5 Reasons Early Orthodontic Intervention Is Important for Your Patients

early orthodontic intervention benefits your patients.

The Large Role of Early Orthodontic Intervention

Early orthodontic intervention has never played as large a role in pediatric dentistry as it does today. A wide range of treatment options can help secure better outcomes for young patients, and pediatric dentists are an important part of ensuring proper orthodontic care.

With orthodontic courses for pediatric dentists, practitioners can develop the skills they need to identify, diagnose, and often treat children who require Phase I treatment. Even within the context of referring patients, you can provide better care and leave patients at ease with a solid foundation of orthodontic knowledge and experience.

Pediatric dentists already have good relationships with children and parents, and they’re in the best position to recognize early orthodontic issues. 

With the right training, dentists can ensure their patients receive five key benefits of early orthodontic intervention.

1. Correct skeletal growth issues to prevent future extractions.

Early orthodontic interventions are essential for guiding proper development. During Phase I treatment, orthodontic appliances can adjust not only the positioning of teeth but also the growth of the jaw and facial bones. This can include widening a narrow jaw to ensure adequate space for all teeth.

These interventions can prevent a situation where children may need a tooth extraction to make room as they continue to develop. With orthodontic courses for pediatric dentists, you can identify these situations early enough for intervention to have a beneficial impact.

You’ll leave children healthier and happier and help parents save money by avoiding more drastic treatment options later on.

2. Minimize malocclusion to reduce treatment needs.

Phase II treatment often targets various types of malocclusion, attempting to realign teeth by slowly shifting them over time with braces or clear aligners. 

These treatments can be undesirable for teenagers and adults alike and can be both expensive and lengthy. Early orthodontic intervention can often prevent or reduce the extent of malocclusion.

With the right knowledge and experience, you can evaluate a child’s development to assess potential future malocclusions. You can then develop a treatment plan to avoid those issues using early orthodontic intervention. These interventions are generally shorter than any treatment that would be required to resolve the issue later in life.

In some cases, early orthodontic intervention can even eliminate the need for Phase II treatment. Both the child and their parents will be happy to avoid braces whenever possible.

3. Prevent protrusions from leading to dental trauma.

Protruding teeth are another orthodontic issue that young patients may find themselves dealing with. Pacifier use beyond the appropriate age and other factors can cause the front teeth to protrude outward, which can affect a child’s self-confidence and lead to injury and other dental issues.

Early orthodontic treatment provides treatment options for protruding teeth. An oral appliance can bring the teeth back into proper alignment, significantly reducing the risk of dental trauma. Interventions can also help ensure that the permanent teeth come in properly for younger children, with the front teeth being the first to be lost and erupt.

4. Address breathing issues that impact whole-body health.

There is a significant link between oral health and whole-body health, and orthodontic courses for pediatric dentists can help you provide for each patient’s overall health more effectively. For example, a variety of breathing issues are associated with oral development, and early intervention can prevent many of them.

As a pediatric dentist, you can ask children and parents about signs of breathing issues, including mouth breathing or snoring. From there, you can explore potential causes. A narrow palate can often contribute to these issues, and palatal expansion can correct the problem and ensure healthy development.

5. Reduce crowding for better oral health.

Crowding is a serious orthodontic issue that can lead to a wide range of complications. Early orthodontic intervention can help prevent crowding in permanent teeth through a variety of methods. Being able to carefully evaluate development and plan treatments can allow you to provide better care for your pediatric patients.

Early orthodontic intervention can also prevent crowding caused by premature loss of baby teeth. Space maintainers and other appliances prevent teeth from shifting into the gaps left when baby teeth are lost too early. You can keep these issues from impacting your patients’ healthy development.

Crowding often leads to tooth decay, gum disease, and other complications caused by difficulty implementing proper oral hygiene. With the right training and experience, you can help your patients avoid cavities, root canals, and extractions further down the line.

Orthodontic Courses for Pediatric Dentists

If you’re interested in expanding treatment options at your practice in order to better care for your patients, Synergy Orthodontic Seminars offers a wide range of courses that can help you do just that. Browse our upcoming events to see how you can develop your skills, career, and practice today.

Synergy Orthodontic Seminars

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