The exceptional residents and highly qualified orthodontic staff at the UNLV Orthodontic Clinic provides affordable, quality orthodontic care to patients of all ages. While most people realize that it's never too late to begin orthodontic treatment, many people don't know that early orthodontic treatment may be better than later treatment.We agree with the recommendation made by the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) that states children should see an orthodontist no later than the age of 7. While 7 may seem like a young age to take your child to an orthodontist, the benefits of this early orthodontic screening are many. By the time a child reaches the age of seven, the first adult molars have started to emerge which allows an orthodontist to evaluate front-to-back and side-to-side tooth relationships wherein potential orthodontic problems can be identified and addressed.
Early Orthodontic Treatment May Mean Less Treatment Later
Just because your child is given an early orthodontic screening does not necessarily mean that he or she will need orthodontic treatment at the time. But this early orthodontic evaluation helps us spot potential problems before they worsen and assists us in determining when treatment should begin if we deem treatment is necessary. Early treatment also makes orthodontic treatment at a later age shorter, less complicated and less expensive.
When you take your child to a Las Vegas orthodontist for an early evaluation, you are providing your child with the best opportunity to have a straight, healthy and beautiful smile that will last a lifetime. This important early orthodontic appointment allows us to:
- Get a handle on the basic alignment of your child's teeth
- Identify any potential problems before they become serious
- Determine if there is sufficient room in the mouth for all the permanent teeth
- Monitor your child's growth until it is time for treatment
- Prevent future problems from developing which will save you and your child time as well as money.
When Earlier Treatment Is Better
Treatment for common orthodontic problems typically starts when a child is between 9 and 14, when all the primary teeth are gone and most of the permanent teeth are in place; however, there are some conditions that are much easier to treat if they're caught at an earlier age such as crossbites or underbites. When a problem of this type is identified early, orthodontic appliances including palatal expanders, headgear and braces can be successfully used to correct the problem while the child is still growing.
Early Treatment to Correct Bad Habits
Anyone can have a bad habit but when a child has a bad habit like thumb sucking, mouth breathing or tongue thrusting, it can affect the development and function of the teeth, jaws and mouth. Various orthodontic treatments are used to help correct these types of habits and the sooner they are addressed, the less damage they can cause. It is not always easy for parents, guardians and caregivers to recognize a bad habit, which is another reason to have your child seen by an orthodontist at a young age.
Our Las Vegas orthodontic clinic is home to some of the most highly qualified orthodontic faculty and outstanding students. Under the watchful eye of our expert faculty, our students provide quality orthodontic care at reduced rates. If you'd like to schedule an appointment for you child, please contact us today. We look forward to meeting you and your child and welcoming you to the UNLV School of Dental Medicine!
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