When Is Children’s Orthodontics Recommended?
Early Treatment Options for Children
When Is Children’s Orthodontics Recommended?
Orthodontic treatment isn’t just for teenagers and adults; children can also benefit significantly from early orthodontic evaluation and treatment. Children’s orthodontics focuses on identifying and managing oral development issues before they become more complex problems. Understanding when to begin children’s orthodontics and the benefits of early treatment can ensure that your child achieves a healthy, functional, and attractive smile. This post will explore when children’s orthodontics is recommended and discuss different interceptive orthodontic treatment options available.
Understanding the Best Time for Children’s Orthodontics
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic consultation by the age of seven. At this stage, children have a mix of baby teeth and adult teeth, making it easier for orthodontists to diagnose and intercept dental issues before they fully develop. Early evaluation doesn’t necessarily mean your child will need immediate treatment. However, it allows the orthodontist to monitor your child’s development and decide the optimal time to start treatment if necessary.
Signs Your Child Might Need Early Orthodontic Treatment
Several indicators may suggest the need for early orthodontic intervention:
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- Difficulty in chewing or biting
- Mouth breathing
- Thumb sucking beyond age five
- Crowded, misplaced, or blocked-out teeth
- Jaws that shift or make sounds
- Biting the cheek or the roof of the mouth
- Teeth that meet abnormally or not at all
- Jaws and teeth that are out of proportion to the rest of the face
Early diagnosis and treatment can guide incoming teeth into their proper positions, regulate the width of the dental arches, and correct thumb sucking or other oral habits that can cause dental problems.
Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment
Children’s orthodontics is not merely about straightening teeth. It also involves creating a healthier mouth and a more pleasing appearance. Early treatment can:
- Prevent more serious problems from developing
- Reduce the risk of impacted permanent teeth
- Improve facial symmetry by influencing jaw growth
- Preserve space for unerupted teeth
- Reduce the need for tooth removal
- Simplify and shorten treatment time for later corrective orthodontics
- Increase the longevity of natural teeth by improving oral health
Interceptive Orthodontic Treatment Options
Interceptive orthodontics like what we offer at SBK Orthodontics, often referred to as Phase I treatment, typically begins while the child still has most of their primary teeth. This phase is intended to treat moderate or severe orthodontic problems early and could simplify or eliminate additional treatment for the child later on. Common interceptive treatment options include:
- Expansion Appliances: Used to widen a narrow arch and make room for permanent teeth to erupt properly, which can potentially prevent the need for future tooth extractions.
- Space Maintainers: If a baby tooth is lost too early, a space maintainer is used to keep the space open until the permanent tooth erupts.
- Partial Braces: Applied to specific teeth rather than a full set of braces to correct a particular problem, such as a crossbite.
- Growth Modification Devices: These appliances are used to correct bite problems by modifying jaw growth, which is more effective while the child is still growing.
- Habit Breaking Appliances: Used to curb habits like thumb sucking and tongue thrusting, which can affect the teeth and jaw’s development.
When to Initiate Comprehensive Treatment
After the interceptive phase, children may still need comprehensive treatment with full braces or clear aligners. This phase usually begins between ages 11 and 14 when most of the permanent teeth have erupted and can be aligned to create a proper bite. The goal of comprehensive treatment is to ensure each tooth has an exact location in the mouth where it is in harmony with the lips, cheeks, tongue, and other teeth.
Start Your Child on the Path to a Perfect Smile
Considering children’s orthodontics is an essential part of parenting if you notice any signs of dental problems in your child. Early treatment not only enhances your child’s smile but also contributes to their overall well-being by improving the function of their teeth and jaws. If you think your child could benefit from early orthodontic treatment, consult with a reputable provider of children’s orthodontics to discuss the best strategies and interceptive treatments that can secure a healthier future for your child’s smile. Remember, timely intervention is key to effective orthodontic treatment, and the experts in children’s orthodontics are here to guide you every step of the way.
