Many parents may find it surprising that they should consider orthodontic intervention for their children at the age of seven. Not every child requires treatment at such an early age, although an examination is still important. But for those that do, the earlier a possible complication is spotted and dealt with, the better for them in the long run. For more information reach out to your Poulsbo, WA, professionals, Dr. Shelly Self, Dr. Mckinley Self, and Dr. Kristina Durickas of Poulsbo Children's Dentistry.
The reason why children at the age of seven are great candidates for early orthodontic care is that even though they usually still have several baby teeth, there are enough permanent ones for an orthodontic professional to assess future problems.
In fact, certain situations are best dealt with before all of the permanent teeth have come in. Such as when either the presence of a baby tooth--or the lack of one, for those that have fallen before they should have--interferes with the normal eruption of a permanent tooth.
Your child's doctor may also suggest early treatment for underbites, crossbites, problems related to the spacing of the teeth, or thumb or pacifier sucking, which can affect the normal growth of the jaw if it's not corrected in time.
Orthodontics in Poulsbo, WA
During the examination, your child's doctor will examine their current progress and help determine whether treatment may be required as soon as possible, or if it can wait and simply monitor a potential problem, or if no treatment is necessary.
The maturity of the young patient factors into the decision, as a level of compliance, is required for some treatments, and it's sometimes better to wait and limit the chance of treatment failure.
But it's always best to intervene early, to find out what complications may lay ahead, and which can be best handled promptly. So make an appointment today with Drs. Self, and Dr. Durickas, of Poulsbo Children's Dentistry in Poulsbo, WA, by dialing (360) 779-7115.