Do your child’s teeth appear crooked? They’re not alone.
According to the American Association of Orthodontists, about four million North Americans younger than age 18 wear braces. Four in every five people in braces are minors. While most kids get braces between the ages of 11 and 14, some patients need them earlier.
Phase one orthodontic care can address your child’s orthodontic issues before they worsen. Why does early orthodontic intervention matter? Read on to learn more!
What Is Early Orthodontic Care?
Early orthodontic care is a problem-focused treatment option. It allows orthodontists to address alignment issues in young patients. Treatment can vary between six to 18 months.
While many children receive orthodontic treatment between ages 11 and 14, early intervention can begin by age seven. Consider taking your child to visit their orthodontist for a screening at this time.
A consultation appointment will allow their orthodontist to spot early signs of potential problems. Early intervention can help prevent serious orthodontic problems later.
Treatment begins while your child has a mix of baby and adult teeth. It may involve:
- Headgear
- Spacers
- Special retainers
- Functional appliances
- Expansion appliances
Their orthodontist may place braces on select teeth. These appliances will guide your child’s permanent teeth into proper alignment. Treatment will prevent overcrowding and other orthodontic issues.
Who Needs Early Orthodontic Intervention?
Your child may need early orthodontic intervention if they have a malocclusion.
The World Health Organization considers malocclusion one of the most important oral health problems (after caries and gum disease). The prevalence falls between 39% and 93% in children and adults.
Your child’s orthodontist could recognize signs of malocclusion, which describes how the upper and lower teeth fit together. When properly aligned, there’s a smooth meeting of molar points. Malocclusion indicates misalignment, which can lead to overcrowding or incorrect bite patterns.
Factors that can contribute to malocclusion include:
- Genetics
- Prolonged bottle use
- Birth defects (like a cleft palate)
- Pacifier use beyond age three
- Incorrect alignment after a jaw fracture
- Incorrect fitting of dental crowns, fillings, or appliances
- Lost, impacted, or extra teeth
- Abnormally sized teeth
- Reverse swallowing
- Tongue thrusting
- Mouth breathing
- Thumb sucking
- Mouth or jaw tumors
A malocclusion can increase your child’s risk of gum disease. According to the American Dental Association, gingivitis and periodontitis are major causes of tooth loss. Periodontitis can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, lung disease, and diabetes.
When teeth are overcrowded, they’re more difficult to brush and floss. Food particles, saliva, and bacteria can mix to form plaque. Plaque can harden into tartar, release acid, and cause cavities.
A misaligned bite could cause wear and tear on tooth enamel. These problems will increase your child’s risk of gum disease, cavities, and infections.
The infection could enter the bloodstream, leading to sepsis. Sepsis can be fatal.
A jaw misalignment could put excess strain on your child’s jaw. They could develop temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. TMS can cause teeth grinding, headaches, and jaw pain.
Phase one orthodontics can straighten your child’s teeth, reducing their risk of these problems.
Phase One Versus Phase Two
The goal of phase one treatment is to improve the alignment and development of your child’s teeth. It can reduce the amount of time your child spends in braces later. It also ensures proper jaw growth, which can improve your child’s appearance.
The goal of phase two treatment is to ensure all adult teeth are perfectly aligned. Phase one treatment doesn’t wait until permanent teeth have grown in.
Their treatment strategies also differ. Phase one usually involves:
- Palatal expanders
- Habit-breakers
- A bite plate
These appliances can resolve issues with jaw growth and development. Phase two treatment involves braces or clear aligners. These appliances can resolve crowding and biting issues.
The age range for patients is a major differentiator between the two. Phase one usually begins before patients turn 14. Phase two treatment usually begins afterward.
Phase one treatment is usually shorter and less expensive. It can help your child avoid more expensive treatments later. Phase two treatment is longer and therefore more expensive.
To determine if your child requires orthodontic intervention, visit their local orthodontist. They’ll assess your child’s teeth and develop a customized treatment plan based on their distinct needs.
Benefits of Early Orthodontic Care
Early orthodontic care can prevent minor orthodontic problems from progressing. Early treatment will allow your child’s orthodontist to:
- Monitor growth and development
- Correct bite and jaw problems
- Correct harmful oral habits
- Improve your child’s appearance
- Boost your child’s self-esteem
- Improve your child’s speech
- Reduce the chances of impacted teeth
- Create space for erupting permanent teeth
The orthodontist will monitor your child’s development while they receive treatment. They may recognize problems, like overcrowding, as they begin. Early treatment can prevent crowding problems from worsening as your child develops.
Child dental treatment is designed to address jaw and bite problems. Treating these issues can prevent speech difficulties. Improving your child’s bite can prevent digestive issues.
Your child’s orthodontist will try to determine the root cause of their symptoms. Remember, behaviors like thumb-sucking and pacifier use can contribute to malocclusion.
These behaviors can cause future dental problems, including changes to the shape of the mouth’s root. Early treatment can correct these habits to promote healthy development.
Children with orthodontic problems, including crooked teeth, may feel self-conscious about their appearance. They may be subjected to teasing and bullying, which can affect their self-esteem. Early orthodontic treatment can improve their appearance, boosting their self-confidence.
Without treatment, your child’s permanent teeth could get impacted (trapped) due to crowding. Straightening their teeth will create more space for permanent teeth.
Treating a bite misalignment with early orthodontic treatment can improve your child’s smile and oral health. Maintaining a healthy smile will set them up for success as they get older.
Choose Phase One Orthodontic Treatment Today
Phase one orthodontic treatment could resolve your child’s bite misalignment before it worsens. Consider scheduling their first consultation appointment. An experienced orthodontist will determine if they need phase one treatment.
Our team at Gleason Orthodontists believes in treating patients like the remarkable individuals they are. We’re passionate about creating beautiful, healthy smiles.
We actively pursue continuing education, emerging technologies, and new treatment methodologies to provide patients with the highest standards of care. Contact us now to schedule a free consultation.
