Early Orthodontic Treatment

In the past, orthodontic treatment was often postponed until the adolescent years, when all the permanent teeth came in. We now know that many orthodontic problems can be treated earlier and much easier by working with the growth that takes place in younger children. Dr. Maro follows the American Association of Orthodontists' recommendation that every child should have an orthodontic evaluation by age 7, or earlier if a problem is detected. Although treatment may not begin at this young age, an early examination allows the orthodontist to monitor your child's dental development. Early detection can significantly reduce the need for removal of permanent teeth. Because younger children are more enthusiastic and cooperative, total treatment time is often reduced.

Dr. Maro and his dedicated staff are always available to answer your questions about early orthodontic treatment for children. Please find below our answers to some frequently asked questions.

What are the benefits of early orthodontic treatment?

For those patients who have clear indications for early orthodontic intervention, early treatment presents an opportunity to:

• Guide jaw growth
• Regulate the width of the upper and lower dental arches (the arch-shaped jaw bone that supports the teeth)
• Guide incoming permanent teeth into desirable positions
• Lower risk of trauma (accidents) to protruded upper incisors (front teeth)
• Correct harmful oral habits such as thumb- or finger-sucking
• Reduce or eliminate abnormal swallowing or speech problems
• Improve personal appearance and self-esteem
• Potentially simplify or shorten treatment time for later corrective orthodontics
• Reduce the likelihood of impacted permanent teeth

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The Right Time for an Orthodontic Check-Up: No Later than Age 7*

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends all children get a check-up with an orthodontic specialist no later than age 7. Here’s why:

• Orthodontists can spot subtle problems with jaw growth and emerging teeth while some baby teeth are still present.
• While your child’s teeth may appear to be straight, there could be a problem that only an orthodontist can detect.
• A check-up may reveal that your child’s bite is fine. Or, the orthodontist may identify a developing problem but recommend monitoring the child’s growth and development, and then, if indicated, begin treatment at the appropriate time for the child. In other cases, the orthodontist might find a problem that can benefit from early treatment.
• Early treatment may prevent or intercept more serious problems from developing and may make treatment at a later age shorter and less complicated. In some cases, the orthodontist will be able to achieve results that may not be possible once the face and jaws have finished growing.
• Early treatment may give your orthodontist the chance to:
  • Guide jaw growth
  • Lower the risk of trauma to protruded front teeth
  • Correct harmful oral habits
  • Improve appearance
  • Guide permanent teeth into a more favorable position
  • Create a more pleasing arrangement of teeth, lips and face
• Through an early orthodontic evaluation, you’ll be giving your child the best opportunity for a healthy, beautiful smile.

If your child is older than 7, it’s certainly not too late for a check-up. Because patients differ in both physiological development and treatment needs, the orthodontist’s goal is to provide each patient with the most appropriate treatment at the most appropriate time.*

*Information Courtesy of the American Academy of Orthodontists

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