What is the difference between early 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.
Does My Child 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
- 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 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 the jaw bones will harden and stop growing by the end of their teen years. 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 your family dentist has directed you 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.
Early Orthodontic Treatment FAQs
Early orthodontic treatment can prevent more intensive orthodontic work in the future. These answers can help you understand more.
What age is best for early orthodontic treatment?
The best age for early orthodontic treatment is typically between 7 and 9 years old. At this age, children still have a mix of baby and permanent teeth, which allows orthodontists to evaluate potential problems in both the teeth and the jaw. However, the timing can vary depending on the specific issues that need to be addressed, and we will provide guidance based on your child’s unique dental development.
Does every child need early orthodontic treatment?
Not every child requires early orthodontic treatment. It depends on the specific dental and skeletal issues present. Some children may not develop significant problems until their permanent teeth come in, at which point traditional orthodontic treatment may be sufficient. Regular dental checkups can help identify children who may benefit from early intervention.
How long does early orthodontic treatment take?
The duration of early orthodontic treatment varies depending on the child’s specific needs and the type of appliances used. Typically, Phase 1 treatment lasts between 6 months to a year. After Phase 1, a period of observation may follow, during which your child will wear retainers or undergo light treatment before transitioning to full braces or other orthodontic work in Phase 2.
What happens after early orthodontic treatment?
After Phase 1, your child may need to wear a retainer or other appliances to help maintain the improvements achieved. The orthodontist will monitor the child’s dental development to ensure that the permanent teeth are coming in correctly. In many cases, Phase 2 treatment, which involves full braces, will be necessary once the child has lost their baby teeth and their permanent teeth have erupted.
Does early orthodontic treatment guarantee that my child won’t need braces later?
While early orthodontic treatment can address many potential issues and reduce the need for extensive treatment later, it does not guarantee that your child will never need braces. Some children may require full braces in Phase 2 to correct final alignment once their permanent teeth have fully erupted. Early treatment, however, can often make Phase 2 treatment easier and less complicated.
What happens if I wait until my child is older for orthodontic treatment?
Waiting until your child is older may limit the effectiveness of orthodontic treatment, as it is harder to influence jaw growth and tooth development once the bones are fully matured. Delaying treatment could lead to more complex issues that require longer treatment times or even surgical intervention. Early treatment often leads to more favorable outcomes and shorter treatment times in the future.