Early Orthodontic Treatment for Children
Early orthodontic care can make a big difference in your child’s dental development. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation around age seven, when the dentist can identify potential issues and determine if early treatment is needed.
Also called Phase One treatment, early orthodontics typically begins between ages eight and nine, while Phase Two starts later, around age 11 or older. The goal of early intervention is to guide jaw growth, correct bite problems such as underbites or crossbites, and create enough space for permanent teeth to emerge properly. Addressing these concerns early can reduce the likelihood of extractions or more invasive procedures later on.
Signs your child may benefit from early orthodontic treatment include:
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Losing baby teeth earlier or later than normal (usually children start losing teeth around age five)
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Difficulty chewing or biting
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Persistent thumb-sucking beyond age five
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Mouth-breathing
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Speech difficulties
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Teeth that protrude or don’t align properly
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Crowding of front teeth around ages seven to eight
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Shifting or misaligned jaw movement
Orthodontic Treatment Options
Orthodontic issues can arise from genetics, dental injuries, early or late tooth loss, or habits like thumb-sucking. Treating these concerns during childhood takes advantage of growing jaw bones, which are easier to guide than adult bones. Without early care, some orthodontic problems may require longer treatment, tooth extractions, or even surgery in adulthood.
If your child is showing signs of orthodontic concerns or your family dentist has recommended an evaluation, contact us to schedule an appointment. Our team will provide a thorough initial exam and discuss the best treatment plan to support your child’s healthy, confident smile.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Orthodontic care is often most effective in younger patients before all their adult teeth come in. If you’re a parent, consider scheduling a consultation for your teen. However, adults can also benefit from orthodontics—it’s never too late to enhance your smile.
Braces don’t cause pain when they’re initially placed. As teeth begin to shift, one may experience some discomfort, which most people describe as more irritating than painful. If you’re feeling any significant discomfort, let us know. There are ways to make your treatment more comfortable.
Stay away from foods that could damage your braces, like caramel, candy apples, or popcorn, and anything that’s hard to clean, such as gum. Additionally, acidic or sugary foods can be harder to remove and may cause issues. For clear braces, avoid foods that might stain, like beets, curry, or certain processed foods.
Contact us right away. Don’t wait until your next scheduled appointment to address the issue.
Special tools like floss threaders or super floss make it easier to clean around braces and permanent retainers. We’d be happy to demonstrate proper flossing techniques at your next visit.
Treatment time varies. Minor adjustments may take as little as six months, while more comprehensive treatment typically lasts between six months and two years. After an oral exam, we can provide a more accurate timeline for your case.
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