Early Orthodontic Treatment in Vista
Early Dental Intervention for Children
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children have their first orthodontic evaluation by 7 years of age. Why is this? Because this is the prime age where adult teeth are beginning to erupt, and the primary dentition (baby teeth) are exfoliating. It provides an optimal chance to pinpoint concerns that could lead to more severe orthodontic complications later on – and correct them when they are at a simpler stage.
Examples of Different Treatment Options
In most cases, early orthodontic treatment can be evaluated as early as 7 years of age. Depending on the patient’s need, we can start treatment such as expansion, fix a severely crooked smile, or we can choose to wait until the child is about 12. This all depends on our patient’s needs. Some of the ways we can help your child enjoy a healthier bite include offering therapies for:
- Finger and thumb sucking
- Tongue thrusting
- Palatal expansion / growth modification
- Interceptive orthodontics
- Space maintenance (for premature loss of teeth)
Beginning Interceptive Ortho
During your child’s initial consultation, we will take a full mouth digital x-ray that displays his or her eruption patterns and tooth development. We then use this information to determine whether or not any guidance is needed to promote proper tooth eruption. If Early orthodontic treatment is recommended, it is usually only for a shortened amount of time – ensuring adequate spacing for additional permanent teeth to erupt properly into place. Do you have concerns about your child’s bite or tooth spacing? If you haven’t already scheduled an orthodontic evaluation for your son or daughter, we invite you to call Brackets Wires and Smiles today. Same day appointments are available! Learn about our accelerated orthodontics.
