The Importance and Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment
Early orthodontic treatment, often referred to as Phase I treatment, is a proactive approach in orthodontics that addresses dental and skeletal issues in young children. By intervening at an early age, the Royal Orthodontics team can guide the growth and development of your child's jaw and teeth, preventing more complex problems in the future, and yielding more conservative treatment approaches. Here, we’ll cover what early treatment entails, its significance, the benefits it offers, and the solutions it provides to young patients. Our hope is that we can take some of the intimidation out of the process for both you and your child.
What is Early Orthodontic Treatment?
Early orthodontic treatment, typically initiated between the ages of 7 and 10, focuses on addressing and correcting dental and skeletal issues while a child's jaw and teeth are still developing. During this phase of treatment, our goal is to intercept problems that, if left untreated, could lead to more severe complications requiring extensive treatment later on, including surgery. Early treatment may include the use of appliances such as expanders, partial braces, or space maintainers to guide the growth of the jaw and teeth.
The Importance of Early Orthodontic Treatment
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by the age of 7. Early assessment allows orthodontists to detect potential problems and determine if early intervention is necessary. Early treatment can address issues such as crowding, bite problems, and jaw growth discrepancies, setting the stage for a healthier and more functional smile.
The Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment
Early treatment is a critical part of orthodontic care because of its ability to help us get ahead of potential problems down the road. This intervention has so many benefits, including:
Prevents More Severe Issues: By identifying and addressing problems early, we can prevent the development of more severe dental and skeletal issues that might require complex treatments in the future, such as surgery.
Guides Jaw Growth: Early treatment can help guide the growth of the jaw, ensuring proper alignment and proportion. This guidance can correct bite issues and create sufficient space for incoming permanent teeth.
Improves Self-Esteem: Children with noticeable dental issues often experience self-esteem problems. Early treatment can improve the appearance of their teeth and boost their confidence. We know it’s hard for kids to understand this in the short term, especially when they’re getting used to their new appliances, but we always try to help illustrate the bigger picture when we walk through the treatment journey with them.
Enhances Oral Health: Correcting dental issues early can lead to better oral hygiene practices. Properly aligned teeth are easier to clean, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease.
Reduces Treatment Time: Early intervention can simplify later treatment phases, potentially reducing the time and complexity of treatment during adolescence.
Conditions Addressed by Early Orthodontic Treatment
When we start working with your children, we stay really focused on the things that matter to them, like being warm, friendly and welcoming, and talking them through the treatment process so it doesn't feel as obscure or scary. And that includes some simplified education around how we use specific treatments to support their orthodontic journey, including:
Addressing Crowding and Spacing: Early treatment can manage space in the mouth, ensuring there’s enough room for permanent teeth to erupt correctly. We like to share with kids that this can prevent the need for tooth extractions later on, which we know probably doesn't sound fun, and that’s what we’re hoping to avoid.
Correcting Bite Issues: Malocclusions (bite problems) such as crossbites, overbites, and underbites can be corrected early, promoting a healthier bite and preventing jaw issues.
Guiding Permanent Teeth Eruption: By influencing the position of primary (baby) teeth, early treatment can guide the eruption of permanent teeth, ensuring they come in correctly aligned.
Improving Speech and Chewing: Dental and jaw issues can affect your child's ability to speak and chew properly. Early treatment can address these functional problems, promoting better overall development.
Reducing Risk of Trauma: Protruding front teeth are more susceptible to injury, but early orthodontic treatment can realign these teeth, reducing the risk of trauma.
In Conclusion
Early orthodontic treatment is a proactive and effective approach to addressing dental and skeletal issues in young children. By intervening at an early age, our team at Royal Orthodontics can guide the development of your child's jaw and teeth, preventing more complex problems in the future and ensuring a healthier, more confident smile. The benefits of early treatment extend beyond aesthetics, encompassing improved oral health, functionality, and overall well-being.
At the end of the day, we believe that our patients deserve to achieve beautiful smiles and have a great time throughout the process. We know it sounds like a tall order, but our team is made up of human-first pros who are naturals at helping people—including your kiddos—feel welcome, heard, and like valued patients of our practice.