When Should Children Have Early Orthodontic Treatment?

Here at Bovenizer Orthodontics, we like to take a conservative approach on treatment.  In most cases, the optimal time is when all the permanent are in including twelve year molars.  This keeps our patients from being in treatment longer than necessary.  However, there are times when early treatment is beneficial for young children. 

The American Association of Orthodontics recommends that children be seen by the age of 7 or when the first signs of early orthodontic problems occur.  Early evaluation can detect problems and allows better planning for more effective treatment in hopes of preventing more serious problems later.

Early orthodontic treatment is effective and desirable in certain situations.  Some of the problems which do require early orthodontic treatment include:

·         Creating room for crowded, erupting teeth

·         Creating facial symmetry through influencing jaw growth

·         Reducing the risk of trauma to protruding  teeth

·         Preserving space for unerupted teeth

·         Reducing the need for tooth removal

·         Reducing treatment time in braces

Orthodontics is not solely for the aesthetic improvement of the teeth.  Orthodontics is also used for tooth and jaw misalignment.  These “malocclusions” affect how you chew and clean your teeth as well as how you feel about your smile.  While orthodontics can create a more aesthetically pleasing smile, it also creates a healthier one that will be easier to maintain in life.