Parents naturally look out for their children’s long-term well-being, and dental health is no exception. When minor crowding or misaligned baby teeth start to appear, it is easy to wonder if you should book an orthodontic consultation right away.
Not every child needs early orthodontic treatment, but timing matters more than most parents think. Catching structural problems early gives orthodontists a better chance to guide development naturally, often avoiding more complex treatment later on.
Purpose of Early Orthodontic Treatment
Phase one orthodontic treatment usually begins when a patient is around seven to ten years old. This is the stage when children typically have both baby teeth and permanent teeth present. It should be noted that straightening crooked teeth is not the main aim of phase one treatment.
The main objective of this procedure is to guide jaw growth and support the proper eruption of permanent teeth. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, the child should be examined by an orthodontist by age seven at the latest.
The reason behind this is that the first adult molars will already have appeared by then, which establishes the back bite. The orthodontist can evaluate how the upper and lower jaws are developing in relation to one another.
Signs Your Child Might Need Early Treatment
While many children can safely wait until their early teenage years for traditional braces, certain factors indicate a need for immediate attention:
- Extreme Overbites or Underbites: In case the upper set of teeth overlaps significantly with the lower set of teeth or vice versa, i.e., the bottom jaw protrudes forward beyond the top one, the malocclusion can interfere with eating, speaking, and normal oral function.
- Crossbites: If your upper teeth lie inside the lower set of teeth, a crossbite is evident. This malformation can result in improper growth of your jawbone if neglected.
- Early/Late Eruption of Primary Dentition: Children who suffer from cavities or premature loss of primary teeth experience shifting of the neighboring teeth to the space, thus leading to abnormal eruption of their permanent teeth.
- Chewing/Biting Problems: If your child bites the inside of their mouth when chewing food or cannot bite food properly, it is an indication of an issue with the oral structure.
- Prominent/Protruding Teeth: Teeth that are protruding or sticking out can easily chip or fracture if the child participates in sports or games.
The Risks of Delaying Necessary Treatment
Delaying treatment for problems with the jaw can make things more difficult further down the road. After a child reaches their growth stage, the bones in the jaws become fused and stop growing.
If one tries to treat a severe problem with the jaw after reaching this stage, surgery or removal of permanent teeth may be required. An early treatment would enable the provider to provide specific orthodontic devices to expand the dental arches.
This would create adequate room for the development of permanent teeth and reduce the chances of an impacted tooth.
Final Thoughts
Most children do not need braces or expanders at a very young age. Many structural alignment issues resolve naturally as the mouth matures, or they can be managed effectively with standard treatment during adolescence.
However, a screening around age seven is the best way to distinguish between normal development and a developing skeletal issue. This proactive step provides peace of mind and ensures a healthier smile.
If you notice any signs of jaw misalignment or crowded teeth in your child, contact Evolve Orthodontics today to schedule a comprehensive evaluation by calling us at (281) 247-5074.