Created 9/23/2022
Updated 12/15/2023
Many parents still believe that it is not necessary to take their children for a first orthodontic check-up until all the permanent teeth have appeared in the mouth. However, this is a false myth that we intend to eradicate. The truth is that it is recommended that this review should take place at around six years of age. In this article, from our dental clinic in Barcelona, we explain why it is important to perform it at this age and what are the benefits of orthodontics for children.
First orthodontic check-up at age 6: why at this age?
At around 6 years of age, the eruption of the first permanent molar tooth occurs, a moment of great importance, especially with regard to occlusion. That is, the way in which the teeth of both arches fit together.
The first permanent molars can therefore indicate the position of the rest of the teeth that will gradually appear. Thus, we can know if they will be positioned in the dental arch correctly or not. If not, in addition to dental malposition, the child may suffer from various types of malocclusions.
During the first orthodontic check-up, a time of life when baby teeth and permanent teeth coexist, we evaluate the growth of these and, in addition, the development of the mandible and maxilla. If we detect any type of anomaly, we can recommend to parents a first orthodontic treatment with interceptive or functional appliances.
Benefits of orthodontic treatment for children
During childhood and adolescence, when children are still immersed in the growth stage, the results of orthodontic treatments are highly satisfactory. The reason is that the mandibular and maxillary bones are still developing. Therefore, if we perform this first treatment we can mold them, favoring or stopping their growth. Thus, in the medium and long term, we avoid more serious malocclusions that, for example, require orthognathic surgery.
Its results, in addition to esthetics, also promote good oral health. In this sense, aligned teeth, without malocclusion problems, facilitate chewing and swallowing, prevent dental trauma and correct bad habits, such as thumb sucking, atypical swallowing and oral breathing.
At IMOI, we are experts in orthodontic treatments with metal brackets, lingual brackets and aesthetic brackets, as well as invisible orthodontic treatments with dental aligners. Now, in addition, on the occasion of back to school, you can get € 150 discount on treatments with self-ligating brackets.
If you need us to make an assessment of your children’s case, you can contact us on 93 272 48 30 (Barcelona) / 971 315 374 (Ibiza) or leave us your details in the form on our website.
At IMOI Barcelona and IMOI Ibiza, we follow editorial principles that guarantee the authenticity of all the information we disseminate. If you are interested in learning more about how we ensure that our content is always up-to-date and accurately supported, we invite you to review our editorial commitment.
This article has been supervised by Dr. Ferran Novell Costa and Dra. Erjona Demiraj, specialists in Dental Health and Dental Aesthetics treatments. Responsible for the treatments provided at IMOI Barcelona and IMOI Ibiza and for the supervision and/or updating of the contents of this blog entry. (7/11/2023). The recommendations described are not generic and do not replace the diagnosis and evaluation of a professional in a dental office. If you want us to clarify any aspect or you want a personalized diagnosis and advice we recommend you to come to our dental clinics.
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