Early Orthodontic Treatment
At What Age Should a Child First Visit the Pediatric Orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic screening by age 7. This early visit allows Dr. Catherine Miller to assess whether orthodontic treatment may be needed and determine the best time for your child to begin. Many local dentists are trained to spot orthodontic concerns early and may refer your child to our office before age 7.
Why Is Early Evaluation So Important?
Early diagnosis and treatment can guide the development of teeth into better positions, maintain space for adult teeth, and lower the risk of issues like protruding front teeth getting damaged. Early treatment can also help:
Regulate the width of the upper and lower arches
Create space for incoming permanent teeth
Reduce the risk of needing tooth extractions
Minimize the chance of impacted permanent teeth
Correct habits like thumb sucking
Address abnormal swallowing or speech issues
If early treatment is recommended, Dr. Miller can help direct the growth of your child’s jaw and support the proper alignment of permanent teeth. In other words, early treatment can simplify later treatment once all permanent teeth have erupted.
Will Early Treatment Prevent the Need for Braces for Kids?
Early treatment can address major issues and make future treatment easier. However, because not all permanent teeth may have erupted during early treatment, a second phase of treatment (Phase II – full braces) may be necessary in the teen years to fine-tune tooth alignment. In some cases, no additional treatment is needed.
Does Every Child Need Early Orthodontic Treatment?
No, not all children benefit from early treatment. Certain orthodontic issues are more effectively corrected during the teenage years when most permanent teeth have come in. Some skeletal orthodontic problems should not be addressed until growth is more advanced or completed. Our team develops personalized treatment plans for each child, and if immediate treatment is unnecessary, we offer our Orthodontic Supervisory Program.
What Is the Orthodontic Supervisory Program?
This program is designed for children who aren’t ready for treatment yet. We monitor their dental development every 6-8 months, tracking how their permanent teeth are coming in. If needed, we may recommend early removal of baby teeth to help permanent teeth erupt properly and reduce the treatment time for braces. Our team works with your family dentist to ensure the best outcomes. The program is free and provides peace of mind as we determine the right timing for orthodontic care.
The Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontic treatment does more than enhance your child’s smile. It can:
Improve bite function and jaw alignment
Make teeth easier to clean, reducing the risk of cavities
Prevent excessive tooth wear
Support a lifetime of healthier teeth
Should We Still Visit Our Family Dentist During Orthodontic Treatment?
Yes. Regular check-ups with Dr. Casey Nelson every six months are essential. Keeping your child’s teeth and gums healthy is vital for a successful orthodontic journey, especially since orthodontic treatment requires more effort to maintain good oral hygiene.
