The Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment for Children

Why Timing Matters?

As parents, we naturally want the best for our children’s health, and that includes their smiles. While braces are often associated with teenagers, younger children sometimes need early intervention to yield significant long-term benefits. In fact, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that children receive their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. Early orthodontic intervention, often referred to as Phase 1 Treatment, can help prevent more complex dental issues later in life, making future treatment quicker and more efficient.

Why Age 7?

By the age of 7, most children have a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth, which provides orthodontists with an early window into how their teeth and jaws are developing. At this age, certain alignment issues, bite problems, or growth irregularities become apparent, even if the child still has some baby teeth.

According to the AAO, conducting an initial evaluation at this stage allows orthodontists to spot potential problems early on and determine whether early intervention or Phase 1 treatment, is necessary. Addressing these problems while the child’s jaw and facial structure are still developing can lead to better outcomes and decrease the severity of future bite issues.

Signs Your Child May Need Early Orthodontic Treatment

While not all children will require orthodontic treatment by age 7, there are several common signs that might indicate the need for early intervention. These include:

1. Crowded or Misaligned Teeth:

If your child’s teeth are overcrowded or showing signs of growing in crooked, it could be a signal that there’s not enough room for their adult teeth to come in properly. Early treatment can guide the growth of the jaw to ensure sufficient space.

2. Protruding Teeth:

Teeth that stick out or are misaligned can be vulnerable to injury, especially in active children. Orthodontic treatment can realign these teeth, protecting them from damage.

3. Difficulty Chewing or Biting:

If your child is having trouble chewing food or has an abnormal bite, early orthodontic treatment can help correct bite issues (malocclusion), such as overbites, underbites, or crossbites.

4. Mouth Breathing or Snoring:

Mouth breathing or snoring could indicate issues with jaw or airway development, which may be addressed through orthodontics to improve breathing and overall oral health.

5. Early or Late Loss of Baby Teeth:

If baby teeth fall out too early or too late, it can lead to misalignment of the adult teeth or even prevent them from coming in properly. An orthodontic evaluation can help determine if early intervention is needed to ensure proper spacing and alignment.

6. Thumb Sucking or Prolonged Use of a Pacifier:

Prolonged thumb sucking or pacifier use beyond the age of 4 or 5 can negatively affect the alignment of teeth and the growth of the jaws. Early orthodontic intervention can help prevent bite issues caused by these habits.

The Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment for Children

How Early Orthodontic Treatment Helps

Phase I orthodontic treatment focuses on guiding the development of the jaws and teeth during a child’s growth, which can significantly reduce the complexity of future treatment—or even eliminate the need for it altogether. Here’s how early treatment can help:

1. Correcting Jaw Growth and Alignment:

Early treatment can address jaw misalignment issues that, if left untreated, may require surgery or more extensive orthodontic care later in life. By guiding the growth of the jaw during childhood, orthodontists can ensure proper alignment, minimizing the chance of severe problems in the future.

2. Creating Space for Adult Teeth:

Sometimes, the jaw doesn’t have enough room for the adult teeth to come in properly, which can lead to excessive crowding. Early orthodontic treatment helps create space by expanding the jaw, reducing the need for tooth extractions or more extensive treatment when your child is older.

3. Preventing More Serious Dental Issues:

By addressing issues like crossbites or severe overbites early, orthodontists can prevent these problems from worsening as the child grows. Untreated bite issues can lead to uneven wear on teeth, difficulty chewing, or even speech problems.

4. Shortening Overall Treatment Time:

Phase 1 treatment often makes future orthodontic treatment shorter and more effective. While a second phase of treatment (Phase 2) may still be needed once all the adult teeth have come in, the severity of the problem is typically reduced, leading to a quicker and less complex course of treatment.

5. Boosting Confidence Early On:

A straight, healthy smile not only contributes to better oral health but also plays a role in a child’s self-confidence. Addressing orthodontic issues early can help prevent teasing or self-esteem issues that may arise from having crooked teeth or a noticeable bite issue.

What to Expect During an Early Orthodontic Evaluation

During an initial consultation, the Dr. Funk will assess the development of your child’s teeth, jaws, and bite. This will include:

  • A physical exam
  • X-rays to assess the position of teeth beneath the gums
  • A review of your child’s dental and medical history

If Dr. Funk identifies issues that could benefit from early intervention, she will develop a personalized treatment plan. This could involve using appliances such as expanders, partial braces, or retainers to guide the growth and alignment of the teeth and jaw.

Not all children will require immediate treatment after their first evaluation. In many cases, Dr. Funk recommends monitoring your child’s growth and waiting until more adult teeth come in before starting treatment.

Orthodontic treatment isn’t just for teenagers. In fact, early orthodontic evaluations—recommended by the American Association of Orthodontists at age 7—can make a significant difference in your child’s oral health and development. By spotting potential issues early, orthodontists can guide the growth of your child’s teeth and jaw, preventing more serious problems in the future and often shortening the length of treatment later.

If your child is nearing age 7 or you’ve noticed signs that may indicate a need for orthodontic attention, scheduling an evaluation with an orthodontist is the best way to ensure a healthy, confident smile as they grow.