Early orthodontic treatment, also known as interceptive orthodontics, involves addressing dental problems in children while their teeth and jaws are still developing. It is recommended that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by the age of 7, as this is when their adult teeth are starting to come in, and any problems can be detected early.

At SmileFit Austin, we offer early orthodontic treatment to help guide the growth and development of a child’s jaw and face, leading to improved facial aesthetics and better oral function. Early orthodontic treatment can correct problems such as crowding, spacing, and bite issues before they become more severe. By addressing these issues early, future orthodontic treatment can be minimized or even avoided entirely.

One of the benefits of early orthodontic treatment is that it is often easier and faster than treatment in later years. This is because a child’s jaw and teeth are still growing and more responsive to treatment. Early treatment can also prevent the need for more invasive procedures later on, such as surgery or tooth extraction.

SmileFit Austin offers a range of early orthodontic treatment options, including:

1. Palatal Expanders: Palatal expanders are used to widen the upper jaw to create more space for adult teeth to come in properly. This can prevent overcrowding and help to correct bite issues.
2. Early Braces: Early braces can be used to address issues such as crowding, spacing, and bite problems before they become more severe. Early braces are often more effective than waiting until later years to begin treatment.
3. Habit Appliances: Habit appliances can be used to correct habits such as thumb sucking, which can cause dental problems in the long term.

It’s important to schedule an orthodontic evaluation for your child by the age of 7 to detect any potential dental problems early. Early orthodontic treatment can improve your child’s oral health, enhance their appearance, and boost their confidence. With the range of early orthodontic treatment options available at SmileFit Austin, you can ensure your child has a healthy and beautiful smile for life.