Your oral health can have a dramatic impact on your overall quality of life, no matter what stage of life you are in. That’s why early dental treatment with a dentist and orthodontist in Melbourne, FL is so important for the whole family. Here’s a look at the different stages of life and why early dental treatment is vital for each stage.

Baby to Toddler Stage

A newborn baby’s first checkup can happen once their very first tooth has erupted, and no later than one year of age. You’ll be taught important things like how to brush your baby’s tooth (and eventually teeth) before they are even big enough for a toothbrush. When babies are teething, they’re still prone to develop cavities; this continues through the toddler stage.

Here’s another important thing to know about babies and teething the teething stage: Your Melbourne dentist will be able to monitor which teeth are making their ways in and whether growth and development is heading down a normal path.  If a bad bite is developing, they can make you aware and help you plan to address it with your orthodontist in Melbourne.

Children Age 6 to 12

If you have kids this age, then you know it can sometimes be a challenge to get them to brush and floss on a regular schedule without some parental nudging. This is why regular checkups at 6-month intervals are so important for kids. A professional exam and cleaning help to identify problems early, especially at this age when kids are still learning to brush and floss every day.

This is also the age when permanent or “adult” teeth start coming in. Your orthodontist in Melbourne, FL can take steps to ensure that the permanent teeth are coming in nice and straight, and make you more aware of any problems that may need help.

Pre-Teens and Teenagers

Braces can be used to straighten teeth at any age in life, but probably the best time to use them is during the early teenage years, at least for most patients. Even if your “tween” or teen does not need braces, those regular checkups and cleanings will help to identify problems early.

If the teeth do need to be shifted dramatically, braces during the early teen years are going to have the best outcome. The gums and teeth are more “cooperative” during the teen years when they need to be moved a large amount with braces.

Adults

Even when adults are really good about keeping regular dental checkups for their kids, we can sometimes tend to slack off when it comes to our own dental care. We’re busy and it just might not seem that important to us. The truth is, professional checkups are the best way to spot problems early and take corrective action.

The longer you can preserve your natural teeth, the better. The best way to do that is through regular brushing and flossing, and maintaining those twice-a-year checkups and cleanings with your oral professional.

Senior Citizens

About a quarter of adults have lost all of their natural teeth by the time they reach age 60, but this is getting dramatically better since fluoride was introduced as a supplement in drinking water. During our later years, orthodontic treatment can still be used.  If you need replacement teeth, dentures, bridges, dental implants or another dental treatment, it will go a long way toward maintaining your quality of life.

Missing teeth can make it difficult to speak or enjoy a meal. Lost teeth can also weaken remaining bone structure in the jaw, or even give the face a “sunken” and more aged appearance. Dental treatment can fill in those gaps, restore your smile, and give you back the confidence to smile, speak, and eat the foods you love, while giving you back a younger appearance.

Contact Us for Family Orthodontic Care in Melbourne, FL

Melbourne Orthodontics in Melbourne, FL is here to provide orthodontic care for your entire family,  young and old, to strive for that perfect smile, or to maintain your oral health and quality of life.  Contact our office to schedule an appointment or checkup today!