Did you know that starting orthodontic care early can make a big difference? Early orthodontic treatment (also called interceptive treatment) means addressing orthodontic issues when kids still have some of their baby teeth.

The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that kids have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. By that age, children typically have a mix of baby and adult teeth. This allows orthodontists to see how their adult teeth and jaw are shaping up.

Pediatric orthodontists can identify potential problems early and decide if immediate care is needed or if they should monitor changes over time. Treatments like braces for kids or Invisalign First may be recommended if there’s an issue that could become worse without early intervention.

In this article, we’ll be diving into some of the main reasons why early orthodontics treatment is so important. Let’s get started!

What is Early Orthodontic Treatment?

Many orthodontists agree that certain dental issues are best addressed once all permanent teeth have come in. However, if a child has a problem that could get worse over time, it’s often beneficial to start treatment early.

The goal of early orthodontic treatment is to catch these issues early, tackle the root cause, guide the growth of the jaw and facial bones, and create enough space for permanent teeth to come in correctly. Even after early treatment, a child may need a second phase of treatment once all of their adult teeth have come in.

Some common issues that might call for early orthodontic treatment include:

• Underbites (when the lower front teeth stick out past the upper ones)
• Crossbites (when the jaw shifts to one side when biting)
• Severely crowded teeth
• Teeth with too much space between them
• Extra or missing teeth
• Teeth that don’t meet properly when biting, or don’t meet at all
• Thumb, finger, or pacifier-sucking habits that affect teeth alignment or jaw growth

Now that we’ve gone over some of the issues that interceptive orthodontic care can treat, let’s take a look at the specific benefits of early orthodontic treatment.

Prevents Future Problems

One of the main and most important reasons for early orthodontic treatment is that it helps prevent more complicated problems from showing up later on. Orthodontists can identify common issues in kids (like overcrowding, misaligned bites, or uneven jaw growth) before they become severe.

Addressing these problems early can sometimes prevent the need for more extensive orthodontic work down the line. This will save you time and money (and your kid a lot of pain and discomfort).

To give you an example, early orthodontic treatment could prevent a situation where adult teeth end up cramped because there wasn’t enough space for them to come in. By creating room for these adult teeth as they come in, a pediatric orthodontist will be able to save your kid from procedures like extractions.

Helps With Jaw Growth and Alignment

With early orthodontic treatment, an orthodontist will be able to guide the growth of your child’s jaw to make sure that it aligns properly with their teeth. Some issues with jaw alignment can lead to bite problems (like overbites and underbites). If these issues aren’t addressed early, they can cause more serious problems later on.

Improves Oral Health and Hygiene

When your child’s teeth are properly aligned, it’s much easier for them to keep them clean. Crowded or crooked teeth can make brushing and flossing difficult for kids (or anyone, really). This can lead to plaque buildup and a higher risk of cavities and gum disease.

Improves Self-Esteem and Confidence

Early orthodontic treatment can also help kids feel more confident about their teeth. Children with crooked teeth, overbites, or other visible dental issues can sometimes feel self-conscious about their appearance.

Fixing these problems early, however, can help kids feel better about themselves. This is especially important as they get older and start to become more social. That said, kids might feel self-conscious about wearing braces, too. If this is the case, Invisalign First is a great, more discreet option!

Corrects Habits That Affect Dental Health

Some habits that kids commonly develop, like thumb-sucking, can impact their dental and jaw development. Early orthodontic treatment can include habit-breaking appliances or exercises to help kids kick these habits. This is often a very important part of making sure that a child’s teeth grow and align correctly.

Improves Speech Development

Teeth and jaw alignment also play a huge role in how we pronounce words. Misalignment, overbites, and underbites can all affect speech. By addressing these issues early on, orthodontists can often help children develop clearer speech patterns.

Reduces the Length of Future Orthodontic Treatments

When early orthodontic treatment is done right, it can set the stage for smoother, shorter orthodontic care down the line. By addressing certain problems early, orthodontists may be able to reduce the need for long, intensive treatment as the child grows older.

Increases Flexibility in Treatment Options

The younger the patient, the more adaptable their bones and tissues are. This can make certain orthodontic treatments easier and more effective. Treatments like Invisalign for kids or braces for kids might be more effective at a younger age because children’s bones are still developing and can be guided more easily.

Better Facial Development

Orthodontic care isn’t just for straightening teeth. It also involves guiding the proper development of facial features. Misaligned jaws or severe bite problems can sometimes affect the shape of a child’s face over time. With early treatment, however, orthodontists can help prevent this from happening.

Conclusion

As you can see, starting orthodontic care early could make a big difference in your child’s life. Not only will it improve their dental health and prevent future dental issues, but it should help to improve their confidence, too.

If you’re thinking about getting braces or Invisalign First for your kid, you should consider speaking to an orthodontist near you. Centerton Orthodontics is a fantastic option for early orthodontic treatment. Feel free to set up a free consultation today!