Early Orthodontic Treatment

When is Early Orthodontic Treatment Beneficial?

August 28th, 2014

Today it seems children are starting orthodontic treatment earlier than ever before - It’s not uncommon to see braces on elementary school children. In fact, the American Association of Orthodontists’ recommends that all children be screened at age 7. This recommendation is based on the fact that the severity of many problems can be reduced by starting treatment at an early age. Many parents wonder whether early treatment is beneficial or necessary for their child.

When treatment is started on a child who still has a number of baby teeth it is referred to as ‘phase-one’. The goal of Phase-One treatment is to eliminate serious damage to the teeth and/or reduce the need for extractions of permanent teeth and surgery in the future. Early treatment may involve a growth modification device, a habit appliance, a functional appliance, a headgear or multiple appliances. These appliances help the jaw develop in a way that will help accommodate all of the permanent teeth and improve the way the upper and lower jaws fit together. Early expansion and growth modification can often convert surgery cases into mere extraction cases. Early treatment can convert some extraction cases into simple expansion or non-extraction cases. A few patients are even able to avoid full braces as a result of early care. However, this is definitely the exception to the rule - If a child has a condition serious enough to call for treatment at age seven, it is almost certain that he or she will need to have their treatment finished in a second phase as a teenager.

Starting Orthodontic treatment at an early age can also benefit the gum tissue. The appearance of the gum tissues around the teeth is affected by where the permanent teeth grow into the mouth. If a child has a lot of crowding and the canines come in very high, the tissue over those teeth often will stay higher than the surrounding teeth, even if grafting is performed. Expanding the dental arches so that there is enough room for normal eruption helps avoid most of these gum problems.

Children who may be candidates of early orthodontic treatment include:
• Those who exhibit early signs of jaw problems, such as a crossbite (when the upper teeth fit inside the lower teeth)
• Children with severe crowding
• Children who have to have baby teeth extracted.
• Those with habits such as thumb sucking

It is Dr. Hughes’ belief that it is best to limit treatment length when possible. However, there are many cases when early orthodontic intervention is necessary. If you are wondering whether early orthodontic treatment would be beneficial for your child call Lakewood Park Orthodontics to schedule a complimentary consultation.