When is the Right Time to Begin Orthodontics?

Your child’s first orthodontic visit is recommended by age seven. At this stage, your child’s mouth has grown enough to know how it will develop as the permanent teeth begin to erupt. 

Dr. Ari is a pediatric specialist trained to assess the growth and development during your child’s routine dental appointment to ensure there are no concerns present. If Dr. Ari diagnoses any bite issues, he will recommend the right time to begin treatment. Early orthodontic treatment is also known as interceptive orthodontics. 

The goal of early orthodontics is to address developmental issues in the teeth and jaws early on, which can prevent more serious problems from developing later. Here are some key points about early orthodontic treatment:

1. Age Range: Orthodontic treatment usually begins between the ages of 7 and 11, when the child still has a mix of primary (baby) and permanent teeth.
2. Purpose: The primary purpose of orthodontic treatment is to guide the growth and development of the jaw bones and create enough space for the permanent teeth to erupt properly. It can also correct bite problems (malocclusions) and reduce the need for more extensive orthodontic treatment later in life.
3. Common Issues: Some common issues that early treatment can address include crowded teeth, protruding front teeth, crossbites, underbites and severe overbites.
4. Treatment Methods: Treatment methods in orthodontics may include space maintainers, expanders to widen the palate, partial braces or other appliances designed to influence jaw growth.
5. Benefits: Early treatment can potentially shorten the overall time needed in braces or aligners during adolescence. It can also improve facial aesthetics and reduce the risk of trauma to protruding teeth.
6. Consultation: The need for early orthodontic treatment is typically assessed during a consultation with Dr. Ari, who will evaluate the child’s dental development and recommend treatment if necessary.
7. Follow-Up: After early orthodontic treatment, periodic follow-up visits are usually required to monitor the growth and development of the teeth and jaws until all permanent teeth have erupted.

It’s important to note that not all children need early orthodontic treatment. The decision to undergo early treatment should be based on a thorough evaluation. Early intervention can be beneficial in certain cases, but the specific treatment plan will depend on the individual child’s dental needs and development.

 

Dr. Timucin Ari DDS, Ph.D, FRCD(C), Ari Pediatric Dentistry