Some of you will be surprised to hear that my children have never been to the dentist before. I have always promoted good dental hygiene at home making sure that the children brush their teeth twice a day, once in the morning and again prior to turning in for the night. I try to limit sweets (to a degree) and don’t really allow fizzy drinks at home to help me protect their teeth and keep them healthy and strong.
Both my girls (ages 6 and 7.5) have a great looking set of teeth (Mr Squishy is still working on growing his milk teeth). The girls have not lost any of their milk teeth although I am sure this will happen eventually and in my opinion it’s a good thing for obvious reasons. Now that the Summer holidays are rapidly approaching, oh no!!!!! I am beginning to prepare a list of things that we need to do during this period. Top of my list, visit the dentist. I wanted to get the children used to the dentist before losing their teeth as I am noticing some of their friends who have lost teeth have adult teeth that are not growing straight and will be in need of dental assistance in the near future. Although I can influence the number of cavities and work to avoid these myself I can’t influence the girls teeth and whether they grow straight. Having gone through the turmoil of introducing one of my daughters to the optician and finding she needed glasses during the last holidays I wanted to take them on a dentist visit whilst there wasn’t anything to worry about so that their initial visit is a pleasant one. The last thing I need is to be dragging three children to a dentist kicking and screaming as that would be impossible, one child alone doing this would be hard enough.
With glowing recommendations my attention focused on one particular dental practice ‘Hampstead Orthodontic Practice’. Established in 1994 this dental practice has build up a reputation for its innovative approach to dental care. They aim to give all clients an exceptional level of care in a friendly comfortable environment using the most effective treatment, state-of-the art-materials and the latest in computer technology.
Although stating the obvious the best time to receive orthodontic treatment is as a child. It is best to identify any issues and begin treatment at early stages to prevent problems later on. Early orthodontic treatment can be started on children as young as 7 a good idea when you think how self conscious they will be in their teens. My girls are already taking note of their appearance and are very self conscious. I would hate for my little ones to have to go through having to wear braces when they are older.
Where required treatment normally lasts from 8 to 12 months and can be used to correct problems such as overbites, underbites, crowded and protruding teeth. Early treatment of these may negate the need for future treatment.
The American Association of Orthodontists suggested that children attend their first orthodontic screening by age 7, perfect timing for my eldest then. During our first session they will evaluate front-to-back and side-to-side tooth relationships to detect any possible overbite, underbite, or overcrowding issues. If treatment is required then we will receive a personalised treatment plan which may include fixed or removable children’s braces.
Why is Early Orthodontic Treatment Important
1. Overbite or underbite can be corrected early before issues arise.
2. Issues with crowded teeth and unerupted teeth can be addressed early.
3. Reduces the need for tooth removal.
4. Helps reduce the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth.
5. Allows for facial symmetry by influencing jaw growth / development.
6. May reduce the need for braces during teenage / adult years.
7. Treatment time is reduced when issues are addressed early.
8. Overall costs are reduced with early treatment.
The dental practise of course also treats adults and they offer a range of cutting-edge orthodontic treatments some of which can reduce orthodontic treatment time by up to 50% so a great way to save money too.
Hampstead Orthodontic Practice offer interest free payment plans with flexible monthly or quarterly payment options over a 24 month period to help spread the cost of treatment where required.
I’m planning on booking the girls in for their first visit soon and as an added bonus Hampstead Heath is nearby so we can have a full blown day out with a dental visit followed by a picnic and run around in the park.
Want to know if your child is a candidate for early orthodontic treatment and children’s braces? Why not contact Hampstead Orthodontic Practice today to schedule a complimentary consultation.
This is a collaborative post.
Discover more from Melanie's Fab Finds
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Didn’t know orthodontic treatment started so young
Most of my elder neices had braces but not until 15 -15 even though they attended the dentist from 2-3 years old they all have beautiful straight teeth
Seems this proactive approach would prevent select esteem issues when older
I had too many teeth in my mouth as a kid and had them removed. I want braces again though, I had it when I was too young to look after my teeth and now my teeth are still not straight! It is better to have orthodontic treatment when you are younger.
As someone who has a fear of false teeth, I could not agree with you more on this x
It is very important, thanks for your comment Rachel 😉
I used to go to the orphodontist regularly when I was a kid but I think it’s just as important when you’re an adult x
That’s true, regular check ups are important.
I had my first brace at 10 I think it was and wore one of some kind for probably 10 years after that. It was a long old process. x
That does sound like a long time. Maybe it was caught late so took longer to correct.
These are some good points. I’d definitely try to get my kids into the office as soon as possible.
Lets hope all is ok for them Liz.
Yes! This is so important! I still have to do these techniques today!
xoxo
I should have had orthodontic treatment as a child as, although my top teeth are perfect, my bottom set are crooked and it affects my confidence to smile. Thankfully, so far, my kids seem ok!
I have trouble with my teeth and jaw so we took my two to the dentist as soon as we could and were lucky enough to find a husband and wife duo who love kids and are brilliant at allaying their fears (and mine). They let Caitlin & Ieuan play with the dentist chair and even made balloons with the rubber gloves. I really agree that orthodontic treatment is important, or at least an assessment so that you can keep an eye on things. It’s easy to forget that children get self conscious about their teeth too.
This post is very informative. Good to start these treatments early if needed.
I agree, early treatment is always the best.
It is so important isn’t it? I am shocked people don’t realise x
Me too but I hope this post helps so parents at least.
I think dental healthy in children is so important., especially for their future dental care.
It sure is, I want mine to get all their treatment they need early so it doesn’t affect them later in life.
These are really good reasons why early orthodontic treatment is important 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Claire, it is very important for parents to be fully aware.
It’s so important to start treatment early to get the kids into the habit. I was a defiant one and now I am paying the price.
Oh dear that’s a shame, they also treat adults so may be worth contacting to see if they can help x
Seems like a really good idea to get them in early. I didn’t realise until reading this post that it was as young as 7 though… just a couple of years away for us!
I didn’t either until I started researching it.
Really interesting post. I had orthodontic treatment from quite a young age and I’m so grateful – my teeth were a mess.
It is best to do it at a young age even f it’s just to get it done and out of the way.
I have always been fanatical about getting my children to the dentist from an early age. I was glad I did, because they did need some orthodontic work once they got older. They have lovely teeth now, so It obviously worked! x
I had braces when I was younger and as I have gotten older my teeth have moved around again. I wish I could afford to have them straightened again. It is so important to take them when they are young.
I was lucky as I didn’t need braces but my brother did, he has straight teeth now luckily for him.
I am with you. Dentist and oral health is super important
They sure are, I hope my children’s teeth aren’t too bad when the new ones grow through.
It’s really a great idea to let it check as early as you can so it can easily be fixed as well. One of my regrets and now I am just planning to have braces.
I think early checks are great to help save the stress and cost of later treatment.
interesting read
Totally agree oral health is a great thing to encourage from a young age!
I went to the dentist at an early age, it’s as I get older that I don’t go as much
Me too but I need to pay them a visit with a the children very soon. Better book myself in too.
Some very good points here. Prevention, if possible, is always better than cure.