Early orthodontic treatment is intended for young children who are starting to have their permanent teeth grow in. It is helpful for parents to understand when early orthodontic treatment is recommended and what the benefits of treatment are when deciding if they should schedule a consultation with a kid-friendly orthodontist.
If parents notice indications that their child’s permanent teeth will grow in incorrectly or early signs of jaw alignment issues, then the child might benefit from early orthodontic treatment. The following is an overview of who may need early orthodontic treatment and what to expect during the treatment process.
Early orthodontic treatment, otherwise referred to as phase I orthodontic treatment, aims to reduce the severity of orthodontic concerns at an early age to make the phase II treatment process easier. Orthodontists can determine whether there may be future teeth and jaw alignment concerns in children as young as six or seven years old. If potential issues are detected, then they can begin the treatment process. This may include using a palatal expander to create more space for permanent teeth to come through, removing baby teeth and more.
Early orthodontic treatment is beneficial in most instances by helping parents save money long-term and reducing the length of time children have to wear braces or clear aligners during phase II treatment. The reason the early orthodontic treatment is most often successful is that younger children still have a soft jawbone, which makes it easy to reposition the jaw and widen the palate to allow for more space for teeth to come in. This reduces the risk of developing serious orthodontic concerns and can even treat issues at a very early age.
As mentioned, early orthodontic treatment takes place before phase II treatment. Many orthodontists recommend a consultation visit to discuss early orthodontic treatment around the age of six or seven, and phase I treatments generally last until around the age of 10. Of course, not every child needs early orthodontic treatment. An orthodontist may recommend treatment if the child has noticeable signs of an alignment concern, such as crowded teeth, an overbite, an underbite or a crossbite.
During the early orthodontic treatment consultation visit, the orthodontist will conduct an oral examination and may order dental X-rays to get a complete idea of any potential orthodontic concerns the child may develop as their permanent teeth continue to come in. The professional can then recommend any treatments that could be beneficial and help parents decide if early orthodontic treatment is worth pursuing.
If your child shows signs of overcrowded teeth or jaw misalignment and you want to learn more about early orthodontic treatment, then give us a call today to arrange a time for a consultation. Our kid-friendly orthodontic team can discuss treatment options and answer any questions.
Are you considering early orthodontic treatment in the Phoenix area? Get more information at https://camelbackpeds.wpengine.com.
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