Early Orthodontic TreatmentPhoenix, AZ
While most children do not wear braces until at least 10 to 12 years of age, there are other orthodontic treatment options to help the growth of the child's teeth. We can help children have the proper room for their adult teeth to grow in straight. Early orthodontic treatment, also known as phase one orthodontic treatment, refers to procedures and treatment options that will help to correct misalignment and other issues in the teeth.
Early orthodontic treatment is available at Nett Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics in Phoenix and the surrounding area. With early orthodontic treatment, we can help children maintain their oral health as they grow into adulthood. Our orthodontist can help to ensure children have the professional care they need to promote the healthy growth of teeth.
To learn more about early orthodontic treatment and determine if your child is a candidate for it, call us at 623-759-7658 to schedule an appointment.
What is Early Orthodontic Treatment?
Early orthodontic treatment, otherwise referred to as interceptive treatment or phase one orthodontic treatment, refers to orthodontic visits and procedures to help children who still have primary(baby) teeth. Even though traditional orthodontic treatment takes place after all permanent teeth come through, early orthodontic treatment may be necessary for children as young as five or six years old.
Early treatment can help with the child's growth and development. While baby teeth will fall out over time, it is crucial that they do so in the proper way. Along with that, a child may have too many baby teeth or need to straighten them so the adult teeth can grow in straight. This is where early orthodontic treatment can help.
We can use space maintainers to prevent teeth from shifting and allow the patient's teeth to grow in properly. Since a child's teeth are easier to move than adult teeth, this may be an ideal time to seek treatment.
The Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment
Early orthodontic treatment offers significant cosmetic advantages, but many orthodontists recommend it for children to prevent oral health and functional concerns as well. Several more reasons to consider early orthodontic treatment for your child include:
- Determines permanent teeth development
- Creates additional space for teeth
- Corrects bite complications
- Reduces the risk of improper teeth development
- Minimizes the need for more complex treatment in the future
One of the main benefits of early orthodontic treatment is the detection of issues related to jaw and teeth alignment before permanent teeth come through. If necessary, our orthodontist can create more space inside the mouth to allow for proper permanent teeth development. If the child has bite complications, such as an overbite or crossbite, then it is sometimes easier to treat the issue at a younger age.
How to Determine if Your Child Needs Early Orthodontic Treatment
Not every child needs early orthodontic treatment. On the first visit, the orthodontist will likely conduct a thorough oral examination and order pediatric dental X-rays to determine the expected growth of permanent teeth. If the child does not have issues with jaw alignment and teeth are expected to have enough room to come through correctly, treatment is likely not necessary. However, we will recommend early orthodontic treatment if the child has:
- Overcrowded teeth
- Protruding teeth
- Underbite
- Crossbite
- Speech impediment
If teeth are overcrowded, and the permanent teeth are likely to come through far too close to another, then the orthodontist may recommend treatment. A misaligned jaw occurs when the upper and lower jaw does not match up properly while the mouth is closed. Jaw misalignment can benefit from early orthodontic treatment, especially if it causes complications when speaking or eating.
The Early Orthodontic Treatment Process
As mentioned, not all children need or can even benefit from early orthodontic treatment. However, only an orthodontist can determine that fact. As an orthodontist, we can help determine the most effective method for helping the development of a child's teeth.
During the early orthodontic appointment, we will conduct a thorough oral examination of the child's mouth. This exam will involve checking for the alignment of the jaw, primary teeth, and permanent teeth(if any have come through). We may also order a pediatric dental X-ray for a closer look at the patient's teeth and jaw.
We will then consider how to proceed. In some cases, the child may not need orthodontic treatment at the time of the appointment, and instead, need it in the future.
Contact Us
If you want to learn more about early orthodontic treatment and determine if your child can benefit from treatment, give us a call at (623) 759-7658 today. We can schedule an appointment and help your child receive the proper treatment they need for the healthy development of their teeth.
Nett Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics is located at
2020 W. Whispering Wind Dr Suite 113
Phoenix, AZ
85085
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