Although for many children the need for orthodontics is not needed until their teenage years, Dr. T.C. Hardy recommends that children make an orthodontic appointment around age 7 or 8. This is the ideal time to check for possible orthodontic issues. In cases where orthodontic issues are developing early on, these preliminary visits to the orthodontist assist in both early detection as well as prompt treatment. When certain orthodontic issues, such as underbite or crossbite, arise early and are allowed to develop over time, the conditions may worsen, complicating the problems and possibly lengthening the overall treatment time necessary to correct them. Early detection and treatment is vital for good oral health and maintaining a beautiful smile.
Benefits of Child Orthodontics
Even if you do not perceive any dental issues with your child and your child does not exhibit any symptoms of orthodontic complications, there are still a number of benefits from visiting an orthodontist at an early age. These benefits include:
- Monitoring the progress of incoming teeth
- Monitoring the progress of facial and jaw development
- The chance to guide incoming teeth into their ideal position
- The detection of hidden dental problems
- Reduce the risk of future impacted teeth
- Reduce the risk of permanent tooth extractions
What Can I Expect?
At Taft Hill Orthodontics, we take care to be gentle and comforting with our young patients who may have apprehensions about visiting the dentist. Our aim is to use the same open and compassionate dialogue we use with all of our patients to help children feel comfortable and safe. Though teenagers often do not want the cosmetic impact of orthodontics, they are occasionally necessary to prevent severe dental issues in the future. Using aesthetically-minded treatments such as Invisalign® help our younger patients feel less self-conscious about their smile during the process. We hope to instill good dental habits in our young patients that they will carry with them for the rest of their lives.
Why Should I Choose Dr. T.C. Hardy?
Selecting a reputable and skilled orthodontist you can trust is an important aspect of your child’s oral health. Dr. Hardy, who earned his specialty in orthodontics from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, is extensively trained on correcting misaligned teeth, adjusting occlusion (the way the teeth fit together), and treating jaw disorders. Taft Hill Orthodontics also takes pride in our ability to work well with children of all ages and make them feel comfortable during their visit. Our hope is to provide children with a positive experience, while simultaneously making their smile the best it can be.
Schedule a Consultation
If you have questions about child orthodontics or if you are interested in scheduling a consultation with Dr. Hardy, please contact our office today.
