It generally includes practices aimed at preventing orthodontic anomalies that may occur in the future and eliminating some bad habits diagnosed at an early stage.
If we list some of these practices;
→ Space maintainers made to replace milk teeth lost in the early period
→ Anti-tongue appliances made to eliminate habits such as thumb sucking and improper swallowing (the tongue sticking out between the teeth while swallowing).
Although there is no exact age limit to start orthodontic treatment, (if we say so, we hope you will not make the mistake of bringing a 2-year-old child for examination) It is beneficial to visit an orthodontist starting from the age of 7. Since this is the period when the 6-year-old teeth and the incisors in the front area begin to erupt, possible upper jaw stenosis, front crossbite, the upper teeth being located behind the lower teeth as opposed to what they should be, or the teeth being protruding forward (toothy). It is important for early diagnosis of disorders. In addition, early diagnosis of habits such as thumb sucking and mouth breathing will reduce the need for treatment in the future. Even more importantly, during this period, it may be possible to save the situation for much less than the money you would spend on a full-scale orthodontic treatment. But do not get your hopes up because, except for simple cases, unfortunately, repeat orthodontic treatment may be necessary at later ages, in other words, after the eruption of the remaining permanent teeth. In fact, there are two different opinions on this issue. While some orthodontists find a two-stage treatment more appropriate, both in the early period around the age of 7-8 and in the later period around the age of 11-12, other orthodontists find a single-stage treatment at the age of 11-12 appropriate. In this case, the question may come to mind why it is more appropriate to start at the age of 11-12 rather than 14-15. The 11-12 age period is generally the years when children begin to grow and develop. If your child has a skeletal jaw disorder in addition to a dental disorder, treatment at this age will be more appropriate. Remember that orthodontically applied skeletal treatment depends entirely on the child. Since recovery is aimed by directing your child's growth and development, your child's skeletal growth rate and the rate of recovery that will occur as a result of treatment will be parallel to each other. For this reason, skeletal recovery will not be possible after your child's growth and development slows down or ends. In addition, your child's degree of acceptance of orthodontic treatment applied at the age of 11-12 will decrease with advancing age.
To make a long story short, your specialist says that: It would still be best to bring your child for his first orthodontic examination when he is 7-8 years old. Interventions during this period can sometimes be life-saving, especially for children who suck their thumbs and mouth breathe.
However, my indispensable advice is this; Visiting an orthodontist is a must at the age of 10-11.
Read: 0
