Early orthodontic treatment is tremendously important as part of your child’s healthcare. As with any other medical treatment, time is a very important and determining factor when it comes to your child’s orthodontic treatment. Usually, we encourage parents and caregivers to take children for the first checkup as soon as possible after an orthodontic issue is recognized, but no later than age 7.
At Hillsdale Orthodontics, we understand that your child is the most important person in your life. As parents ourselves, we want to make sure that we do everything in our power to help you. So you can help your child be happy and healthy throughout their lifetime. Dr. Leemin and the staff want to make sure your child’s smile is as radiant and confident as possible. That’s why as a trusted and committed orthodontist in Portland, at Hillsdale Orthodontics, we encourage early orthodontic treatment.
What Is Early Orthodontic Treatment?
By definition, early orthodontic treatment refers to orthodontic intervention before the eruption of permanent dentition (except third molars) is complete. You may also see “early” treatment, referred to as “interceptive” treatment. Meaning treatment is done while baby teeth are still present.
Early treatment may be a patient’s best option. Their problem could become more severe if left untreated over a long period. Early treatment aims to stop the developing situation and work on the cause, all the while guiding the growth of facial and jawbones. Ultimately, this helps create sufficient space for your child’s permanent teeth. Usually, patients may require a second course of treatment after all permanent teeth have come in. To make sure that those permanent teeth come in, in proper position and alignment.
What Issues Can Be Treated With Early Orthodontic Treatment?
While some orthodontic issues are inherited, others result from accidents, dental disease, or other factors. A well-trained specialist can determine the causes of your orthodontic problem during a consultation. However, some of the most common issues that can be treated with early orthodontics include the following:
- Underbites happen when the lower front teeth are ahead of the upper front teeth
- Crossbites arise when the jaw shifts to one side
- Very crowded teeth
- Excessively spaced teeth (Diastema)
- Additional or missing teeth
- Teeth that meet improperly, or not at all
- Jaw or teeth growth affected by thumb, finger, or pacifier sucking
What Are the Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment in Portland?
As a worried, cautious, responsible parent, you might not want to put your young child through early orthodontic treatment, and that is totally understandable. However, your Portland Orthodontist, Dr. Leemin, and team members at Hillsdale Orthodontics want to remind you that many benefits come with early orthodontic treatment for your child. Some of those benefits include:
Cleaner and Healthier Teeth
It can be difficult for them to keep proper dental hygiene with crooked or crowded teeth, even with regular brushing and flossing.
Correcting Bite Problems
If your child’s jaws or teeth do not align properly, also known as malocclusion or a bad bite, it can cause teeth to grow awkwardly and become crowded. Or, in the worst cases, a bad bite can cause headaches, facial and jaw pain, and other forms of discomfort for your child.
Help Prevent Dental Trauma
When we leave teeth issues untreated, it can cause more severe problems requiring complex treatments to correct. All these situations could be traumatic for young children. Crooked or extra teeth can also stick out, making them a target for unwanted damage should your kid fall while playing.
Saving Time and Money
Time is money, and leaving an orthodontic problem without treatment could only worsen the problem over time, making it more difficult and more expensive to solve with proper treatment.
Help Reduce the Risk of Speech Problems
Children with bad bites or severe dental issues can develop a lisp or other speech impediments. Correction of these issues with early orthodontic treatment can help prevent or alleviate speech problems giving your child the confidence they need to speak and interact with others.
What to Expect During the First Visit?
At Hillsdale Orthodontics, we know that the first visit to the orthodontist can be overwhelming for people, not to mention younger children. That is why you will be welcomed by our caring and friendly staff that will do everything to help you and your child feel comfortable from the moment you walk into our practice.
Your initial consultation with us is FREE and will take approximately anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. During this time, Dr. Leemin, a parent herself, will evaluate your child’s teeth and explain her findings to you, the parent, giving you all the information you need to make the right decision. Your free consultation at our office includes the following:
- 3D digital impression
- Diagnostic records (photos, x-rays)
- Oral exam and consultation with our doctors.
- A customized digital treatment plan tailored to the needs of the patient
- Insurance considerations
- Flexible financing options
During the consultation, we will also tell you about the existing orthodontic options available, which could be a perfect solution depending on your child’s dental issues. Our Orthodontic Solutions include Invisalign, Metal braces, Clear braces, and more.
At Hillsdale Orthodontics, we consider caring for your family’s smiles a privilege, and it is one we take very seriously. Please remember to give your child an opportunity to have a healthy, beautiful smile. When it comes to this treatment, timing is crucial, and early orthodontic treatment in Portland with Dr. Leemin can be the key to those perfect pearly whites.
To schedule your child’s FREE initial consultation, feel free to call us at 503-744-5384 or by clicking here. You can also visit us and meet the team.
We look forward to meeting you and welcoming you to our Orthodontic family.
