Early Orthodontic Treatment

Why do so many young kids have braces on these days? Why are these kids being treated at such a young age? Do they still have baby teeth? At what age should I take my child to see an orthodontist for the first time?

When should I take my child to see an orthodontist for the first time?

The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that children have their first check up with an AAO orthodontist, like Stavisky Orthodontics, as soon as a problem is detected and no later than age 7. Why age 7? What can be done at that age? While not every orthodontic problem can be treated at age 7, there are many problems that can be identified by that age.

Around age 7, children have a mix of baby (primary) teeth and permanent teeth. In addition, the eruption of the first adult molars occurs around this age. These molars are an indicator of your child’s overall bite. The positioning of these molars can determine if early treatment will benefit your child’s oral health or if it is better to monitor your child’s growth and development until further development occurs.

Are there signs that your child should see an orthodontist earlier than age 7?

While some issues may be obvious, like crooked teeth, an overbite, an underbite, or a crossbite, other issues are not easily identified by an untrained eye. For many parents, it’s not easy to know if your child may need orthodontic treatment. Even teeth that look straight may have bite concerns.

Here are a few early warning signs that may indicate the need for early orthodontic attention at Stavisky Orthodontics:

  • Early or late loss of baby teeth
  • A hard time chewing or biting food
  • Prolonged pacifier, bottle, finger, or thumb sucking habit
  • Crowded, misplaced, or blocked out teeth
  • Widely spaced teeth
  • An abnormal number of teeth
  • Functional shifts- when the jaw shifts to one side as the teeth come together
  • Teeth that meet abnormally or don’t meet at all
  • Jaws and teeth that are not proportionate to the rest of the face

If your child is younger than 7, and you notice something that appears “off,” it is not necessary to wait until your child turns 7 or until you get a recommendation from your dentist. Pediatric dentists and orthodontists focus on different aspects of dental health. You should take your child to an orthodontist as soon as you notice an issue, regardless of their age. Dr. Stavisky is an expert in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics. When it comes to facial development and bite correction, she has the knowledge and experience to give your child’s smile the attention it needs.

What to expect at your child’s initial orthodontic visit?

During your child’s orthodontic examination, the doctors at Stavisky Orthodontics will assess the growth and harmony of your child’s jaws and facial bones. We will also inspect the positioning and the projected eruption of the permanent teeth that will erupt as the baby teeth are lost. Our systematic approach includes a thorough examination of the teeth, mouth, and facial structures, orthodontic photographs to record and to measure the positioning of the jaws and teeth, and x-rays to evaluate the development of the teeth and the bones.

This examination may reveal that your child’s bite is acceptable, and that early treatment is not necessary. However, if a problem is identified, Stavisky Orthodontics will recommend intervention with early treatment. Each treatment plan is specific for that child and his/her individual problem as well as his/her growth and development. Children mature at different stages and interceptive treatment is sometimes indicated to prevent more severe problems from occurring.

Does early treatment mean my child needs braces?

At Stavisky Orthodontics, the goal of early treatment is to establish balanced jaw alignment and to ensure that there is enough space for all the permanent teeth to erupt. Early orthodontic treatment does not always include braces; however, this may be the best course of action depending on your child’s specific needs.

Early treatment at Stavisky Orthodontics can begin to correct significant problems, to prevent the development of more severe problems, and to make future treatment more straightforward. Early intervention can be beneficial to achieve results that are considerably more difficult to treat once the face and the jawbones have finished growing.

When will my child begin comprehensive orthodontic treatment to straighten their smile?

In some cases, preventative and early treatment is the only treatment that your child will need, but, in many cases, your child may require a second phase of orthodontic treatment to obtain a perfect smile. The second phase of orthodontic treatment will occur once a child has most of their permanent teeth. This will complete the tooth and jaw alignment that was started in the first phase of preventive or interceptive treatment.

Are you ready to begin your child’s orthodontic journey? Trust Stavisky Orthodontics!

Dr. Stavisky and her compassionate team at Stavisky Orthodontics have set the standard in the Vineland, Bridgeton, and Pennsville areas for personalized and exceptional orthodontic treatment for patients of all ages. Contact our office today for your Free Consult to begin your child’s journey to a perfect smile!