Early Orthodontic Treatment in Cheshire, CT
Early treatment, also called Interceptive Orthodontic treatment iis designed to help young children who still have some or all of their primary teeth (also known as baby teeth). The goal of early treatment is to intercept a potential orthodontic issue as it develops.
Although treatment at an early age may not be necessary, our experts at Daniels Orthodontics will help you understand your child’s orthodontic needs early on, monitor their growth, and plan an ideal timeline.
What Is Early Orthodontic Treatment?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children visit the orthodontist by age 7. By then, most children have enough permanent teeth for their orthodontist to evaluate their developing teeth and jaws.
Early treatment, which is also known as Phase 1 treatment, looks to eliminate the cause of developing orthodontic problems as they occur, guiding the growth of facial and jaw bones, correcting bite problems, and creating enough space for incoming permanent teeth.
What Are the Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment?
Early interceptive orthodontics can help avoid future problems and has various advantages. Some of these include:
- Reducing the need for later tooth removal
- Guiding jaw growth and correcting bite issues
- Preventing erupting teeth from becoming crowded
- Preserving space for permanent teeth to erupt
- Reducing future orthodontic treatment time
- Ensuring proper chewing and biting
- Eliminating poor oral habits, like thumb sucking or tongue thrust
- Helping with speech and breathing
- Preventing or intercepting developing skeletal problems, such as “Underbite,” Severe “Overbite,” Crossbite, or other jaw-related concerns.
- Reducing the risk of protruding front teeth breaking or chipping
- Minimizing the need for corrective jaw surgery or extractions
- Creating facial symmetry and improving appearance
What Problems Does Early Orthodontic Treatment Address?
There are many orthodontic problems that are best treated after all permanent teeth have come in. Early treatment can be a great option in cases where a problem could become more serious over time if left untreated. The goal of early treatment is to intercept a developing issue and eliminate or remedy the cause. Here are some conditions that can be helped by interceptive orthodontic treatment:
- Underbites – when the lower front teeth bite ahead of the upper front teeth
- Crossbites – when the upper back teeth bite on top of, or inside the lower teeth
- Thumb-, finger-, or pacifier- sucking that affects the teeth or jaw growth
- Very crowded teeth
- Excessively spaced teeth
- Extra or missing teeth
- Teeth that meet abnormally, or don’t meet at all
Is My Child a Candidate for Early Orthodontic Treatment?
It may not always be easy to know if your child will need orthodontic treatment. Going to an orthodontist can determine whether they would benefit from interceptive orthodontic treatment while their teeth and jaws are still developing. Here are a few signs that can help you determine if your child may require treatment:
- Overcrowded or Crooked Teeth
- Mouth Breathing
- Issues Chewing
- Abnormal Tooth Loss
- Finger/Thumb Sucking
- Difficulty Speaking
After an initial check-up, there are three potential outcomes: the first is that no treatment is expected to be necessary. The second is that there are potential trouble spots that need monitoring. The third is that there is a problem that needs immediate correction with early treatment. Dr. Daniels will advise the best course of action, and present a plan to monitor development to ensure your child gets the right treatment for their needs.
Shaping Radiant Smiles with the Advantage of Early Orthodontic Treatment
It may seem unusual to address orthodontic issues when your child still doesn’t have all their permanent teeth, but this valuable period provides an opportunity to address problems before they arise. Early orthodontics can prevent an alignment problem from developing at all, or stop a problem before it becomes severe.
At Daniels Orthodontics, we offer a complimentary consultation to help our young patients have their best chance at the amazing smile they deserve.
Schedule an appointment to find out more about our early treatment options today!
