A pediatric orthodontist is a dental health professional who seeks to make sure children’s teeth and jaw are properly aligned as they grow. It is a good idea for parents to learn more about children's dental milestones and the orthodontist's role in each one.
Each child's treatment needs and goals are unique, but parents may anticipate certain typical milestones. The following is a rundown of the most important dental milestones for kids, which a pediatric orthodontist may help with and offer treatment for.
Teething, or the emergence of baby teeth, is the first important dental milestone for a kid. Parents are urged to take their children to a dental professional within six months of their baby's first tooth eruption. The dentist will check on the early growth of the baby's teeth and make sure there are no issues. They may also provide parents advice on handling teething and oral care guidelines for their child in between dental visits.
The loss of a child's first baby tooth may be their favorite milestone, especially if it involves a visit from the Tooth Fairy. Around the age of five or six, the first tooth begins to fall out. Some children may begin to lose their teeth later in life. Following the loss of primary teeth, permanent teeth will emerge, which may cause some discomfort. Although losing a baby tooth can be a joyous occasion, it is recommended that parents safeguard their children's teeth with the use of a mouthguard while participating in sports or other physical activities.
Phase I orthodontic treatment, which can happen around the same time as permanent teeth, is recommended by some pediatric orthodontists. Phase II orthodontics, on the other hand, is considerably more popular. This treatment can happen at any age during adolescence or adulthood, but the sooner, the better since the jaw and tooth structures are more flexible. Between the ages of 10 and 14, most dental professionals recommend that parents start considering Phase II orthodontics for their children.
Wisdom teeth may not emerge in some cases until the person is in their adult years, although some may get them as early as the age of 16 or 17. If wisdom teeth are impacted by or become problematic in Phase II orthodontics, the dentist may consider having them removed during the teenage years. Although wisdom teeth removal may not be required until the child reaches adulthood, parents must prepare for the possibility of their child needing it during their teenage years.
Knowing the timeline of a child's oral development is important since it helps parents understand the steps to take at every point. It also ensures that the child's teeth emerge without issues. If your child's baby teeth are starting to erupt, or if you have any dental or orthodontic concerns, you should book an appointment with a pediatric orthodontist for a consultation.
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