Early Orthodontic Treatment

“Bite” irregularities in children can be prevented and corrected with orthodontic treatments. During a child’s biannual visits to the dentist, diagnostic tools can be used to monitor orthodontic irregularities and, if necessary, correct them with early intervention strategies. Children should have their first orthodontic evaluation before the age of eight.

Orthodontic irregularities can be present at birth or develop throughout childhood. Crooked teeth are the most common irregularity pediatric orthodontists treat. Crooked teeth can negatively affect a child’s self-esteem and can promote tooth decay and periodontal disease if not corrected.

There are many reasons why orthodontic treatment may be recommended to your child. Some of those reasons include:

• Increased likelihood of proper jaw growth.

• Increased likelihood of properly aligned and spaced adult teeth.

• Enhanced self-confidence and aesthetic appearance.

• Reduced risk of impacted adult teeth.

• Reduced risk of bruxing or teeth grinding.

• Reduced risk of childhood cavities, tooth decay, and periodontal disease.

• Reduced risk of speech problems.

• Reduced risk of tooth, gum, and jawbone injury.

• Reduced risk of protracted orthodontic treatments in later years.

When should my child begin orthodontic treatment?

There are three stages of orthodontic treatment for children and the stage in which your child’s dentist in Brooklyn recommends treatment depends on the child’s unique condition.

Stage 1: Early treatment (2-6 years old)

During this stage, orthodontic treatment primarily regulates and guides the width of both dental arches to ensure that there is enough space in the mouth for permanent teeth to erupt correctly.

Children who lose their baby teeth early, who have difficulty biting properly, who grind or click their jaw and teeth, or who breathe only through their mouth are the main candidates for orthodontic treatment at this stage.

The Brooklyn Dentist can provide space maintainers to prevent the shifting of teeth into undesirable areas, or several other dental appliances that can promote the proper development of the child’s teeth.

Pediatric dentists may also work with parents to eliminate harmful habits like thumb sucking and pacifier use during this time.

Stage 2: Middle dentition (6-12 years old)

At this stage of life, children’s soft and hard tissues are extremely pliable, making this a good time to start correcting crossbites, wayward jaws, and crooked permanent teeth. It is generally the optimal time for dentists to perform severe malocclusion corrections.

Dentists may provide their patients with fixed or removable dental appliances like braces. Children with fixed appliances must take extra care to keep the oral region clean each day to reduce decay, staining, and further cosmetic damage.

Stage 3: Adolescent dentition (13+ years old)

The main goals of this stage are to straighten permanent teeth and improve the overall aesthetic appearance of the smile. The most common treatment during this stage is the application of fixed or removable braces that straighten the teeth. Children may be provided with a retainer during this stage as well to prevent the regression of teeth to their original alignment after an orthodontic treatment is complete.

To express any questions or concerns about early orthodontic treatment, please contact Brooklyn Dentist.