Top 5 Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment for Children

The most common reason to start treatment early is to prevent problems before they can even appear. This kind of preventative orthodontic treatment can help teeth to emerge correctly, so they never need to be corrected. If you’re curious about the benefits of early orthodontic treatment, here are 5 of the most popular reasons to consider treatment.

Form healthy habits from a young age

When children learn from a young age that they need to take care of their teeth, they will carry these healthy habits into adulthood. They typically enjoy better oral health throughout their life and will face fewer dental problems as a result. Straight teeth are also much easier to care for, so they are less likely to face issues with tooth decay as they get older.

Prevent issues before they present

Your dentist will have a pretty good idea of how your child’s teeth will look long before they emerge. If they suspect that overcrowding or misalignments will be a problem, they can take action to make space for these teeth to emerge normally. This can help to avoid more extensive treatment later in life.

This is not to say that issues cannot be corrected later in life. In fact, many adults will turn to orthodontics as a way to straighten their smiles as they get older and decide they aren’t happy with their smile. In many cases, there is no harm in leaving the teeth as they may only have minor imperfections. But if your dentist suspects your child may face problems, it would be easier to address this when they are younger.

Shorter treatment times

If you have to wait before you start treatment, the teeth will have had longer to shift out of alignment. As the child gets older, the jaw bone also becomes more dense and less malleable. This means that treatment will require more time to achieve the same results that could have been achieved by preventing the issues.

This is a frustration that many parents face when they have to wait for NHS orthodontic treatment, as their child’s teeth may be getting worse and worse as they wait.

Improve speech

Misaligned teeth and issues with the bite of the jaw could lead to speech issues if left untreated. This could be very damaging to your child’s confidence and could be more difficult to correct later in life, even after orthodontic treatment. By addressing this early, your child can work with a speech therapist to ensure they do not have to deal with any lasting issues.

Boosts confidence

Growing up with very poorly aligned teeth can be very damaging to a child’s confidence. They might face bullying in school and this can be very difficult for teachers and parents to tackle. By choosing early orthodontic treatment, you may be able to boost your child’s confidence and encourage them to shine in all areas of their life. Getting orthodontic treatment out of the way while they are younger may also help to avoid having to wear braces later in life when they are more self-conscious about their appearance.

Ready to start the journey?

If you would like to explore orthodontic treatment options for your child, get in touch with our team to arrange a consultation. We can first assess your child’s case and determine if we should start treatment or continue monitoring the situation. We can also explore payment options, including payment plans to help spread the cost of private orthodontic treatment.