Braces for Kids

What Causes Orthodontic Problems & How Will Early Prevention Benefit My Child?

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.

Early treatment (also known as “phase one”) typically begins around age eight or nine (“phase two” will begin around age 11 or older). Early treatment aims to correct the growth of the jaw and certain bite problems, such as underbite. Early treatment also helps to make room for permanent teeth to come in properly, lessening the chance of extractions in the future.

When Should Your Child Visit An Orthodontist?

While there is no exact age for children to begin orthodontic treatment, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends visiting the orthodontist around age seven. Orthodontic records will be necessary to determine the type of appliances to be used, the duration of treatment time, and the frequency of visits. Records consist of models of the teeth, X-rays, and photographs. During your child’s initial consultation, Dr. Speaks will take records to determine if early treatment is necessary.

By this age, most children have a mix of baby teeth and adult teeth, making it easier for Dr. Speaks to diagnose and correct tooth and jaw problems sooner.

Early treatment allows your orthodontist to do the following:

• Correct and guide the growth of your child’s jaw to help the permanent teeth come in straight
• Regulate the width of the upper and lower arches
• Create more space for crowded teeth
• Avoid the need for permanent tooth extractions later in life
• Correct thumb-sucking and help improve minor speech problems
• For parents, it’s not always easy to know if your child may need orthodontic treatment

Signs That May Mean Your Child Needs To See An Orthodontist

Look out for the following:

• Early or late loss of baby teeth
• If your child has a hard time chewing or biting food
• Mouth breathing
• Finger or thumb sucking
• Crowded, misplaced, or blocked teeth
• Jaws that pop or make sounds when opening and closing
• Teeth that come together abnormally, or do not come together at all
• Jaws and teeth that are not proportionate to the rest of the face
• Crowded front teeth around age seven or eight
• Early or late loss of baby teeth (your child should typically start losing teeth around age five, and will have all their permanent teeth in around age 13)
• Difficulty chewing and/or biting
• Your child continues sucking their 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 their mouth (crossbites)
• Crowded front teeth around age seven or eight