first undergo an orthodontic examination. By this point, most of the baby teeth have fallen out and most of the permanent teeth have grown in. The child is old enough to understand the importance of dental care, yet young enough for orthodontic treatment to be effective.

This does not mean that your family should forgo dental care at an earlier age, however. In fact, it’s a good idea to take a newborn to the dentist once he or she is a few weeks old. This will give the dentist a chance to catch potential problems early. It will also help to accustom the child to the office environment, minimizing the risk of dental-related phobias developing later in life.

Why You Might Want to Start Orthodontic Treatment Earlier

Not all dentists agree that age seven or eight is the right time to begin orthodontic treatment. Many argue for starting therapy earlier. This is due to a fairly recent development known as “two-phase orthodontics.” Here’s some basic information about this option:

• The theory behind two-phase orthodontic treatment is that beginning treatment at a younger age can help to prepare the patient for the placement of corrective braces.
• The idea is similar in concept to starting a young bicycle rider with training wheels. In the same way, some dentists argue, administering braces in two distinct phases helps the teeth to adjust to the alignment process more readily.
• Many dentists believe that performing alignment therapy in two distinct phases also helps to discourage bad habits such as thumb sucking, which can have serious consequences for the patient’s oral health.

Two-phase orthodontic treatment is especially common for children with severe cases of malocclusion (misaligned teeth). Administering a set of phase one braces, sometimes called “training braces,” enables the patient to benefit more fully from the therapy.

Two-phase orthodontics provides aesthetic benefits in many cases. The smile is more symmetrical after treatment is complete, endowing the person with greater self-confidence. Dividing therapy into two distinct stages can also make the experience of wearing braces more comfortable for the patient.

We want to stress that the information presented in this blog post is for informational purposes only. Only a qualified dentist can prescribe a specific course of therapy for your child. Make an appointment for your youngster to see an orthodontist in Newark OH soon. Write down any questions you may want to ask and bring these with you to the appointment. Before long, your family will be well on its way to a lifetime of happy smiles.

About the Author

Dr. Timothy G. Wigal is a practicing orthodontist, a distinguished dental scholar, and a member of the prestigious dental honor society Omicron Kappa Upsilon. You can reach his office online or by calling (740) 281-0445.