The American Association for Orthodontists recommends that every child have an orthodontic evaluation by the age of 7. Early detection and treatment gives your child a much better chance for natural and normal smile development. By working with natural growth instead of against it, you can prevent problems from becoming worse, and give your child a healthy smile that lasts a lifetime!
Early treatment can prevent:
- Poor habits such as tongue thrusting and thumb sucking.
- A constricted airway due to swollen adenoids or tonsils.
- Mouth breathing or snoring problems.
- A bad, or misaligned bite.
- Bone problems like narrow or underdeveloped jaws.
- Abnormal teeth spacing from missing teeth.
What is the Best Time for Orthodontic Treatment?
Developing malocclusions - or bad bites – can be recognized as early as 2-3 years of age. Often, early steps can be taken to reduce the need for major orthodontic treatment at a later age.
Stage I – This period of treatment encompasses ages 2-6. At this young age, we are concerned with underdeveloped dental arches, the premature loss of primary teeth, and harmful habits such as finger and thumb sucking. Treatment initiated during this stage of development is often very successful and many times, though not always, can eliminate the need for future orthodontic/orthopedic treatment.
Stage II – Mixed Dentition: This period usually covers the ages of 6-10, with the eruption of the permanent incisor (front) teeth and 6 year molars. Treatment concerns deal with jaw malrelationships and dental realignment problems. This is an excellent stage to begin treatment, when indicated, as your child’s hard and soft tissues are usually very responsive to orthodontic or orthopedic forces.
Stage III – This stage deals with permanent teeth and the development of the final bite relationship.