Orthodontics for children: The right time for the first visit

Dear parents,

Your child's dental health is certainly as important to you as it is to us. The question often comes up as to when is the right time for the first visit to an orthodontic practice.

At BISS45, we have set ourselves the task of providing parents with comprehensive information and accompanying children on their journey to a healthy and radiant smile. In this blog post, we would like to provide you with important information: Why is an early visit to an orthodontist so important? What are the benefits of early treatment? What signs indicate that it is time to make an appointment? Read on to find out how you can set the right course for your child's dental health early on. Together, we create the best conditions for your child's teeth and jaw development — for a smile that lasts a lifetime.

Importance of orthodontics for children's dental health

Orthodontics plays a crucial role in the development of healthy and functional dentition. Tooth and jaw misalignments can not only affect the appearance but also the health and functionality of the dentition. An early visit to an orthodontist can help identify and treat potential problems in a timely manner.

Early detection and prevention

A major advantage of orthodontics for children is therefore the ability to identify malpositions and growth disorders at an early stage. As early as 6-7 years of age, an orthodontist can identify potential problems and take preventive measures. This early intervention can prevent complex and lengthy treatments in later years.

Optimal development of teeth and jaws

During childhood and adolescence, teeth and jaws are in a dynamic growth phase. Orthodontics supports the optimal development of these structures by correcting misalignments and directing jaw growth in the right direction. This not only results in a harmonious appearance, but also improves the functionality of the dentition, which is important for chewing and speaking.

Avoiding long-term problems

Untreated tooth and jaw misalignments can cause long-term health problems, such as tooth decay, gum disease and temporomandibular joint pain. These risks can be minimized through timely orthodontic treatment. Malpositions of the teeth and jaws can also lead to functional problems such as difficulty chewing, speaking or breathing. Early orthodontic interventions can address these issues and improve your child's quality of life.

Holistic health

The correct position of teeth and jaws contributes to holistic health. For example, it can prevent tension and pain in the jaw and neck area.

Recommended time for the first visit

Recommended time: 6-7 years

Most professional associations, including the German Society of Orthodontics (DGKFO) and the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), recommend that children visit an orthodontist for the first time at the age of 6-7 years. Why exactly that age? Here are a few reasons:

1. First permanent teeth

At this age, the first permanent teeth begin to break through. The orthodontist can already see how permanent teeth are developing and whether there are signs of malpositions.

2. growth phase

Children are in an important phase of growth. An orthodontist can steer the growth of the jaw in a positive direction to avoid complex treatments later on.

3. Early detection and prevention

The orthodontist can identify problems such as constrictions, cross bites, over and under bites and other malpositions at an early stage and take appropriate preventive measures.

Signs that your child is a should visit an orthodontist

In addition to the recommended age, there are specific signs that may indicate that a visit to an orthodontic practice makes sense:

• Sooner or later loss of baby teeth
• Difficulty chewing or biting
• Mouth breathing
• Thumb sucking after the age of five
• Speech problems
• Overlapping, crooked, or too tight teeth
• Divergent bite position
  

Procedure of the first visit

The first visit to us is usually uncomplicated and is mainly used for advice and examination. The orthodontist will perform a thorough examination of your child's teeth, jaw and face. We will advise you on the available treatment options. At the next appointment, we may carry out diagnostic tests such as X-rays, scans and photos to get an accurate picture of the position of the teeth and jaw. Based on the examination results, we will then draw up a treatment plan and explain the various options to you.

conclusion

Orthodontics offers a variety of solutions for common dental and jaw problems in children. An early visit to one of our practices can help identify and treat these problems in good time, leading to better dental health and a radiant smile. Therefore, do not hesitate to consider an orthodontic examination for your child to ensure the best possible conditions for your child's dental health and well-being. Simply make an appointment for a consultation with us online or by telephone. We are looking forward to your visit!