According to the American Association of Orthodontists, nearly five million Americans are going through some form of orthodontic treatment. In many cases, these treatments are to correct aesthetic issues of the smile, including crooked and crowded teeth. This number is made up of both adults and children – with about 36 percent over 18 years of age. Many of our patients at Millennium Smiles in Frisco, Texas, started their orthodontic treatment in their teenage years, but should have they started sooner?
The answer is most likely going to be yes! Early (before teenage years) intervention is critical and can treat issues beyond the cosmetic appearance of the smile to bring benefits to the oral and overall health.
Modern-day orthodontics, often known as neuromuscular orthodontics, can treat serious issues that stem from jaw misalignment – not just crooked teeth. By treating misaligned or malformed jaws, things like nasal breathing, sleep disorders, clenching and grinding of the teeth, and temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). Neuromuscular orthodontics can also help reduce your risk of high blood pressure, cardiac conditions, and diabetes.
Some individuals also see positive changes in the shape of their face, which allows them to look more youthful. Imagine seeing the benefits of a facelift without having surgery!
So, when should you start orthodontic treatment?T The best time to go for the first orthodontic checkup is around age six or seven, to make sure all jaw development is happening as it should. Another reason why this age is ideal for an orthodontic evaluation is that the palate has not fully fused – – that happens around age nine – so treatments to model the jaw correctly are more effective.
Do you want to learn more about how neuromuscular orthodontics may benefit you or your child? Give Millennium Smiles in Frisco, Texas, a call at 972-468-8771 today to schedule your consultation.