Early Orthodontic Treatment: It’s About More than Just the Smile

Every parent wants their child to smile with confidence, and a consultation with your orthodontist is one of the best approaches to ensuring that goal. However orthodontic treatment, especially during your child’s younger years, has many benefits… beyond straight teeth and a healthy bite. At Eckels Orthodontics we see children as young as seven, to prevent future issues and adjust for them before they become larger problems, which are more difficult or invasive to treat. Early treatment can:

Prevent Overcrowding:

Traditionally, orthodontists may wait until age 12 or 13 to treat a crowding problem, but the problem isn’t going to get any better by waiting. Through early treatment we can regulate the width of the upper and lower dental arches, creating additional space for permanent teeth. This can lessen or decrease the possibility of permanent tooth extractions, reduce the likelihood of impacted permanent teeth and can even help correct abnormal swallowing or speech problems.

Avoid Crossbites:

A crossbite is when you close your mouth and some of your upper teeth are sitting inside your lower teeth — rather than on the outside. A trained eye can see early on if crossbites will be an issue as the rest of your child’s permanent teeth come in. The earlier treatment begins, the easier it will be because your child’s jaw is less developed at this early age and can be guided along the right path rather than working to reverse issues at a later age.

Simplify Treatment:

Early treatment (Phase 1), when indicated, can simplify later treatment (Phase 2). Children who undergo early treatment often have a much shorter second phase of treatment once their permanent teeth come in. This makes life easier for both them and you as their schedules get busier and busier.

At Eckels Orthodontics we strive to make children’s visits comfortable and positive:

• No more goop!At Eckels Orthodontics we have a state-of-the-art, iTero® Element™ digital scanner, which is used to take 3D impressions on each child, allowing us to permanently retire that uncomfortable, gooey, impression material we all (not-so-fondly) remember.
• Family oriented:We strive to provide a positive, warm and friendly atmosphere to all of our patients, especially young children. We know that the first impressions we make can impact their attitude toward not only orthodontic care but also healthcare as a whole.
• Three convenient locations:Eckels Orthodontics has locations in Parkersburg and Ripley, West Virginia, and Marietta, Ohio.

Our friendly team is waiting to answer any of your questions and start you or your child on a path to a gorgeous smile. Click below to schedule a complimentary consultation.