Early Orthodontic Treatment
Early Orthodontic Treatment for
Children
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 the orthodontist
will evaluate whether your child will need orthodontic treatment.
Early treatment (also known as Phase One) typically begins around age eight or nine
(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, lessening
the chance of extractions in the future.
How to tell if your child may need early orthodontic treatment:
- Early or late loss of baby teeth (your child should typically start losing teeth around age five, and will have all permanent teeth around age 13)
- Difficulty chewing and/or biting
- Mouth breathing
- Your child continues sucking his or her thumb after age five
- Speech impediments
- 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 the teeth, 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 take more time and can involve tooth extraction or oral surgery. Receiving
early orthodontic treatment as a child can help prevent the need for orthodontics as
an adult, leaving little to no chance of extraction or surgery in the
future.
If your child is between the ages of seven and eight and shows signs of needing
orthodontic care, or if you have been directed by your family dentist to visit the
orthodontist, 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 child's smile.