Early Orthodontic Treatment: Everything You Should Know

When most parents think of orthodontic treatment, they tend to imagine something that’s only necessary for teenagers.

And if you’re the parent of young children, a trip to the orthodontist may seem like something far off in the future.

But as it turns out, the practice isn’t just for teens and adults.  Here’s everything you need to know about early orthodontic treatment for kids, and how to tell if your child needs it.

Why Early Orthodontic Treatment May Be

Necessary

For most patients, issues involving teeth alignment and irregularities tend to surface after the primary teeth fallout and the permanent teeth come in (a process that usually finishes around the ages of 12-13).

However, it’s important to understand that irregularities can crop up in baby teeth as well.  And, contrary to what most people think, these issues sometimes don’t just “go away” once these teeth fall out.

In fact, addressing issues in your child’s baby teeth may very well have an impact on how their adult teeth come in, and can reduce the risks of problems that will affect them into their teenage years.

At What Age Should My Child Receive Early

Orthodontic Treatment?

Generally speaking, if there are any warning signs that your child needs early treatment, they’ll be spotted by a pediatric dentist at around the age of about 7.  This is when the first permanent teeth start to come through and any problems start to materialize, and generally when your child may need an orthodontic checkup.

Treatments during this stage vary, and can include retainers and partial braces if necessary.

With that said, issues can actually start well before that, with some potential problems showing up anywhere from two to six years old.  This can include bite and jaws issues, as well as baby teeth that are falling out too quickly.  Intervention at this stages is required in order to facilitate proper tooth and jaw development throughout childhood.

All of this is referred to as phase I orthodontic treatment, with phase II beginning in early adolescence.  This is where we begin to see “conventional” orthodontic treatments, including metal braces and Invisalign.

At this point, the permanent teeth have already come in, and the goal is to correct and adjust any irregularities and set your child up for a lifetime of straight, healthy teeth.

Reasons Your Child May Need Early

Orthodontic Treatment (And Why They May

Not)

At the end of the day, it’s a good idea for every child to get checked before their adult teeth have fully come in.  Complications that could potentially lead your dentist to recommend early orthodontic treatment include things like complications in your child’s bite, a narrow jaw, protruding teeth, malocclusion or a crossbite.

Having said that, it’s important to remember that most children don’t need orthodontic treatment before they reach adolescence.  And if your pediatric dentist doesn’t identify any noticeable concerns with your child’s teeth or jaw, you can most likely wait until phase II before you start worrying about braces and retainers.

While the thought of putting your child through orthodontic treatment may be rough, it is important to consult with your dentist about these issues if they do come up.  Left untreated, it can not only lead to a more extensive course of treatment in phase II, but could even create speech issues and the potential for oral surgery later on down the road.

The good news is that a pediatric dentist in Waterloo is your best line of defense - they’ll be able to fully examine your child’s mouth and help you decide if early orthodontic treatment is the best option.