ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT | BRACES FOR KIDS

Orthodontic treatment for Kids: Why Timing Matters in Orthodontic Treatment

When it comes to your child’s orthodontic treatment, timing is crucial. "Early" or interceptive treatment is provided while some baby teeth are still present, allowing orthodontists to address developing problems before they become more serious.

The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that children have their first check-up with an orthodontist by age 7. By this age, your child will have enough permanent teeth for an orthodontist to evaluate the developing teeth and jaws. This early check-up helps spot subtle issues that could affect your child’s dental and facial development.

What Can I expect from the Initial Check-Up?

There are typically three possible outcomes after your child’s first orthodontic evaluation:

  • No treatment needed at this time.

  • Periodic monitoring for potential treatment in the future as your child’s face and jaws grow.

  • Early treatment is recommended to address developing issues.

Benefits of Early Treatment

Some orthodontic problems are best addressed before a child has all their permanent teeth. The goal is to intercept smaller problems early, guide the growth of the facial and jaw bones, and create adequate space for incoming permanent teeth. After early treatment, your child may need a second course of treatment once all permanent teeth have erupted but the length of time and cost of that treatment is often reduced significantly by getting early treatment.

Common issues that may benefit from early treatment include:

  • Underbites – Lower front teeth are ahead of the upper teeth.

  • Crossbites – Jaw shifts to one side.

  • Crowded or excessively spaced teeth.

  • Extra or missing teeth.

  • Abnormal teeth alignment.

  • Thumb, finger, or pacifier sucking that affects dental and jaw growth.

Early Treatment Options for Kids

Early orthodontic treatment helps prevent more serious dental issues and can guide proper development. The most common early treatment options:

  • Palatal Expanders

    • Widens the upper jaw to create space for permanent teeth.

    • Improves bite alignment.

    • Reduces the need for tooth extractions in the future.

  • Fixed Appliances (including braces for kids)

    • Corrects misaligned teeth and bite problems.

    • Used when permanent molars are in, but some baby teeth are still present.

    • Prepares for full braces once all permanent teeth have erupted.

  • Space Maintainers

    • Holds the space open for a lost baby tooth until the permanent tooth comes in.

    • Prevents neighboring teeth from shifting into the gap.

    • Reduces the need for more extensive treatment later.

  • Thumb Sucking Appliances

    • Breaks the habit of thumb sucking or pacifier use.

    • Prevents dental issues like open bites and misalignment.

    • Encourages proper jaw and teeth development.

  • Retainers or Aligners (Invisalign)

    • Maintains teeth position after adjustments or alignment.

    • Helps guide the eruption of permanent teeth.

  • Functional Appliances

    • Guides jaw growth and tooth eruption for overbites, underbites, and other bite issues.

    • Helps with jaw development and tooth positioning.

    • Reduces the need for full braces later.

  • Early Treatment for Crossbites and Underbites

    • Treats misalignments like crossbites and underbites early.

    • Helps prevent long-term issues and reduces the need for surgery later on.

Airway and Myofunctional Orthodontics

At Ohlenforst Carney Orthodontics, we understand the crucial connection between airway health, muscle function, and dental development and take a comprehensive approach to your child’s smile. This includes evaluating their airway and myofunctional health.

  • Airway Health

    • All orthodontists are airway orthodontists because breathing and posture affect jaw and facial growth.

    • Childhood is the ideal time to detect airway issues that can impact both the face and teeth.

    • Dr. Carney often identifies potential airway concerns and recommends further evaluation with a pediatrician, ENT, or allergist.

    • Early detection and intervention can guide proper growth, while waiting too long may lead to skeletal issues that could require jaw surgery.

  • Myofunctional Orthodontics

    • Myofunctional therapy focuses on muscle function, including the tongue, lips, cheeks, and even external forces like thumb sucking.

    • Proper muscle balance ensures teeth stay in the right position and helps avoid developmental problems.

    • Dr. Carney works closely with myofunctional therapists, who are specialists similar to speech therapists but focused on muscle posture rather than speech.

    • Muscle function is often linked to airway issues, and early intervention can help correct abnormalities, improving overall dental and facial development.

Identifying and treating potential issues early can prevent future complications and minimize the need for more invasive treatments later. During your child’s initial exam, we’ll thoroughly evaluate their needs and create a personalized plan to address issues like crowding, overbite, or jaw development.

Is your child a candidate for early interceptive treatment? Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation with Dr. Carney at 972-503-0400 or request and appointment online!