As parents, we want the best for our children, and this extends to their oral health. Early intervention orthodontic treatments are becoming increasingly popular, and for good reason. Whether young children have crooked teeth, an overcrowded mouth, or an overbite, early intervention can help to ensure that they have healthy and beautiful smiles throughout their lives. As your trusted orthodontist in San Antonio, TX, we believe that by investing in your child’s dental health, you will be investing in their future.

Why Early Intervention Orthodontics Matter

Orthodontics is not just about straightening teeth; it’s about creating optimal dental health. Children usually have most of their adult teeth by the age of 12, but orthodontic issues may start to manifest earlier, around the age of 7 or 8. Early intervention can help to treat problems at this stage before they worsen and become more complicated. By doing so, we can also reduce the severity and duration of treatment when they are teenagers.

Benefits of Early Intervention Orthodontic Care

There are numerous benefits of early intervention orthodontic care. First, by treating orthodontic problems early, we can help prevent more extensive and complex problems from developing in the future. Early intervention orthodontic care can also improve a child’s overall oral health as straighter teeth are easier to clean, and proper bites can reduce gum recession, tooth decay, and jaw problems. Children respond well to early treatment because their jaws and teeth are still growing and developing, which makes orthodontic work easier and more effective. Additionally, early treatment can boost a child’s self-esteem by correcting cosmetic flaws and promoting positive self-image.

Space Maintainers and Palatal Expanders

Two common types of early intervention orthodontic appliances are space maintainers and palatal expanders. Space maintainers are used to hold the space of a lost tooth until the permanent tooth emerges. Palatal expanders, on the other hand, help to widen the upper jaw and create more room for adult teeth to grow properly. By using these devices, your orthodontist in San Antonio can guide teeth into their ideal positions and prevent overcrowding, which can lead to more severe issues down the road.

Early Intervention: An Investment in Orthodontic Care

Investing in early intervention orthodontic care can save you a lot of money and time in the long run. By addressing dental concerns early on, we can prevent more invasive and more expensive treatment down the road. With some patients, the need for braces later on can be avoided completely. Also, many dental insurance plans cover early orthodontic treatment, which can help to reduce the out-of-pocket costs. Additionally, early orthodontic treatment can result in a healthier and more confident child, which is priceless.

Set the Foundation for Brilliant Young Smiles

If you are a parent of a young child, it’s never too early to consider orthodontic treatment. Investing in early intervention orthodontic care can help to ensure that your child has a healthy and beautiful smile for life. At Schatz Orthodontics, our orthodontists in San Antonio are passionate about helping our young patients achieve optimal oral health and confidence. To learn more about our early intervention orthodontic treatments, contact us today.