Does Early Treatment Benefit All Children?
Early treatment is not necessary for all children. Some orthodontic issues can be more effectively addressed at a young age before a child stops growing, while others are better treated during the teen years when all permanent teeth have erupted. Certain skeletal discrepancies might also need to be corrected later when growth is more advanced or completed.
Dr. Maria Ossa will develop a personalized treatment plan based on your child’s individual needs. We recommend bringing your child in for a consultation around age seven for optimal results. If treatment isn’t needed yet, we will place your child in our orthodontic observation program to monitor their development.
Besides a beautiful smile, what are the additional benefits of orthodontic treatment?
Orthodontic treatment offers more than just aesthetic improvements. Braces can:
- Enhance the function of the bite and teeth.
- Improve oral hygiene by making it easier to clean the teeth.
- Prevent wear on teeth, increasing their longevity over a lifetime.
Early Treatment Considerations
The American Association of Orthodontists advises that children should have an orthodontic screening by age seven. This early assessment allows our orthodontists to determine whether orthodontic treatment will be necessary and to identify the best time for intervention.
Some children may not need early treatment, and for those cases, we offer complimentary observation exams every 6 to 12 months as part of our Kids Club. Once your child is ready for orthodontic treatment, the doctor will recommend a customized treatment plan.
Why Evaluate Children at Such a Young Age?
Early diagnosis and treatment can guide the proper positioning of teeth, preserve space for permanent teeth, and reduce the risk of injury to protruded front teeth.
If early treatment is required, our orthodontists can help:
- Guide jaw growth and the alignment of incoming permanent teeth.
- Avoid the need for extractions and reduce the likelihood of impacted teeth.
- Correct habits like thumb sucking and tongue thrusting
Overall, early treatment can simplify the orthodontic process once all permanent teeth have erupted.
The Orthodontic Observation Program
Our Kids Club is designed for patients who aren’t ready for treatment yet. Through this program, our orthodontists can monitor the growth and development of your child’s teeth and jaw.
Sometimes, removing baby teeth early can correct poor eruption patterns, which may reduce the time needed for braces later on. We will communicate with your general dentist about any recommendations during your child’s visit. Typically, patients in this program are seen every 6 to 12 months to monitor their progress, helping us determine the best time to begin treatment.
Will Early Treatment Prevent the Need for Braces Later?
Early treatment can address significant orthodontic issues early on, prevent more severe problems, and simplify future treatment. However, because not all permanent teeth are present during early treatment, a second phase of treatment (Phase II) may be required during the pre-teen or teen years to achieve full correction. In some cases, no further orthodontic treatment may be needed.
Ongoing Dental Care During Orthodontic Treatment
During orthodontic treatment, maintaining oral hygiene becomes even more crucial. Dr. Ossa encourages regular visits to your family dentist for check-ups and cleanings to ensure the highest level of dental health.
