Orthodontics isn’t just about achieving a perfect smile, it’s about setting the foundation for lifelong oral health. For parents, understanding when to seek orthodontic care for their children can be challenging. While many believe orthodontic treatment should wait until all permanent teeth have erupted, the truth is that early intervention, also known as interceptive orthodontics, can make a significant difference.

Why Early Orthodontic Treatment Matters

Early orthodontic treatment, often starting between ages 7 and 9, can help identify potential problems before they become more complicated or harder to treat. By addressing issues early, orthodontists can guide the growth of the jaw and incoming permanent teeth, preventing more severe issues down the line.

At Goodman Orthodontics, the orthodontists understand the importance of early orthodontics and take a proactive approach to your child’s oral health. Their practice, rooted in decades of experience and patient-centered care, emphasizes the benefits of addressing orthodontic problems early.

When Should You Start Thinking About Orthodontic Treatment?

According to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), children should have their first orthodontic screening by age 7. Why? Because by this age, many children have a combination of primary (baby) teeth and permanent teeth. This gives the orthodontist a good view of potential issues that may arise. Early detection allows for more effective treatment.

Conditions like crowding, crossbites, overbites, or excessive spacing may already be present. Through interceptive treatment, such as palatal expanders, limited braces, or space maintainers, these problems can often be corrected more easily while a child is still growing.

 

Signs Your Child May Need Early Orthodontic Treatment

 

• Difficulty chewing or biting
• Thumb-sucking or other oral habits that continue beyond toddler years
• Crowded, misplaced, or blocked-out teeth
• Early or late loss of baby teeth (your child should typically start losing teeth around age 6 and have all permanent teeth by about age 12)
• Difficulty speaking due to misaligned teeth
• Teeth that protrude (an indication of an overbite)
• Teeth that do not meet properly or at all (crossbite or open bite)

 

If any of these signs are present, it’s worth scheduling a consultation with an orthodontist to explore whether early treatment would benefit your child.

The Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment

 

1. Prevention of More Complex Issues Later: When orthodontic problems are caught early, it allows the orthodontist to guide jaw growth, which can reduce or even eliminate the need for more complex treatments in the future. By adjusting the jaw’s growth trajectory or creating more space for permanent teeth to come in, early orthodontics can prevent issues like overcrowding or improper bites (malocclusion).
2. Less Invasive Procedures: Addressing issues early often means that more invasive procedures, like jaw surgery or tooth extractions, can be avoided later in life. Early intervention can help avoid the need for these treatments, which are often more complex and costly.
3. Improved Function and Aesthetics: Misaligned teeth or jaws can affect more than just appearance. They can make it difficult for your child to chew, speak, and clean their teeth properly. Straight teeth not only look great but also contribute to better function and oral hygiene, which in turn lowers the risk of cavities and gum disease.
4. Boosts Confidence and Self-Esteem: A beautiful smile can give your child a confidence boost that lasts a lifetime. By starting treatment early, you can help them avoid the self-consciousness that often accompanies having misaligned teeth during their teen years.
5. Reduction in Treatment Time: When orthodontists can guide the growth of the teeth and jaws early, it often results in a reduction in the overall length of treatment later. In many cases, early treatment shortens the time needed for braces or clear aligners during adolescence, making the process easier for both the patient and their parents.

Common Types of Early Orthodontic Treatments

Several different types of early orthodontic treatments may be used depending on the child’s specific needs. Some of the most common include:

1. Palatal Expanders: Used to widen the upper jaw, palatal expanders can create more space for permanent teeth to erupt properly. This is often an effective treatment for children with a narrow upper jaw or crossbite.
2. Partial Braces: In some cases, braces may be placed on a limited number of teeth to correct crowding, spacing, or alignment issues. These are often called “phase 1 braces” and are a precursor to a more comprehensive treatment plan later on.
3. Space Maintainers: If a child loses a baby tooth prematurely, space maintainers can be used to hold the space open for the permanent tooth to grow in correctly. Without this treatment, the surrounding teeth may shift, causing alignment problems.
4. Habit Appliances: These are designed to break habits like thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting, which can cause teeth misalignment or bite problems if not addressed early on.
5. Headgear: Though less common today, headgear can be used to correct overbites or underbites by adjusting the position of the upper or lower jaw.

 

The Two Phases of Orthodontic Treatment

Orthodontic treatment is often divided into two phases: Phase 1 and Phase 2. The first phase typically takes place when a child still has some of their baby teeth. The goal is to guide jaw development and create a healthy environment for permanent teeth to emerge.

The second phase typically occurs during adolescence, once all the permanent teeth have come in. By this time, the orthodontist can fine-tune the alignment of the teeth, ensuring that they are straight, the bite is correct, and that oral health is optimized for the future.

Phase 1: Early Orthodontic Treatment

Phase 1 treatment aims to prevent or intercept a developing problem. It’s often recommended for children with jaw growth discrepancies or bite issues. During this phase, orthodontists use treatments like expanders, limited braces, or habit appliances to guide the jaw and create a more functional bite.

Phase 2: Comprehensive Orthodontic Treatment

Once your child’s permanent teeth have erupted, Phase 2 can begin. This phase is focused on perfecting the alignment of the teeth and ensuring the bite functions properly. Common treatments during this phase include braces or clear aligners like Invisalign. At Goodman Orthodontics, both traditional braces and Invisalign are available, allowing patients and parents to choose the option that best suits their needs.

How Early Orthodontic Treatment Saves Time and Money

One of the primary advantages of early orthodontic care is its potential to reduce the need for more costly and complicated treatments later on. By addressing issues while the jaw is still growing, orthodontists can avoid the need for treatments that might require surgery or more extensive orthodontic work in the future. Additionally, early treatment can reduce the overall time spent in braces or aligners during adolescence, meaning fewer appointments and less financial investment for parents.

When the orthodontic foundation is laid during childhood, it often leads to faster, less complicated, and more affordable treatments as your child enters their teenage years.

Choosing the Right Orthodontist for Your Child

When selecting an orthodontist for your child, prioritize comfort and experience. Look for a board-certified orthodontist with a proven track record of treating young patients. Consider these factors:

• Child-friendly environment: Look for a welcoming office with amenities for kids.
• Effective communication: The orthodontist should explain treatments clearly.
• Treatment options: Explore various options, including clear braces.

Goodman Orthodontics is an example of a practice prioritizing a positive experience for children. Their team and expert orthodontists provide personalized care in a welcoming environment.

 

Remember, a comfortable and effective orthodontic experience can positively impact your child’s oral health and self-esteem.

Is Early Orthodontic Care Right for Your Child?

If you’re unsure whether your child might benefit from early orthodontic treatment, the best course of action is to schedule a consultation with a trusted orthodontist. At Goodman Orthodontics, the team offers complimentary consultations, where they will evaluate your child’s dental health and create a personalized treatment plan if necessary.

Remember, early orthodontic care is more than just an investment in a beautiful smile—it’s an investment in your child’s lifelong oral health. By addressing potential issues early, you can save time, and money, and help your child enjoy a lifetime of confidence in their smile.

 

Early Orthodontic Treatment FAQ’s

At what age should my child first see an orthodontist?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. This allows the orthodontist to assess the child’s jaw growth and development, identify any potential issues with the bite or alignment, and determine if early intervention would be beneficial.

Why is early orthodontic care important?

Early orthodontic treatment, also known as interceptive treatment, helps guide the growth of your child’s jaw and ensures there is enough space for permanent teeth to come in correctly. It can prevent more complex problems later on, reduce the need for invasive treatments, and often shorten the time spent in braces during adolescence.

What are the signs that my child may need early orthodontic treatment?

Some common signs that your child may need early orthodontic care include:

• Difficulty chewing or biting
• Crowded, misplaced, or blocked-out teeth
• Prolonged thumb-sucking or other oral habits
• Early or late loss of baby teeth
• Protruding or misaligned teeth
  If you notice any of these signs, it’s a good idea to schedule a consultation with an orthodontist.

What types of treatments are used during early orthodontic intervention?

Early orthodontic treatments can include palatal expanders to widen the upper jaw, space maintainers to ensure permanent teeth erupt properly, partial braces, and habit appliances to address thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting. The specific treatment depends on your child’s individual needs, and an orthodontist can guide you through the options.

Will early orthodontic treatment mean my child won’t need braces later?

Early treatment doesn’t always eliminate the need for braces during adolescence, but it often reduces the severity of the issues and can shorten the amount of time spent in braces. Early intervention can guide jaw growth and make later treatments, such as full braces or clear aligners, more efficient and less complex.