Today, the American Association of Orthodontics recommends that every child receive screening for potential orthodontic issues at age 7. You or your child's dentist may also notice potential trouble signs earlier in childhood. An early orthodontic consultation allows dental professionals to plan future care and keep parents involved from the first steps.
Signs Your Child May Need Early Orthodontic Intervention
Below are several signs that your child should see an orthodontist, regardless of age:
- Mouth breathing, which could signal jaw issues
- Speech issues related to tooth alignment
- Use of a pacifier or thumb sucking past the age of 4
- Altered dental bite due to crooked or misaligned teeth
- Jaws that make noise or shift when your child opens or closes their mouth
Procedures Included in Early Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontists and pediatric dentists may recommend one or more of the following treatments for your child:
Habit Appliances
These small oral devices help children remember not to suck their fingers or thumbs, a habit that can interfere with tooth alignment and jaw development.
Palatal Expanders
For children with narrow jaws, a palatal expander helps to create more room for the teeth and tongue.
Early Braces
Many orthodontists recommend braces before all the permanent teeth erupt, usually between the ages of 7 and 10. Early treatment can make future misalignment less severe and reduce the chance of needing multiple extractions later in life.
Consequences of Delaying Early Orthodontic Treatment
Many parents feel uneasy about taking a young child to the orthodontist. They may mistakenly believe that their child can catch up with orthodontic treatment during their teen years. However, the following issues could arise if parents delay recommended treatments:
- Tooth misalignment and crowding could worsen over time
- Jaw problems are considerably more challenging to treat in teens than they are in young children
- Your child may need more extractions to make room for proper alignment
- Treatment time will take longer if the process begins in the teen years
- In severe jaw cases, your child will be more likely to need orthognathic surgery to correct any discrepancies
Take the Opportunity to Work With Your Child's Natural Development
Early orthodontic treatment works because younger children are still growing and their teeth and jaws are easier to treat. If you have questions about early visits, please call us at any time for a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Early Orthodontic Treatment
Does early orthodontic treatment cause discomfort for my child?
There may be some minor discomfort during the adjustment period, but it should diminish over time. Teens and adults have more discomfort than young children.
Will my child have to wear headgear?
Headgear is considerably less common than it was when today's parents were growing up. Doctors design treatments to fit into your child's life as much as possible.
At Hass Family Orthodontics, we believe every child deserves an evaluation at age seven or earlier. Catching early-stage problems benefits your child's lifelong oral health. Please get in touch with us to schedule your consultation today.