Early Orthodontic Treatment

Early Orthodontic Treatment for Children

Does my child need early orthodontic treatment? What is the difference between early orthodontic treatment and regular orthodontic 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 for a screening exam around age seven or eight. At this age, the orthodontist can spot subtle problems with emerging teeth and jaw growth that may be best to address earlier than later. That doesn't mean that every seven or eight year old needs braces as only a small percent do. If your child doesn’t need any early treatment, then at least you have that peace of mind. Even if a problem is detected, Dr. Williams may not recommend immediate treatment. He may take a "wait and see" approach and just monitor your child's dental development periodically.

If needed, early treatment (also known as Phase One) typically begins around age eight or nine and typically lasts around one year. The goal of early treatment is to correct certain issues such as severe crowding, certain bite problems, and jaw growth imbalances. Early treatment can prevent more serious problems from developing and 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
Crowded front teeth around age seven or eight
Difficulty chewing and/or biting food
Crossbites (teeth biting on the wrong side of the opposing teeth)
Protruding teeth
Teeth that don't bite together in a normal manner or even at all
Thumb or finger sucking beyond age five
Shifting of the jaw when your child opens or closes his or her mouth
Jaws that pop or make sounds when opening and closing

How will early treatment benefit my child?

Early treatment can benefit your child by intercepting the developing problem, eliminating the cause, guiding the growth of the jaw bones, and providing adequate space for incoming permanent teeth. Early treatment now can give your child a better outcome for the future.