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Early Orthodontic Treatment & Intervention – Why It Matters

Starting orthodontic treatment early can fix dental issues before they get worse. By addressing problems like jaw misalignment, overcrowding, and bite issues early on, we help your child have a healthier smile now and in the future.

How Early Orthodontic Intervention Supports Long-Term Oral Health

Early orthodontic treatment is important for your child’s long-term dental health. It helps by:

At Newlife Dental, we believe early orthodontic intervention is the beginning of a lifetime of healthy smiles.

Signs Your Child May Need Early Orthodontic Treatment

Signs that your child may need orthodontic treatment at a young age include noticeable dental alignment issues, such as crooked teeth, persistent bite problems like an overbite or underbite, or unusual oral habits such as mouth breathing. These early indicators can suggest underlying concerns that may benefit from timely orthodontic evaluation.

Common Signs – What to Look Out For

Watch for these common signs that might indicate your child’s need for a paediatric orthodontist:

When to Consult a Paediatric Orthodontist

It’s a good idea to adhere to professional guidelines which recommend that children should have their first orthodontic evaluation by 7 years of age. Early checks can spot any issues with biting or jaw development. 

By focusing on early diagnosis and treatment, Newlife Dental can share your goal of helping your child live a healthier, happier life.

Why Early Orthodontic Treatment Is Important

Starting orthodontic treatment early can make a big difference in your child’s dental health. By addressing issues early, we can prevent more serious problems down the road.

Preventing Severe Misalignment Issues

Intervening early helps avoid complex alignment issues in the future. As children grow, certain dental problems become harder to correct. By catching these issues early, we can guide the development of your child’s teeth and jaw, making future treatments simpler and more effective.

Reducing the Need for Future Extractions or Surgeries

Early treatment may even eliminate the need for extractions or invasive procedures later on. By using jaw growth modification techniques, we can create enough space for adult teeth to come in properly. This proactive approach helps ensure a wholesome smile with fewer complications.

Best Age for Early Orthodontic Treatment

Knowing the right time to start orthodontic care can set your child on the right path to optimal dental health.

When and Why Early Intervention is Recommended

The ideal age for an early orthodontic evaluation is around 6-7 years old. At this age, paediatric orthodontists can assess jaw development and teeth positioning to identify any potential issues. For example, early treatment has been beneficial in cases where children have severe crowding or bite problems. By starting early with Newlife Dental, we can guide your child’s dental development and prevent more serious issues later on.

Treatment Options for Early Orthodontic Intervention

Early orthodontic treatment offers a range of options to address dental issues in children before they become more complex. At Newlife Dental, our paediatric orthodontists are dedicated to providing personalised care to ensure your child’s smile develops healthily and boosts their confidence.

Space Maintainers

Space maintainers are essential tools in early orthodontic intervention. They are used to:

Growth Modification Devices

Growth modification devices play a crucial role in correcting jaw alignment issues. They are particularly effective for:

Myobrace & Functional Appliances

Myobrace and other functional appliances offer innovative solutions in early orthodontic treatment. Myobrace is a no-braces approach suitable for children as young as age 5 up to their mid-teens.

Functional appliances, such as palatal expanders, are most effective around ages 8–10 to widen the upper jaw before growth plates fuse. They guide jaw growth and correct bite imbalances, potentially reducing the need for invasive measures like extractions or jaw surgery later on, though outcomes depend on the issue’s severity and patient growth.

For habits like thumb sucking that persist beyond age 4–5, we offer guidance and, if necessary, dental appliances like a habit crib to help break the habit and prevent it from affecting the bite.

Cost of Early Orthodontic Treatment in Singapore

Understanding the cost of early orthodontic treatment can help you plan for your child’s dental care.

Price Range for Common Treatments

The cost of orthodontic treatments can vary based on several factors. Here’s an estimated price range for common treatments:

Factors affecting the price include the duration of the treatment and the complexity of the dental issues being addressed. Each child’s needs are unique, and our team will provide a detailed cost estimate during the initial consultation.

Insurance Coverage and Financing Options

Braces can be costly, but various financing options are available to make treatment more affordable. Dental braces cannot be claimed under MediSave, as it only covers surgical procedures. Some dental insurance plans may partially cover kids’ braces, depending on the specific policy but most plans do not cover orthodontics unless due to an accident or part of a high-end plan. It’s advisable to check with your provider about orthodontic benefits. Newlife Dental does offer instalment plans to spread payments over several months, making treatment more manageable.

Why Choose Newlife Dental Practice for Early Orthodontic Treatment?

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FAQs

What is early orthodontic treatment?

Early orthodontic treatment involves evaluating and addressing dental issues in children at a young age, typically at 7 years of age. The goal is to correct problems like jaw misalignment, overcrowding, and bite issues before they become more severe.

By intervening early, a paediatric orthodontist can guide the growth of the jaw and teeth, reducing the need for more extensive treatments later on. This proactive approach helps ensure your child develops a natural and beautiful smile. At Newlife Dental, we focus on providing gentle and effective early orthodontic care tailored to each child’s unique needs.

Recognising the need for early orthodontic intervention can be crucial for your child’s dental health. Look for signs such as:

If you notice any of these signs, it’s a good idea to consult a paediatric orthodontist. Our team of compassionate dentists will assess your child’s dental development and recommend the best course of action.

Crooked teeth in children can result from various factors, including:

Understanding these factors can help you take proactive steps towards early orthodontic intervention.

Growth modulation is a gentle process aimed at guiding jaw development. Most children experience minimal discomfort, similar to the feeling of wearing braces. Our caring team at Newlife Dental will ensure that your child is comfortable throughout the treatment.
Most dental insurance plans in Singapore do not cover orthodontics unless it’s due to an accident or part of a very high-end plan, which is rare. It’s best to check with your provider to understand the specifics of your plan. At Newlife Dental, we do offer flexible payment plans to make treatment accessible for all families.

Common early orthodontic treatments include:

These treatments are designed to address issues early, preventing more complex problems later on.

The cost of early orthodontic treatment in Singapore can vary based on the duration and complexity of the treatment. Comprehensive braces treatment cost between $4,000 and $9,000. Do enquire for a cost estimate from our team at Newlife Dental during consultation.

Early orthodontic intervention is generally not painful. Children may experience mild discomfort as their teeth and jaws adjust, but this is temporary. Our compassionate team ensures that your child feels at ease and supported throughout the process.

The duration of early orthodontic treatment varies depending on the individual needs of the child. On average, treatment can last from several months to a few years. Regular check-ups with your paediatric orthodontist will help monitor progress and make any necessary adjustments.

Delaying early orthodontic treatment can lead to more severe dental issues, such as:

Help your child steer clear of these complications in the future by addressing issues early. At Newlife Dental, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.