pridemore and cox orthodonotics

A lot of people think about teenagers when they think about braces. The truth is that the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children see an orthodontist by age 7! Does that seem early? We get it. Keep reading to find out why seven years old is the perfect age to bring your child in for their first orthodontic evaluation.

We hear all the time that seven seems early for an orthodontic appointment. Most seven-year-olds do not even have many of their permanent teeth yet and you may be surprised to hear that is exactly why it is the best time for them to see an orthodontist. By scheduling your first consult before your child’s permanent teeth erupt, Dr. Cox can see potential problems before they happen. Common issues that can be seen during these early visits include problems with bite or overcrowding.

Another important benefit of early orthodontic office visits is the prevention of complicated orthodontic problems down the road. By checking how your child’s teeth are coming in and their jaw is developing your orthodontist can begin building your child’s individual treatment plan, including when the optimal time to begin treatment will be.

Before they are ready for braces, some younger children may need to wear orthodontic appliances to help prevent problems or your orthodontist may suggest yearly check-ups to monitor growth and tooth development. There is also the potential that early appointments can shorten treatment times and prevent the need for more intensive or uncomfortable procedures. By avoiding longer treatment times, or more complicated procedures, early appointments can also help save you money!

We know that, as parents, you only want the very best for your children now and always. That includes a lifelong beautiful smile. Scheduling your child’s first appointment by two, is the key to starting them on the most ideal orthodontic path. If your child is nearing age 7 (or is older and has not seen an orthodontist yet) Contact us today. We want to help your family see the benefits and beautiful smiles that early orthodontic treatment can provide.

Join us to celebrate one of our favorite months of the entire year! October is National Orthodontic Health Month and we want to bring awareness to how important staying up to date on your orthodontic health is. Not only does a beautiful smile make you feel confident, but it also has so many physical health benefits to having a healthy smile! Read more about the many benefits of taking care of your gums and teeth the right way below.

Straight teeth are easier to clean. Not only does this make mornings and evenings easier when brushing and flossing our teeth, it means there is less room for tooth decay. Teeth that are overcrowded and misaligned are harder to clean and you are bound to miss those hard-to-reach spots when you're cleaning your teeth. Without seeing your orthodontist and fixing your orthodontic needs, there is a far greater chance your tooth enamel might erode. Tooth erosion occurs when acids wear away the enamel on your teeth.

Another benefit of treating your orthodontic problems correctly is to avoid breathing, swallowing, or talking problems. While some may overlook this issue, this is a very big concern when you don't take care of your teeth properly. Crooked teeth can lead to lisp or slurring in one's speaking abilities. The good news is this can be fixed with braces or Invisalign®! Crowded and crooked teeth can also lead to issues with eating due if you have an overbite or jaw issue. It can also lead to problems fully chewing which will lead to digestive issues.

Many people suffer from chronic headaches and we know how painful and uncomfortable they can be. In some cases, people are experiencing those headaches as a side effect of crooked teeth. The team here at Pridemore & Cox Orthodontics would love to help you alleviate those problems with the right orthodontic care.

As you can see, there are many advantages to having proper orthodontic treatment. While this isn't all of the perks, we fully believe that a beautiful and healthy smile leads to overall improved quality of life. If you are ready to start your orthodontic journey, give us a call today at (706) 237-8501 to set up a complimentary consultation! Happy Orthodontic Health Month!