Early Orthodontic Treatment

When Should My Child First Visit the Orthodontist?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that most children receive an orthodontic screening by the age of 7. This early visit allows our pediatric dental team to assess your child’s growth and development, ensuring that timely intervention occurs if necessary. If our team or your general dentist identifies any potential orthodontic concerns, we may refer you to our office even before age 7.

Why is Early Evaluation Important for My Child?

Early screenings are key to helping your child’s smile develop in the healthiest way possible. Here’s how early orthodontic evaluation can benefit your child:

• Guiding erupting teeth into better positions.
• Preserving space for future permanent teeth.
• Reducing the risk of injury to protruding front teeth.

If early treatment is necessary, we can guide the development of your child’s jaw and incoming permanent teeth. Early intervention also helps regulate the width of the upper and lower dental arches, creates room for permanent teeth, and may prevent future treatments like tooth extractions. In addition, early orthodontic care can address issues such as thumb sucking, abnormal swallowing, or speech difficulties. Starting treatment at the right time can help avoid more complicated procedures down the road.

Does Every Child Benefit from Early Treatment?

Not every child requires early orthodontic treatment. Some dental and orthodontic issues are better handled during the teenage years after all the permanent teeth have erupted. We will thoroughly evaluate your child’s needs and create a personalized treatment plan that suits them. If early intervention is not necessary, your child will be enrolled in our Orthodontic Supervisory Program, where we can monitor their development.

What is the Orthodontic Growth Guidance Program?

Our Orthodontic Growth Guidance Program is designed for children who don’t require immediate treatment. During this program, we monitor how your child’s teeth are erupting and may suggest removing baby teeth to help align permanent teeth. This proactive approach often reduces future treatment time. The program is free of charge and includes follow-up visits every 6-8 months to track progress and determine the best time to begin orthodontic treatment.

What Other Benefits Does Orthodontic Treatment Offer?

In addition to creating a beautiful smile, early orthodontic treatment can:

• Improve bite function and overall dental health.
• Make teeth easier to clean and help prevent wear.
• Extend the lifespan of your child’s natural teeth.

Will Early Treatment Prevent Braces in the Teen Years?

While early treatment is designed to address significant issues early on, it usually doesn’t eliminate the need for braces once all permanent teeth have come in. After initial treatment, your child may need a second phase of treatment (Phase II), which typically involves full braces. However, in some cases, additional treatment may not be necessary.

Should We Still See Our Family Dentist During Orthodontic Treatment?

Absolutely! Orthodontic treatment requires extra care to maintain healthy teeth and gums. We recommend regular visits to us every 6 months for cleanings and check-ups to ensure your child’s oral health is on track throughout orthodontic care.