Early Orthodontic Treatment

Early orthodontic treatment is crucial for maintaining a healthy, functional bite and preventing future dental problems. The American Academy of Orthodontics (AAO) recommends children see an orthodontist by age seven, as it allows for early detection of any issues with the child's jaw development or teeth alignment.

While many may think that straightening the teeth solely improves aesthetics, an attractive smile is just one aspect of orthodontic treatment. Overcrowded teeth can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and even tooth loss due to difficulty cleaning them thoroughly. Additionally, an incorrect bite can cause chewing and speaking difficulties.

Orthodontists are trained to detect subtle issues with a child's bite and jaw that could otherwise go unnoticed until later in life when they become more challenging to treat effectively. Even if your child's teeth appear straight at first glance, there still might be underlying issues requiring monitoring as they grow up.  

Therefore, seeking early orthodontic treatment ensures optimal oral health outcomes for your child while avoiding more complicated procedures that could have been avoided altogether with timely intervention.

Before your child has all of their adult teeth, you can visit our orthodontist at Lawless Orthodontics for an evaluation to determine whether your child will need orthodontic treatment. Some children may need orthodontic intervention as young as six, while others will not need orthodontic treatment until their teenage years or even adulthood.

Early treatment can correct common orthodontic problems, including an overbite, underbite, crossbite, open bite, crowding, or spacing issues. In some cases, early intervention can prevent the need for more extensive orthodontic treatment in the future.  

It's important to remember that just because your child does not need orthodontic treatment right now does not mean they will never need it. Periodic checkups with an orthodontist are essential throughout life to ensure that the teeth and jaw are growing and developing correctly and to identify potential problems early on.  

Why Choose Early Orthodontic Treatment?

Detecting and addressing orthodontic issues early increases the chances of an effective treatment. In addition, it can prevent misalignment-related dental issues from developing. Crowded or crooked teeth are hard to clean and care for, which can result in tooth decay and gum disease. An overbite or underbite can also cause abnormal wear of tooth surfaces, difficulty in chewing or speaking, and jaw pain.

Our orthodontist recommends that children receive an orthodontic evaluation by age seven. This will allow us to evaluate whether early treatment is best for your child’s dental health. Children who undergo early treatment can often enjoy shorter treatment times and less extensive correction later in life. Treatment at later stages can include extractions and oral surgery for severe overcrowding or protrusion that can no longer be addressed with non-invasive methods.

Phases of Orthodontic Treatment

The benefits of Phase I orthodontic treatment cannot be overstated. This early intervention allows orthodontists to identify and correct developing dental issues before they become more serious and cause problems in the future. By assessing and treating younger patients who have a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth, orthodontists can create a better environment for their permanent teeth to develop.

The goal is not only to address current concerns but also to prevent further complications down the line. In doing so, orthodontists are able to provide comprehensive care that sets their patients up for success well into adulthood. With this approach, children can enjoy healthy smiles that last a lifetime. 

Early orthodontic treatment is a crucial step toward ensuring excellent dental health for your child. Phase II orthodontic treatment is the stage of orthodontic treatment that focuses on children above the age of seven, when their jaws are still developing. Once all permanent teeth have erupted and are ready for braces, then Phase II or comprehensive treatment usually begins.

An exam at around age seven will give our orthodontist an abundance of information about what course of action is best suited for your child's individual needs, making it essential not to wait until it's too late. If you have a child who is seven years old or older, don't hesitate to visit our orthodontist today!

When Should My Child See an Orthodontist?

• Crowded or crooked teeth that may be prone to tooth decay
• Difficulty chewing due to misalignment of teeth
• Frequent headaches that may be related to misaligned teeth
• Jaw soreness or pain when biting down or chewing
• Mouth breathing due to a collapsed arch
• Teeth that do not look straight or symmetrical
• Jaws that shift or make clicking sounds when closing the mouth

These symptoms can be signs of a more significant problem requiring early intervention. At your consultation, our doctor will review your child’s case to determine the nature of the issue and recommend the appropriate course of treatment to correct it.

Orthodontic issues should be addressed as soon as possible to ensure treatment efficiency. For more information, contact Lawless Orthodontics at any of our three convenient locations in Bowling Green, Glasgow, and Russellville, KY.