Early Orthodontic Treatment

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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 that point, Dr. Dana will evaluate whether your child might need orthodontic treatment.

Early treatment (also known as Interceptive treatment) 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 severe crowding, misaligned jaws, underbites, crossbites and severe overbites.

Early treatment can also help to make room for permanent teeth to come in properly, and lessen 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 a thumb past 4 years old
• 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 the 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 take more time and can entail tooth extraction or oral surgery. Receiving early orthodontic treatment as a child can help prevent the need for orthodontics as an adult, and leave little to no chance of extraction or surgery in the future.

If your child is 7 years old or older, or is under 7 and you have concerns about his or her teeth and bite, please contact our practice and schedule an appointment for a complementary consultation. Our team will provide your little one with an initial exam, and discuss with you the best steps to take toward caring for that smile.