Pediatric Orthodontist in Hilton Head, SC
Early Treatment for Your Child’s Oral Health
Parents are usually relieved to learn that early treatment for their child is not necessarily about getting braces. Early treatment is all about setting your child up for a lifetime of optimal oral health, which is affected by ensuring the proper alignment and symmetry of their smile, jaw, and face. Your child’s early evaluation with our pediatric orthodontist in Hilton Head, SC, is not merely for aesthetic reasons, but it will help guide the growth and development of their jaw and teeth – preventing serious problems later.The Best Age For Your Child to See an Orthodontist
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that your child’s initial orthodontic exam occur by age seven – the age when adult teeth begin to erupt. At Miler Orthodontics, we evaluate erupting teeth to detect issues including crowding, a possible overbite, open bite, or gummy smiles. We can tell if your child will benefit from early treatment, as many potential orthodontic problems may not be visibly apparent until it is too late. Starting treatment at this optimal time not only ensures the best result but also means less time and expense down the road.Signs That Your Child Needs an Orthodontic Assessment
Treatment at this early stage may not even be necessary. However, if you notice any of the following conditions in your child, it is important to schedule a screening with our orthodontist:- Finger or thumb sucking
- Jaws that “pop” when opening and closing
- Misaligned teeth that close abnormally or close without touching
- Misplaced or crowded teeth
- Early loss of baby teeth
- Mouth breathing
- Difficulty chewing or biting food
- Teeth and jaws that are not in proportion to the rest of the face
Early Treatment Benefits
While parents don’t need to rush into obtaining braces for their young children, some oral health issues can be avoided with early evaluation and treatment, such as:- Speech impediments
- Damage to protruding teeth
- Open bites – the upper and lower teeth are unable to physically touch each other when the jaws are closed
- Crossbites – the two rows of teeth don’t meet correctly. A crossbite or otherwise misaligned bite can cause stress on the jaw muscles, tooth decay, gum disease, headaches, and more.
