Orthodontics for Children and Teens

At what age should a child be evaluated for treatment by an Orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that most children should be evaluated by age 7 for braces. This allows the orthodontist to determine if orthodontic treatment is required and the best age for the patient to begin, if necessary. Many of the dentists in our community have been trained to identify orthodontic problems early and may refer you to our office earlier than age 7.

Why are children being evaluated at such an early age for braces?
Early diagnosis and treatment can guide erupting teeth into a more favorable position, retain space for permanent teeth, and reduce the likelihood of fracturing protruded front teeth. If early treatment is indicated, our orthodontists can guide the growth of the jaw and incoming permanent teeth. Early treatment can also:

• regulate the width of the upper and lower dental arches
• gain space for permanent teeth
• avoid the need for permanent tooth extractions
• reduce the likelihood of impacted permanent teeth
• correct thumb sucking
• eliminate abnormal swallowing or speech problems

In other words, early treatment can simplify later treatment, after all the permanent teeth erupt. View the Before and After results of patients who underwent early orthodontic treatment.

Does early orthodontic treatment benefit all children?
Early treatment does not benefit all children. Certain types of orthodontic problems can be easily and efficiently corrected in the early teen years when all the permanent teeth have erupted. Some skeletal orthodontic problems should not be addressed until growth is more advanced or completed. Your orthodontist will develop treatment plan based on each individual child’s needs. If the orthodontist decides the patient is not ready for treatment, they are placed in our orthodontic recall program.

What is the Orthodontic Recall Program?
The Orthodontic Recall Program is for patients who are not ready for treatment but are being observed in our office every 8-12 months. We observe their progress as they grow and make sure the baby teeth are being lost correctly and the permanent teeth are erupting in the right position. Sometimes, poor erupted patterns of permanent teeth may be eliminated with early removal of baby teeth and reduce the treatment time required for braces. We will notify your general dentist of any recommendations made during your recall visit. There is no fee for this program. It also helps the orthodontist build a relationship with your child and determine the optimum time to begin treatment to achieve the best possible result.

In addition to a beautiful new smile that builds confidence and self esteem, what are some other benefits of wearing braces?
Braces can improve function of the bite and teeth, improve ability to clean the teeth, prevent wear on the teeth, and increase the longevity of natural teeth over a lifetime. Braces can also prevent future gum and jaw joint problems (TMJ).

If a child has Early Phase I Treatment, will this prevent the need for braces when all the permanent teeth erupt?
Early treatment can begin the correction of significant problems, prevent more severe problems from developing, and simplify future treatment. Because all of the permanent teeth have not yet erupted when early treatment is performed, the final alignment of all teeth has not been completed. Typically, a shorter phase of treatment (Phase II – full braces) in the teen years, after all the permanent teeth have erupted, completes the correction. In some circumstances, braces after early treatment may not be indicated.

Do we still need to see our family dentist during orthodontic treatment?
Patients with braces and other orthodontic appliances require more effort to keep their teeth and gums clean. Because our doctors want to insure the highest level of dental health, they encourage you to see your family dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings during treatment.