What is the difference between early orthodontic treatment and regular orthodontic treatment, and why might my child need early treatment? How will early treatment benefit my child in the long run?
These are just a few of the questions surrounding the topic of early orthodontic treatment for children. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children see an orthodontist as early as age seven. At this point the orthodontist will evaluate whether your child will need orthodontic treatment.
If your child is between the ages of seven and eight and shows signs of needing orthodontic care, or if you have been directed by your family dentist to visit the orthodontist, please contact our practice and schedule an appointment. Our team will provide your child with an initial exam, and discuss with you the best steps to take toward caring for your child’s smile.
Phase I Orthodontic Treatment
Phase I treatments can include partial braces, orthodontic appliances, and retainer-like devices. They are used to correct current problems, prevent future problems, and aid in the adjustment of a child's growth and dental development. Because this interceptive treatment is performed between the ages of 6 and 10 years, the younger patients will typically have both baby and permanent teeth at the time of treatment. At Woodfin Cabassa Orthodontics, we recommend that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by the age of seven.
Phase II Orthodontic Treatment
Phase-two orthodontic treatment is the most common type that people are familiar with. Braces are placed on the upper and lower teeth to correct spacing and misalignment issues. It can also help fix an overbite or underbite. This phase of treatment usually starts around the age of 11 or 12 and lasts for an average of 12-20 months. However, each case is different and depends on the individual child. Some may need to wear braces for up to four years, while others have fewer issues and may only need them for a year or so.
- Early or late loss of baby teeth (your child should typically start losing teeth around age five, and will have all permanent teeth around age 13)
- Difficulty chewing and/or biting
- Mouth breathing
- Your child continues sucking his or her thumb after age five
- Speech impediments
- Protruding teeth (the top teeth and the bottom teeth extend away from each other)
- Teeth that don’t come together in a normal manner or even at all
- Shifting of the jaw when your child opens or closes his or her mouth (crossbites)
- Crowded front teeth around age seven or eight
Orthodontic problems such as crowding of the teeth, too much space between the teeth, jaw growth problems, protruding teeth, and bad bites can be inherited or caused by injury to the mouth, early or late loss of baby teeth, or thumb-sucking habits.