During your child’s routine dental checkup, the dentist recommends seeing an orthodontist for their crooked teeth and misaligned bite. You’re confused—your child still has baby teeth. Isn’t orthodontic treatment for older kids and teenagers? Believe it or not, there can be braces on baby teeth!
Keep reading to learn more about this type of orthodontic intervention, why it’s sometimes necessary, and how it can help your child’s smile.
Why Would Early Orthodontic Intervention Be Needed?
Some children experience alignment issues with their baby teeth. Whether from sucking on their thumb, other oral habits, or genetics, their teeth may not be lined up correctly from the get-go. As a result, these misaligned baby teeth set up the permanent ones to also be crooked.
Early orthodontic treatment is broken down into two phases. Phase 1 orthodontics starts young, as soon as age 7, even with baby teeth, to address the following problems:
- Open or cross bite
- Overcrowded or oddly spaced baby teeth
- Missing teeth or teeth that erupt out of order
What Are the Benefits of Phase 1 Orthodontics?
If your child needs Phase 1 orthodontics, the dentist is able to be proactive and treat the problem as your child grows and develops. With this procedure, you can help guide their jawbone to form properly, enable your child to bite and chew more efficiently (which means they can better digest their food), and lower the risk of future damage to their teeth. When Phase 1 orthodontic treatment is utilized correctly, it can either shorten or even eliminate the time needed for braces later in life.
How Does Phase 1 Orthodontics Work?
The techniques used for Phase 1 orthodontics can vary from patient to patient depending on their needs and unique smile. For instance, one child may need to have their arch expanded to make room for permanent teeth, while another needs to line up their baby teeth so the permanent ones can come in straighter. Your orthodontist should explain how treatment will go and what your child needs to have a straighter, healthier smile as they continue to grow.
Usually, after Phase 1 is complete, there is a break of a year or a few before the second phase begins. This part typically consists of traditional braces. However, for some patients, Phase 1 provides sufficient realignment that further orthodontic treatment isn’t necessary.
When Should I Take My Child to See an Orthodontist?
Most children should see a board-certified orthodontist by the time they turn seven years old. Even at this young age, a child can exhibit growth patterns that indicate orthodontic care is necessary. Your orthodontist can tell you whether early intervention would help your child’s smile as they lose their baby teeth and gain their permanent ones.
If your kid needs early orthodontic intervention, don’t worry! It’s good that the problem is being identified and treated sooner rather than later when it is much more difficult to make certain changes. Addressing the issue now can ensure a stronger, straighter smile for a lifetime!
About the Practice
OakBrook Dental and Orthodontics is proud to have three general dentists and two board-certified orthodontists on staff. Each brings a unique background and expertise, but we all have one thing in mind—our patients’ well-being and long-term oral health. We offer Phase 1 orthodontics as well as traditional treatments and more modern procedures like Invisalign. To learn more about orthodontic care, you can contact our McKinney office at 469-526-4040 or by clicking here.