The Benefit of Early Orthodontic Evaluation to Assess Your Child’s Dental Trauma
Every parent wants their child to have a healthy, beautiful smile. Healthy and well-aligned teeth are significant contributors to that attractive smile. Plus, teeth in correct alignment allow for a proper bite that can assist in a lifetime of oral health.
Overjet is a condition where the front teeth in the upper jaw advance forward, well in front of the front teeth in the lower jaw. The term “buck teeth” is a common way of referring to overjet. A child with a significant overjet can likely benefit from interceptive orthodontic treatment.
Results of a landmark study
A landmark study from 2013 looked at children between the ages of 9 and 14. It found that the two front teeth on the upper jaw were the most commonly injured. It also showed that boys experienced twice as many teeth injuries as girls. Enamel fractures were also one of the most frequent injuries. Enamel-dentin fractures and enamel cracks were fairly typical, as well.
Notably, those children who had an overjet larger than 3 millimeters were more likely to have a dental injury than children a less substantial overjet. Children who had inadequate lip coverage were also more likely to experience dental trauma than children whose lip coverage was sufficient.
Results favor early orthodontic evaluation
This information helps to drive home the importance of early orthodontic evaluations by age seven. It also demonstrates the numerous benefits of orthodontics for children. The American Association of Orthodontists suggests orthodontic evaluation around age seven because the bite is well-established by this age. Additionally, there is a mixture of baby and adult teeth.
A knowledgeable and experienced orthodontist can identify whether your child has overjet or other dental conditions. Finding out early provides the opportunity to address potential problems. Then, braces or other orthodontic appliances can be used to intervene and prevent those potential problems. However, don’t wait until your child reaches age seven if you notice something wrong with your child’s teeth or bite.
Orthodontics help other types of trauma
Falls are a frequent cause of childhood dental injuries, as young children tend to be more prone to them. Dental injuries may also occur during sports activities. Again, in these situations, children who have significant overjet may be at higher risk of dental trauma and would benefit from having the issue identified and addressed.
When savvy parents suspect a problem that needs orthodontic intervention, an orthodontist can assess the situation, and apply corrective orthodontics. Or, in other circumstances, the orthodontist will continue to monitor your child to determine the appropriate time to take action. Even if no treatment is needed at that particular time, the peace of mind parents can receive is worth the visit.
If you or your child has sustained a dental injury, schedule a consultation with an orthodontist like from John Redmond Orthodontics, right away. If the injury was caused by another person’s negligence or wrongful conduct, make sure to let the orthodontic professional be aware of the situation. You may need the orthodontist’s documentary evidence of the injury and the need for treatment if you intend to file a personal injury lawsuit.
