Could Your Child Be a Good Candidate for Early Orthodontic Treatment?

Most children start wearing braces during their preteen or early teen years. However, some might benefit from orthodontic intervention around the age of 7 or 8! Depending on your child’s situation, early orthodontic treatment could end up making a significant difference for their smile in the long run. Here is a closer look at why receiving orthodontic care early may be the right choice for your child.

What is Early Orthodontic Treatment?

Early orthodontic treatment is sometimes referred to as Phase 1 orthodontics or interceptive orthodontics. It typically involves the use of certain appliances to address specific orthodontic issues before they can turn into more serious problems. With the right treatment plan, your orthodontist can guide the growth of your child’s jaw and potentially reduce their chances of needing more advanced treatments later in life.

When is Early Orthodontic Treatment Necessary?

Generally speaking, early orthodontic treatment is recommended for younger children who are already experiencing significant jaw and tooth alignment problems. Examples of issues that may warrant early orthodontic treatment include:

• Various bite problems, such as a deep overbite, an underbite, an open bite, or a crossbite of the front or back teeth.
• An overcrowded smile.
• Flared teeth (which are front teeth that are angled outward).
• Baby teeth that were lost too early.

What Does Early Orthodontic Treatment Involve?

Your child’s early orthodontic treatment will be carefully tailored to meet their specific needs. The process can potentially involve the following:

• Limited braces to correct the alignment of certain teeth.
• Palate expanders to widen the upper jaw and prevent crowding.
• Space maintainers to stop neighboring teeth from drifting into gaps left by baby teeth that were lost early.
• Thumb-sucking devices for breaking non-nutritive habits that can contribute to long-term orthodontic issues.

Is Your Child a Candidate for Early Orthodontic Treatment?

Every child is different; some might benefit from early orthodontic treatment, while others may be fine waiting until their preteen years to get braces. Ultimately, the only way to know for sure whether your child truly needs early orthodontic intervention is to bring them to an orthodontist.

It’s generally recommended that you schedule your child’s first orthodontic visit around the age of seven when they have a mix of baby and adult teeth. By examining your child’s mouth during this time in their life, an orthodontist can identify any developmental issues that may need to be addressed.

In short, early orthodontic treatment isn’t for every child, but it can be an important step for ensuring that your little one’s smile develops properly. If you have any reason to think that your child might be in need of orthodontic care, don’t hesitate to reach out to an orthodontist near you.

About the Practice

At EPO Dental Specialists, our team brings families in Richardson a comprehensive menu of specialty dental care services. Our team includes an experienced orthodontist who works with patients of all ages. We’re proud to offer early orthodontic treatment that can make a lasting difference for your child’s smile and oral health. If you’re ready to schedule your child’s first orthodontic appointment, we invite you to visit our website or call us at (972) 479-1200.