smile blog

Early intervention is the name of the game in healthcare. Between regular checkups at the doctor, cleanings at the dentist, and quality nutrition, it's easier than ever to make sure your child is well taken care of before any issues surface. An important element of early intervention is to have your child's oral development evaluated by an orthodontist. Many parents are unaware of the benefits that this can hold for their child's future, but there's a lot of information out there for you. Here are just seven reasons why the Canadian Association of Orthodontics recommends that your child visit an orthodontist by age seven.

1. They've developed enough to offer plenty of information.

By age seven, most children’s adult molars have come in, which allows orthodontists to evaluate their bite. Also, generally their incisors have come in as well, which are a useful means by which to detect overall jaw development and facial symmetry.

2. They're developing at a faster pace now than they will be in the future.

This not only means that any issues will worsen as they get older, but it also means that early intervention can be more effective. Catching developmental issues early can dramatically shorten treatment time and in some cases can eliminate the need for braces altogether.

3. It will improve their self-esteem during a vital period.

The teen years are an overwhelming time as it is and a healthy smile can help your child's self-image and confidence. Teenagers are even more vulnerable to feeling like an outcast than children and since earlier treatments also tend to work faster, it's ideal to have any issues dealt with as soon as possible.

4. It gives the orthodontist an opportunity to detect and re-educate harmful oral habits.

Thumb-sucking, tooth grinding and other behaviors can cause developmental irregularities, and sometimes the signs are too subtle for parents to detect. At Docbraces, we can help to identify these and teach the child positive ways to fix them; in fact, such interventions can even prevent or aid some speech problems. It's also generally easier for children to relearn such habits at younger ages.

5. It prevents disease by aiding their long-term dental health.

Thorough dental hygiene has been proven to be essential for prevention of disease, including infections, diabetes, and much more. Complete brushing and flossing is directly linked to a longer lifespan. Addressing orthodontic issues corrects the spacing of teeth and overall comfort, which both enables and encourages brushing and flossing habits.

6. It improves their long-term development and well-being.

At Docbraces, we examine more than just your child's teeth; we look to guide the development of the whole jaw and oral structure, which in turn affects the development of the entire skull. Orthodontic issues are commonly linked with the experience of migraines later in life, as are jaw problems, breathing difficulties and poor oral habits. They can also affect posture and cause other musculoskeletal pain. A straight smile does more than just look good -- it helps ensure quality of life.

7. It'll help them smile more.

Fundamentally, everyone needs to smile more. It improves health, self-esteem, and overall mood. Studies have shown that people with straighter smiles show them more often, and your child's should show as much as possible!