Early Orthodontic Treatment

We offer a complimentary consultation and recommend that that your child be seen for an orthodontic evaluation at the age of 7!

What is the difference between early orthodontic treatment and regular orthodontic treatment, and why might my child need early treatment? How will early treatment benefit my child in the long run?

These are just a few of the questions surrounding the topic of early orthodontic treatment for children. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children see an orthodontist as early as age seven. At this point, we can evaluate whether your child will need orthodontic treatment.

Early treatment (also known as Phase One) typically begins around age 7-8. Phase Two will begin around age 11 or older. The goal of early treatment is to correct the growth of the jaw and certain bite problems, such as underbite. Early treatment also helps to make room for permanent teeth to come in properly, which lessens the chance of extractions in the future. Early treatment can also improve a child's airways and affect your child's growth and development.

How to tell if your child may need Phase I orthodontic treatment

Early or late loss of baby teeth (your child should typically start losing teeth around age five, and will have all his or her permanent teeth around age 13)
Difficulty chewing and/or biting
Mouth breathing
Snoring
Underbite
Tongue thrust
Your child continues sucking his or her thumb after age five
Speech impediments
Protruding teeth (the top teeth and the bottom teeth extend away from each other)
Teeth that don’t come together in a normal manner or even at all
Shifting of the jaw when your child opens or closes his or her mouth (crossbites)
Crowded front teeth around age seven or eight

What causes orthodontic problems, and how will early treatment benefit my child?

Orthodontic problems such as crowding of the teeth, too much space between them, jaw growth problems, protruding teeth, and bad bites can be inherited or caused by injury to the mouth, early or late loss of baby teeth, or thumb-sucking habits.

Most children lose all their baby teeth by age 13, and by the end of their teen years, the jaw bones will harden and stop growing. Orthodontic procedures for adults often require more time and can involve tooth extraction or oral surgery. Receiving early orthodontic treatment as a child can help avoid the need for orthodontics as an adult, and leave little to no chance of extraction or surgery in the future.

Correcting posterior crossbites early is done easily and prevents the development of facial asymmetry which can only be corrected by surgery as an adult. 75% of the anterior crossbites corrected at the age of 7-8 stay corrected and kids avoid surgery.

If your child is between the ages of seven and eight and shows signs of needing orthodontic care, or you have been directed by your family dentist to visit us, please contact our practice and schedule an appointment. Our team will provide your child with an initial exam, and discuss with you the best steps to take toward caring for your son or daughter's smile.