Quality orthodontics in Pennant Hills
Early intervention orthodontics vs. delayed orthodontic treatment
Many people delay seeking orthodontic treatment for their child until all their permanent teeth are present. However, many parents are unaware that:
- 60% of their child’s facial development is complete by age 8
- 90% of their facial development is complete by age 12
So, waiting to begin treatment until all their permanent teeth are present or they begin their growth spurt at puberty is not the best approach. Among other factors, this treatment paradigm can permanently lock a child’s facial, cranial and dental development into less than ideal presentation and structure.
The ultimate goal of early intervention orthodontics is a ‘normal’ face and an aesthetically pleasing, functionally correct smile. The earlier the treatment is started, the sooner our experienced dentists can help establish a normal environment for natural growth and development to proceed. Instead of one comprehensive course of treatment as a teenager, the idea of early treatment is to allow young and growing child to have their problems solved early and if possible avoid lengthy and complex treatment required at a later stage.
When should my child have their first orthodontic check up?
Our dentists recommend that your child have their first orthodontic check-up at the age of 7. At Pennant Hills Dental Centre we can often spot subtle problems with jaw growth and emerging teeth while some baby teeth are still present. Early orthodontic treatment may prevent or intercept more serious problems from developing. In some cases, we can achieve results that may not be possible once the face and jaws have finished growing.
Early orthodontic treatment may give us the chance to:
- Develop arches to allow uncomplicated eruption of permanent teeth
- Guide jaw growth
- Lower the risk of trauma to protruded front teeth
- Correct harmful oral habits
- Improve appearance which may have social implications for your child
- Guide permanent teeth into a more favourable position
- Create a more pleasing arrangement of teeth, lips and face
Through an early orthodontic evaluation, you can give your child the best opportunity of having a healthy, beautiful smile for life.
If your child is older than 7, it’s certainly not too late for a check up! We love seeing people of all ages at Pennant Hills Dental Centre. Because patients differ in both physiological development and treatment needs, our goal is to provide each patient with the most appropriate treatment at the most appropriate time.
