Early Treatment
What are the benefits of early orthodontic treatment?
TThe sooner we can detect any developing orthodontic issues, the better the opportunities are for effective treatment. If orthodontic intervention is not necessary at this time, early evaluation allows us to carefully monitor your child’s growth and development – and hopefully prevent serious problems later.
When should my child have their first orthodontic visit?
Though orthodontics can enhance your smile at any age, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends scheduling your child’s first orthodontic evaluation by age 7 (or at the first sign of orthodontic problems).
Why is age 7 considered the ideal time for an orthodontic screening?
Because your child’s first adult molars erupt by age 7, establishing their back bite. It’s an ideal time for an orthodontist to evaluate front-to-back and side-to-side tooth growth in your child’s mouth, looking for early signs of overbite, open bite, crowding, or other problems.
What is interceptive treatment?
Interceptive treatment is the term used for treatment that begins when a child is still growing – again, the primary goal is to prevent future orthodontic problems. Potential advantages of this treatment include:
- Creating facial symmetry through proper jaw growth
- Creating room for erupting teeth
- Preserving space for unerupted teeth
- Less risk of damage or trauma to protruding front teeth
- Less need for tooth removal
- Less treatment time required for braces
What are malocclusions?
Interceptive treatment also helps correct malocclusions, which are bite issues that occur due to tooth and/or jaw misalignment. Over time, malocclusions can affect your child’s oral health, appearance, and how they talk, chew, and breathe.
Why do malocclusions need to be treated?
Without treatment, malocclusions can cause many long-term problems in your child’s mouth. For instance, crowded teeth are harder to brush and floss, which may lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Crossbites often result in uneven tooth wear and misaligned jaw growth, while open bites often cause tongue thrusting and speech impediments.
Early orthodontic treatment gives your child more than a great-looking smile. It sets the stage for a healthy smile, too!