The Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment
Timing is everything – even when it comes to your child’s orthodontic treatment. Orthodontists perform ‘early’ or ‘interceptive’ treatment while some baby teeth are still present.
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that you take your child for their first orthodontic check-up when you first recognize an orthodontic problem, but no later than age 7. Why age 7? By then, your child has enough permanent teeth for an orthodontist to evaluate the developing teeth and the jaws, which in turn can provide a wealth of information. AAO orthodontists are trained to spot subtle problems even in young children.
There are generally three outcomes of an initial check-up:
- No treatment is expected to be necessary.
- Treatment may be needed in the future, so the child will be followed periodically while the face and jaws continue to grow.
- There is a problem that lends itself to early treatment.
Early orthodontic intervention can prevent certain problems from worsening over time
Early orthodontic intervention can prevent certain problems from worsening over time. The primary goal is to address developing issues, guide facial and jaw bone growth, and ensure space for permanent teeth. While many orthodontists prefer treating after all permanent teeth have erupted, early treatment can be beneficial for specific cases. Orthodontists can correct some problems more effectively when they identify and treat them early, rather than waiting until facial growth is nearly complete.
The Kinds of Orthodontic Problems
The kinds of problems orthodontists may recommend treating while a child still has some baby teeth include:
- Underbites – when the lower front teeth are ahead of the upper front teeth
- Crossbites – when the jaw shifts to one side
- Very crowded teeth
- Excessively spaced teeth
- Extra or missing teeth
- Teeth that meet abnormally, or don’t meet at all
- Thumb-, finger-, or pacifier- sucking that is affecting the teeth or jaw growth
Some of these orthodontic problems are inherited, while others may result from accidents, dental disease, or abnormal swallowing.
Early orthodontic treatment can take many forms. Dr. Ulku could prescribe a fixed or removable “appliance” – a device used to move teeth, change the position of the jaw, or hold teeth in place in order to bring about desirable changes. Sometimes no appliances are necessary. Rather, removal of some baby teeth may help the permanent teeth erupt better. The extractions will be timed to take best advantage of a patient’s growth and development.
Orthodontists may find it easier to correct some orthodontic problems if they discover and treat them early, regardless of how they reach treatment goals.. Waiting until all the permanent teeth have come in, or until facial growth is nearly complete, may make correction of some problems more difficult.
To give your child the best opportunity for a healthy, beautiful smile, visit an our office. No referral needed! Dr. Ulku can alert you to potential problems and recommend treatment when it is most appropriate for your child. Remember, timing is everything.
For additional information, see Problems to Watch for in Growing Children. Then, visit our office for a consultation.