Early Orthodontic Treatment
About Early Orthodontic Treatment
Early orthodontic treatment takes advantage of a critical period of jaw growth to help guide proper dental and facial development. In some cases, correcting tooth and jaw positioning early on encourages more favorable tooth alignment and development during the pre-teen and teenage years.
Who Needs Early Orthodontic Treatment?
Not every child needs early orthodontic treatment. Around the age of six, we can begin to identify serious misalignment issues, such as an upper or lower jaw that is growing too much or not enough.
Children with severe alignment problems can benefit substantially from early orthodontic intervention. If left untreated, jaw discrepancies and overcrowding may worsen over time and become more difficult to correct with braces alone. Early treatment can help reduce the need for extractions and other complicated, costly procedures later on.
Overall, the benefits of early treatment are:
- Improved dental health, function, and aesthetics
- Reduced need for tooth extractions
- Reduced likelihood of jaw surgery
- Potential improvements in airway development
- A healthier, more confident smile
- Improved facial growth patterns
Two-Phase Treatment
For children who would benefit from early orthodontic intervention, treatment may be completed in two distinct phases. This approach allows us to address certain jaw and alignment concerns while a child is still growing, followed by comprehensive treatment once the permanent teeth have erupted.
First Phase (Early Phase)
The first phase of treatment takes place during the mixed dentition stage, when a child still has both permanent and baby teeth.
During this phase, which usually lasts 12–18 months, we address concerns such as overcrowding and functional or skeletal jaw problems to encourage a more balanced bite.
Treatment may include a combination of orthodontic appliances, such as a removable appliance and braces on existing permanent teeth.
Resting Period
Between the first and second phases, there is a resting period during which we allow the remaining permanent teeth to erupt naturally.
During this time, we will continue to monitor your child’s dental development, typically scheduling visits every 3–6 months to evaluate progress and determine when the next phase of treatment may be appropriate.
Second Phase
The second phase of treatment begins once all permanent teeth have erupted. This phase typically involves a full set of upper and lower braces to complete the alignment of the teeth and bite.
Because the first phase has already helped address certain jaw and spacing concerns, the second phase can focus on refining tooth alignment, improving bite function, and creating a beautiful, healthy smile designed to last a lifetime.
Call our office to find out if your child may benefit from early orthodontic treatment!