Does Early Treatment Benefit All Children?
Not every child requires early orthodontic treatment. While some orthodontic issues are best addressed during the teenage years when all permanent teeth have emerged, certain skeletal problems may need to wait until growth has progressed or been completed. Children’s treatment plans are customized based on their unique needs. However, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends scheduling a consultation around age seven for optimal results.
If Dr. [doctor-full-name] determines that a child is not yet ready for treatment, they will be enrolled in our Orthodontic Supervisory Program.
What Are the Additional Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment?
Beyond achieving a beautiful smile, orthodontic treatment offers numerous other advantages. Braces can:
- Improve bite function
- Enhance the ability to clean teeth
- Prevent wear on teeth
- Increase the longevity of natural teeth throughout life
Early Treatment and the Importance of Timing
Why Should Children Be Evaluated at Such an Early Age?
Early assessment can guide the development of teeth and jaws, ensuring that they are properly aligned and positioned. This proactive approach can also:
- Preserve space for permanent teeth
- Minimize the risk of fractures from protruding front teeth
If early intervention is necessary, our orthodontists will help direct the growth of the jaw and the eruption of permanent teeth. Early treatment can also:
- Regulate the width of upper and lower dental arches
- Create space for permanent teeth
- Prevent the need for tooth extractions
- Reduce the likelihood of impacted teeth
- Address thumb-sucking and abnormal swallowing or speech issues
In short, early treatment can lay the foundation for simpler and more effective treatment once all the permanent teeth have emerged.
What Is the Orthodontic Supervisory Program?
Our Kids Club is a supervisory program designed for children who aren’t quite ready for treatment. This program allows our orthodontists to monitor the eruption of permanent teeth, ensuring that any emerging issues are addressed early. In some cases, early removal of baby teeth can prevent future complications and shorten overall treatment time. Our team will update your family dentist with any recommendations from the child’s visit.
Patients in the Kids Club are typically seen every 6-12 months, with no charge for these observation exams. This helps ensure the best possible outcome by determining the most appropriate time to begin treatment.
Can Early Treatment Eliminate the Need for Braces Later?
While early treatment can begin correcting significant issues and prevent more severe problems, it doesn’t always eliminate the need for braces later on. Since all permanent teeth may not have fully erupted during early treatment, their final alignment may still require attention. A shorter phase of comprehensive treatment (Phase II—full braces) is often needed after all permanent teeth have come in to complete the alignment. In some cases, further treatment may not be necessary.
Do We Still Need to See Our Family Dentist During Orthodontic Treatment?
Patients undergoing orthodontic treatment, especially those with braces or other appliances, require extra care to keep their teeth and gums clean. To maintain optimal dental health, we strongly encourage regular visits to your family dentist for check-ups and cleanings throughout orthodontic treatment. This collaborative approach ensures the best possible care for the child’s overall oral health.