What is the difference between early orthodontic treatment and regular orthodontic treatment, and why might my child need early treatment?
The Canadian Association of Orthodontists recommends that children see an orthodontist as early as age seven. At this stage, an orthodontist will assess whether your child may need early orthodontic treatment, or they may advise on the timing of future treatments if necessary.
Early treatment (also known as Phase-One) usually begins around ages eight or nine, while Phase-Two treatment typically starts around age 11 or older. The aim of early interceptive orthodontic treatment is to correct and guide the growth of the jaw and address specific bite issues, such as an underbite, while the child is still undergoing facial and dental growth. Early treatment can help create space for permanent teeth to come in properly, reduce the need for future extractions, and in some cases, even avoid the need for Phase-Two treatment later on.
Why Beaumont Orthodontics
Does your child require an orthodontic evaluation?
Your child might need an orthodontic evaluation if they experience any of the following:
- Lost baby teeth earlier than usual
- Grinds their teeth, particularly while sleeping
- Has teeth that are crowded, misaligned, blocked, or protruding
- Has difficulty with chewing or biting
- Engages in oral habits such as thumb-sucking
- Experiences clicking or shifting in the jaw
- Feels self-conscious about their smile
What are the advantages of early or interceptive orthodontic treatment?
Early or interceptive orthodontic treatment can provide several benefits, including:
- Creating sufficient space for incoming permanent teeth
- Ensuring proper development of both upper and lower dental arches
- Minimizing the need for future permanent tooth extractions
- Reducing the likelihood of blocked permanent teeth
- Addressing speech and swallowing issues
- Helping eliminate habits like thumb-sucking
- Reducing the risk of trauma to teeth
- Enhancing self-confidence
- Promoting facial balance between the upper and lower jaws
We encourage you to schedule a complimentary consultation for your child. Additionally, we can set up a separate meeting to discuss treatment options and their associated costs in greater detail.
Signs that Your Child Might Need Early Orthodontic Treatment:
- Early or delayed loss of baby teeth (typically, children begin losing teeth around age five and should have all permanent teeth by age 13)
- Difficulty with chewing or biting
- Mouth breathing
- Continued thumb sucking after age five
- Speech issues
- Protruding teeth (upper and lower teeth extend away from each other)
- Teeth that do not meet properly, or fail to come together at all
- Jaw shifting when your child opens or closes their mouth (crossbites)
- Crowded front teeth around ages seven or eight