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Early Orthodontic Treatment for Children

Choosing the Optimal Time for Treatment

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Though an orthodontist can enhance a smile at any age, there is an optimal time period to begin treatment. Beginning treatment at an optimal time ensures the greatest result and the least amount of time and expense. Prudent intervention also guides growth and development, preventing serious problems later. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that your child get an initial orthodontic evaluation at the first sign of orthodontic problems or no later than age 7. Early evaluation provides both timely detection of problems and greater opportunity for more effective treatment.

 

During an evaluation, Dr. Lembck may identify that Interceptive or early orthodontic treatment is not necessary, but vigilant examination can anticipate the most advantageous time to begin treatment. Dr. Lembck may also identify a developing problem but recommend monitoring your child's growth and development, and if indicated, begin treatment at the appropriate time for your child. In other cases, Dr. Lembck might find a problem that can benefit from early treatment. 

Early (Interceptive) Treatment

Early treatment, typically begins around age seven or eight. The goal of early treatment is to correct the growth of the jaw and certain bite problems, Early treatment typically helps to make room for permanent teeth to come in properly, and may prevent or intercept more serious problems from developing and may make treatment at a later age shorter and less complicated.   In some cases, Dr. Lembck will be able to achieve results that may not be possible once the face and jaws have finished growing

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Benefits of Early Treatment

While the age that children get braces may vary, orthodontic treatment most often begins between the ages of 7 and 12, and some orthodontic problems are easier to correct if they are treated early. Most children lose all their baby teeth by age 12, and by the end of their teen years, the jaw bones will harden and stop growing. Orthodontic procedures for adults often take more time and can involve tooth extraction or oral surgery. Receiving early orthodontic treatment as a child can help prevent the need for orthodontics as an adult, leaving little to no chance of extraction or surgery in the future. If early treatment is indicated, Dr. Lembck will advise you as to the ideal time to begin treatment for your child. This gives her the best chance to:

  • Create space for crowded growing teeth. 

  • Guide jaw growth

  • Lower the risk of trauma to protruded front teeth

  • Correct harmful oral habits

  • Improve appearance and self-esteem in your child

  • Guide permanent teeth into a more favorable position

  • Create a more pleasing arrangement of teeth, lips and face 

  • Reducing the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth 

  • Preserving space for growing teeth

  • Reducing the need for tooth removal

  • Reducing treatment time with braces

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Conditions that Call for Early Orthodontic Treatment 

  • Early or late loss of baby teeth (your child should typically start losing teeth around age five, and will have all their permanent teeth around age 13)

  • Difficulty chewing and/or biting

  • Mouth breathing

  • Your child continues sucking their thumb after age five

  • Speech impediments

  • Protruding teeth (the top teeth extend away from bottom teeth)

  • Teeth that don't come together at all (there's a space between them)

  • Upper and lower teeth that don't meet, or meet in an abnormal way

  • Shifting of the jaw when your child opens or closes their mouth (crossbites)

  • Crowded front teeth around age seven or eight

  • Crowded, misplaced or blocked-out teeth

  • Jaws that are too far forward or back

  • Biting the cheek or biting into the roof of the mouth

  • An unbalanced facial appearance

  • Grinding or clenching of the teeth

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Courtesy of the American Association of Orthodontists

Early Treatment Using Invisalign

A great way to get Early Treatment results designed specifically for little smiles is by using Invisalign aligners. These aligners are:

  • Designed to treat a broad range of teeth straightening issues in growing children, from simple to complex, including crowding, spacing, and narrow dental arches.

  • Removable for easy hygiene, making it easier for growing children to brush and floss.

  • Designed for comfort – which means no discomfort from rubbing brackets or poking wires.

A great way to get Phase 1 results that work. Invisalign First aligners are:

  • Designed to treat a broad range of teeth straightening issues in growing children, from simple to complex, including crowding, spacing, and narrow dental arches.

  • Removable for easy hygiene, making it easier for growing children to brush and floss.

  • Designed for comfort – which means no discomfort from rubbing brackets or poking wires.

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