Early Orthodontic Treatment in Mandeville and Kingston, Jamaica
Early orthodontic treatment refers to orthodontic intervention before the eruption of permanent dentition (except third molars) is complete. Some people get confused about what early orthodontic treatment is. It’s a treatment that takes place before braces, typically when a child is 8 to 10 years old.
At What Age Should a Child First Visit the Pediatric Orthodontist?
Most children should have an orthodontic screening by age 7. This allows Dr. Suzanne Grey to determine when orthodontic treatment will be required and the best time for your child to be treated. Many dentists in our community have been trained to identify orthodontic problems early and may refer you to our office earlier than age 7 if they’re concerned.
Dr. Grey will be able to identify abnormalities earlier in your child’s life when their teeth and jaws are easier to manipulate. This is helpful for treating a variety of orthodontic problems, such as protruding teeth, crowding, spacing, and missing teeth, before more serious problems start to develop.
How to Tell If Your Child May Need Early Orthodontic Care
There are several ways you can determine whether your child may need early orthodontic treatment. You should seek an assessment if you observe any of these characteristics or behaviors:
Early loss of baby teeth (before age five)
If your child’s teeth do not meet properly at all when biting
Mouth breathing and/or snoring
If your child’s front teeth are crowded (you generally won’t see this until the child is about seven or eight years old)
Protruding front teeth
Biting or chewing difficulties
A speech impediment
If your child’s jaw shifts when he or she opens or closes the mouth
If your child is older than five years and still sucks a thumb or finger
Can Early Orthodontic Treatment Eliminate the Need for Braces for Kids Later?
Early treatment can begin the correction of significant problems, prevent more severe issues from developing, and simplify future treatment. Because not all of the permanent teeth have erupted during this time, their final alignment may not yet be corrected.
Typically, a shortened comprehensive phase of treatment, called Phase II or full braces, takes place in the teen years after all the permanent teeth have come in. This phase completes the correction. However, in some cases, further orthodontic treatment may not be necessary.
Should Children Still Visit the Dentist During Orthodontic Treatment?
Yes. Patients with braces and other orthodontic appliances require extra care to keep their teeth and gums clean. For the highest level of dental health, we recommend that your child continue seeing their family dentist for regular cleanings and check-ups every six months throughout their orthodontic treatment.
