Early Orthodontic Treatment
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Children sometimes exhibit early subtle signs of orthdontic problems as they grow and develop. An upper or lower jaw that is growing too much or too little, or is too wide or too narrow or crooked can be recognized at an early age. Children with these types of discrepancies are usually candidates for early orthodontic/orthopedic evaluation and treatment.
Children with otherwise straight teeth may have other problems that could go undetected. Our orthodontists specialize in recognizing subtle problems with developing teeth and jaw growth. If the underlying cause of the problem can be diagnosed, proper growth and development can be encouraged through treatment.
As a child’s dentition (set of teeth) develops, problems that are detected and diagnosed can be treated. While genetics plays a role in the position of the jaws and teeth, it is not the only factor. Erupting teeth are influenced by the environment into which they grow and move. This environment is comprised of the tongue and the supporting structures of the mouth, including the function of the muscles controlling the jaws. When poor function is recognized and eliminated, proper development is encouraged.
Early orthodontic treatment may prevent or intercept the development of more serious problems. On more complex problems, results may be achieved that would not be possible on older patients. Leaving malocclusions (bite discrepancies) untreated until all the permanent teeth erupt could result in a jaw discrepancy too severe to allow achievement of an ideal result with braces alone.
An early approach to orthodontics is provided in phases. Usually this can be done with two phases of treatment.
Early treatment may give your orthodontists the best chance to:
- Correct harmful oral and functional habits that are a contributing cause
- Guide and manage jaw growth
- Guide permanent teeth closer to their ideal position
- Lower the risk of trauma to protruded front teeth
- Improve appearance by creating a better relationship between the teeth, lips and face
Early treatment goals are to:
- Correct any dysfunction, para-function or habit influencing the malocclusion
- Minimize crowding of the teeth by conserving space and influencing the development of the upper and lower jaws to accommodate the permanent teeth
- Coordinate the relationship of the upper and lower jaws for a more stable and comfortable bite