Seventh Birthday Approaching?
Time For a Visit to the Orthodontist!
Many parents associate braces and orthodontics with the teen years but you may be surprised to learn that the best time for your little one’s first orthodontic visit is around their 7th birthday. We know, we know – they are still running around the jungle gym and definitely not exhibiting any tween behavior. That said, the American Association of Orthodontics recommends children be seen by an orthodontist by age seven and we at Rigali, Walder & Haughey Orthodontics absolutely agree.
Why by age seven?
By age 7, your child’s mouth has matured enough for a trained orthodontist to spot current and future issues. This then allows us to determine the best course for your child – either to follow them on a recall basis until they are ready for treatment or to begin a plan that will help them toward a healthy bite and smile.
There are many benefits to starting orthodontic treatment as a young child; these include shorter treatment time, fewer impacted permanent teeth and reduced chance of needing to remove teeth. That’s because with early orthodontics we can:
- Guide teeth into desired positions early
- Guide jaw growth
- Minimize crowding/creating room for erupting teeth
- Correct the results of oral habits like thumb and finger sucking
If you recommend early orthodontics for my child, does that mean they won’t need braces as a teen?
Early treatment (Phase 1) can begin the correction of significant problems, prevent additional problems from developing, and simplify future treatment, but oftentimes, additional treatment is still necessary. That said, children who have undergone early orthodontic treatment may be in braces or Invisalign for a shorter period of time in the teen years. This makes life easier for both them, and you, as both of your schedules get busier and busier!
If I bring my child to you at age 7, are you definitely going to recommend early orthodontics?
Absolutely not! Every child is different and we customize every treatment plan to the individual. Early treatment does not benefit all children. Certain types of orthodontic problems can be more easily and efficiently corrected in the teen years when all permanent teeth have come in; some skeletal orthodontic problems should be addressed early and others should not be addressed until growth is more advanced or complete. Our doctors will develop a customized treatment plan based on each individual child’s needs.
Call us at (413) 586-8455 or click below to schedule a complimentary consultation. We can’t wait to meet you and your family and help you on your smile journey.
Early Orthodontic Treatment for Children
What is the difference between early orthodontic treatment and regular orthodontic treatment, and why might my child need early treatment? How will early treatment benefit my child in the long run?
These are just a few of the questions surrounding the topic of early orthodontic treatment for children. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children see an orthodontist as early as age seven. At this point the orthodontist will evaluate whether your child will need orthodontic treatment.
Early treatment (also known as Phase One) typically begins around age eight or nine (Phase Two will begin around age 11 or older). The goal of early treatment is to correct the growth of the jaw and certain bite problems, such as underbite. Early treatment also helps to make room for permanent teeth to come in properly, lessening the chance of extractions in the future.
How to tell if your child may need early orthodontic treatment:
- Early or late loss of baby teeth (your child should typically start losing teeth around age five, and will have all permanent teeth around age 13)
- Difficulty chewing and/or biting
- Mouth-breathing
- Your child continues sucking his or her thumb after age five
- Speech impediments
- Protruding teeth (the top teeth and the bottom teeth extend away from each other)
- Teeth that don't come together in a normal manner or even at all
- Shifting of the jaw when your child opens or closes his or her mouth (crossbites)
- Crowded front teeth around age seven or eight
What causes orthodontic problems, and how will early treatment benefit my child?
Orthodontic problems such as crowding of the teeth, too much space between the teeth, jaw growth problems, protruding teeth, and bad bites can be inherited or caused by injury to the mouth, early or late loss of baby teeth, or thumb-sucking habits.
Most children lose all their baby teeth by age 13, and by the end of their teen years, the jaw bones will harden and stop growing. Orthodontic procedures for adults often take more time and can involve tooth extraction or oral surgery. Receiving early orthodontic treatment as a child can help prevent the need for orthodontics as an adult, leaving little to no chance of extraction or surgery in the future.
If your child is between the ages of seven and eight and shows signs of needing orthodontic care, or if you have been directed by your family dentist to visit the orthodontist, please contact our practice and schedule an appointment. Our team will provide your child with an initial exam, and discuss with you the best steps to take toward caring for your child's smile.
