Early Orthodontic Treatment

What is Early Orthodontic Treatment?

Early orthodontic treatment, also known as interceptive orthodontics, is designed to guide the growth and development of a child's jaw and teeth. This treatment typically begins between the ages of 7 and 10, when a child still has some baby teeth and their jaw is still developing.

The goal of early treatment is to prevent more serious problems from developing and may make treatment at a later age shorter and less complicated. By addressing issues early, we can often avoid the need for more extensive treatment later.

Benefits of Early Treatment

• Prevents more serious problems from developing
• May make treatment at a later age shorter and less complicated
• Guides jaw growth and development
• Creates space for permanent teeth
• Reduces the need for tooth extractions
• Improves facial appearance
• Corrects harmful oral habits

When is Early Treatment Recommended?

Early orthodontic treatment may be recommended for children who have:

• Severe crowding or spacing issues
• Crossbites, overbites, or underbites
• Protruding front teeth
• Harmful oral habits like thumb sucking
• Jaw growth problems
• Difficulty chewing or speaking

Types of Early Treatment

Common early orthodontic treatments include:

• Palatal expanders to widen the upper jaw
• Space maintainers to hold space for permanent teeth
• Partial braces to correct specific problems
• Habit appliances to stop thumb sucking
• Functional appliances to guide jaw growth

The Treatment Process

Early orthodontic treatment typically involves:

• Comprehensive evaluation and diagnosis
• Customized treatment plan
• Active treatment phase (6-18 months)
• Retention phase to maintain results
• Monitoring until all permanent teeth erupt