Pediatric patients benefit greatly from early orthodontics from their Brentwood, California dentist

Of the various dental concerns parents must watch for in their younger children, the potential need for orthodontic treatment is not typically considered. Braces tend to be thought of sometime as the teen years approach. Through ongoing research and practical application, dentists have learned that pediatric patients can benefit greatly from early orthodontics. Dr. Alkhoury, in his Brentwood, California practice, begins looking for developmental problems in patients by the age of 6 or 7.

Signs that early orthodontic care may be needed include:

• Crowding in front teeth
• Upper and lower teeth do not fit together properly or do not meet at all
• Thumb sucking occurs after the age of five
• Biting or chewing are difficult
• A speech impediment
• Baby teeth are lost earlier or later than normal (between age 5 and 13)
• The jaw shifts when opening and closing
• Top teeth protrude forward noticeably
• Mouth breathing

During routine dental check-ups, a pediatric or family dentist looks at the position of existing teeth and at the size of the upper and lower arches. If needed, early orthodontic treatment, also referred to as Phase One or Pre-orthodontics, may begin by age 8 or 9. Like orthodontics in which fixtures are actually placed on teeth, early treatment is designed around individual needs. This phase may involve the promotion of jaw growth, which may decrease the need for future extractions and shorten the length of active orthodontic treatment.

Early orthodontic treatment can benefit children

There are a number of reasons a child may develop orthodontic problems such as protruding teeth, a bad bite, overcrowding, or gaps. Identifying and treating problems earlier is more comfortable and more efficient because the jaw stops growing during the teen years. When growth stops, bone hardens and teeth are more firmly held in place. Some problems, such as protrusion, can also increase the risk of injury, and they should be treated as quickly as possible.

Patients of Brentwood Family Dental can count on outstanding care that looks at the big picture of dental health and overall wellbeing. Give your family the best possible care. Call 925-344-5296 today.