You may be wondering what orthodontic care for children involves and why it is important for your little one. Here, our orthodontists in Surrey discuss early orthodontic treatment for children and the importance of intervention.
What is orthodontic treatment?
Orthodontic treatment focuses on correcting issues with the alignment and positioning of the teeth and jaws. Essentially, it helps to straighten smiles and improve overall oral health. When discussing orthodontic treatment, you may immediately picture a teenager smiling with traditional metal braces, but it is important to know that the need for orthodontic care often begins long before that point.
This treatment is vital to creating a healthy bite, enhancing the appearance of your child's smile and ensuring proper chewing function and speech development.
Is early orthodontic treatment necessary?
Early orthodontic intervention is not only about straightening teeth. It is also about creating a strong, healthy smile that will last a lifetime.
With early intervention, the orthodontist can identify and address potential issues with your child's bite before they become more complex or severe. By monitoring the development of your child's jaw and the eruption of the teeth, the orthodontist can detect problems such as overcrowding and misalignment. Using a proactive approach, we can work together to prevent possible complications and reduce the need for more invasive treatments later.
The orthodontist can also take advantage of natural growth spurts by administering orthodontic treatment while your child is still young. During this period, their bones continue to grow and develop, making guiding their teeth into proper alignment easier. Starting treatment during this window of opportunity can lead to optimal results.
Signs That Show a Child Needs Early Orthodontic Intervention
You may not need to wait until your child turns seven to visit an orthodontist. If you notice any of these symptoms in your child, please make an appointment today. With early intervention, we may be able to identify developing issues and create a custom treatment plan tailored to your child's needs.
- Finger or thumb sucking
- Early or late loss of primary (baby) teeth
- Mouth breathing
- Speech problems
- Upper and lower jaws that don't line up
- Teeth that stick out too far
- Misplaced, crowded, or blocked-out teeth
- Jaws that shift or make sounds
- Biting their cheek
- Clenching or grinding of teeth
Types of Early Orthodontic Treatment
When it comes to early orthodontic intervention, there are several options available to correct any issues your child may have. The type of treatment recommended will depend on your child's specific needs and age.
- Traditional Braces: Braces are one of the most common types of orthodontic treatment. They are designed to help align teeth properly and correct bite issues. Brackets and wires are also often used in conjunction with braces to exert gentle but firm pressure to move the teeth into their proper positions.
- Retainers & Aligners: In some cases, removable appliances, such as retainers or aligners, such as Invisalign First, may be used. Your child will be able to remove these to eat, brush and floss, but they should be worn consistently throughout the day for the best outcome. These appliances work by building the growth of the jaw and the teeth at the same time.
- Expanders: An expander may be prescribed if your child is experiencing dental crowding. These types of appliances widen the jaw, help guide proper jaw alignment, and allow permanent tooth eruption.
Keep in mind that not all children will need early orthodontic treatments, so it's essential to consult with an orthodontist who can accurately assess your child's specific needs. By addressing any potential issues early on through these treatments, you're setting up your child for a healthier smile. Remember that early intervention is key to ensuring that any possible orthodontic issues are addressed sooner rather than later, leading to a healthier smile later on.
Orthodontics for Children at Guildford Orthodontic Centre
While your child is still at an early age, orthodontic treatment can be vital for helping them achieve and maintain a straight, healthy smile for life. The Canadian Association of Orthodontists recommends that children visit an orthodontist by the age of seven for an initial assessment.
Even though some children may not require orthodontic treatment until between the ages of 11 and 13, the first permanent molars and incisors usually come in around age seven. This is when potential issues like crossbites, crowding, and other problems can be evaluated.
Phase I, or early interceptive treatment, is limited orthodontic treatment (e.g., expander or partial braces) before all permanent teeth erupt. Early intervention with braces or other orthodontic devices is often recommended between the ages of 6 and 10, in some cases to make more space for developing teeth, correct crossbites, overbites, underbites, or harmful oral habits. It is often used in preparation for Phase II treatment.
Contact our orthodontic team in Surrey to discuss our wide range of orthodontic care services and personalized treatment plans to help your child achieve a straight, healthy smile.