According to the American Association of Orthodontists, orthodontists recommend that children see an orthodontist as soon as their baby teeth start falling out, which happens sometimes around 7 years old.

An orthodontist exam can benefit your younger kids in many ways. An orthodontist will use their knowledge and tools to determine what’s going on in your little one’s mouth and what needs to happen moving forward. Afterward, they will recommend treatment so that you can give your child the best smile and optimal oral hygiene. Here are the top three benefits orthodontic treatment offers.

1. Improves Oral Hygiene

When teeth are crooked, it’s harder to clean them. There are many surfaces that a toothbrush or floss might not reach properly. Food can get stuck in many places more easily than with straight teeth. Therefore, correcting one’s smile and bite with orthodontic treatment can be a lifesaver.

2. Lower Risks

When a smile and bite are crooked, one can suffer a higher risk of tooth damage. Even biting could cause some teeth to break. Luckily, this won’t be an issue if you see an orthodontist. Teeth will not only be aligned properly, which is aesthetically pleasing, but they will be more resistant in the long run. Therefore, going for an orthodontic exam is an investment.

3. Prevent Issues

Surprisingly, misaligned teeth can cause problems in one’s jaw. Due to the bite or smile, one might need more force to chew food. The jaw muscles suffer from this situation because they have to move in uncomfortable and unnatural positions to prevent all of this from happening.

These are only a few of the many benefits of orthodontic treatment for you or for your child. It’s important to keep oral hygiene in top shape, not just for aesthetic purposes but also for health and for your wallet. Don’t forget to schedule your free examination at David Ross Orthodontics today!