Although malocclusion is not necessarily predictable or avoidable, a combination of regular dental checkups and early orthodontic evaluation and treatment can help your child avoid needing treatment in the future.
Regular Dental Check Ups
Your child's baby and permanent teeth should be regularly examined y a dentist as they grow in. The dentist will be able to monitor your child’s development, and determine if orthodontic intervention is necessary.
Regular oral hygiene appointments (in combination with a good at hime oral hygiene routine) will help keep primary teeth healthy. Primary teeth act as guides for the permanent teeth as they erupt, and if they fall out too early as a result of decay, it might cause the permanent teeth to grow into the wrong positions.
Children should attend regular dental checkups and cleanings, as this may help them avoid having to go through orthodontic treatment later in life.
Early Orthodontic Intervention
Children should have their first orthodontic evaluation by no later than at the age of 7. Sometimes, children as young as 2 or 3 can benefit from an early evaluation.
An orthodontist will be able to identify problems early on while they're still developing, and implement Early Interceptive Treatment (also known as Phase I Treatment).
Early treatment, which typically comes in the forms of palatal expanders, space maintainers, TADs, or partial braces can can make a big impact on whether your child will need braces, and for how long.
