The perception that an orthodontist only treats children and adults is wrong. Those looking to save time and money should consider starting orthodontic treatment at an earlier age. For those thinking about orthodontic treatment in Bangalore, this blog will discuss why early treatment is often the best approach.

What is Early Orthodontic Treatment?

Interceptive orthodontics, also called early orthodontic treatment, refers to the practice of treating found problems as early as 7 to 10 years old. This is the most appropriate time for correcting jaw and tooth growth because it is much more flexible. This doesn't always mean getting braces immediately as it may involve getting spacers, retainers, or partial braces which guide teeth and jaw growth.

Why Start Early?

1. 1. Stopping Issues from Getting Worse: Orthodontic problems such as spaced out teeth, crowding, or overbites have a tendency to get worse when neglected. The good news is that taking action earlier will prevent the issues from completely getting out of hand - resulting in expensive procedures.
   2. Jaw Growth Regulation: Children still have developing jaws, which makes correcting problems such as narrow arches or an incorrect bite easy to fix. Providing treatment early can help guide the jaw's growth in the correct direction, which would reduce the chances of needing surgery or extractions later on in life.
   3. Space Creation for Permanent Teeth: For children who have smaller mouths, early treatment can alleviate the chances of overcrowding and tooth removal in later stages. This is done by creating space in the child's mouth for their permanent teeth.
   4. Self-Esteem Boost: Teeth that are crooked or misaligned can tamper with a child's underlying confidence. Early treatment can be beneficial to the child so they can smile confidently while also undergoing their formative stages, which makes smiling at certain times critical.

How Does Early Treatments Save Time and Money?

1. 1. 1. Treats in Less Time: Solving issues early on comes with a lighter treatment time. For instance, a child who receives treatment at an early age may only have to wear braces during the teenage years for only one to two years unlike others who begin treatment later on when they need to wear braces for three to four years.
      2. Less Complications: Severe overcrowding, greatly impacted teeth, and badly aligned jaws can be avoided with early treatment as they often demand complex procedures like extraction and even surgery.
      3. Economically Friendly: Although proactive treatment may appear premature and an additional expense, it could potentially save you money within a given time frame. Damaging problems can be prevented, which lessens the need for costly treatments that are required with severe issues.
      4. Improved Oral Hygiene: Cleaning straighter teeth is much easier and thus reduces the chances of cavities, gum disease, and other associated issues. This allows for better dental health, reducing the amount of visits to the dentist, and costs in the long run.

What Can You Do as a Parent?

As a parent, the first thing that you could do in Bangalore, is book an appointment with a qualified orthodontist, for instance, the specialists situated at DentalDeCare. They would assess the dental conditions of your child and suggest whether they need some form of proactive treatment or not. Even in the absence of a current need for treatment, regular visits aid in watching as well as identifying concerns early on so that essential action can be taken.