When Should Your Child Visit the Orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists advises that children have their first orthodontic screening by age 7. This early evaluation helps Dr. Dan Pennella assess the need for treatment and determine the ideal time to begin. Many local dentists are trained to spot potential orthodontic issues and may refer children to us even earlier if they notice concerns.
Why Is Early Evaluation Important?
Early diagnosis and treatment offer significant advantages, including:
- Guiding erupting teeth into better positions.
- Preserving space for permanent teeth.
- Reducing the risk of injury to protruding front teeth.
When necessary, Dr. Pennella can address jaw growth and the alignment of incoming permanent teeth. Early treatment can also:
- Adjust the width of the upper and lower dental arches.
- Create room for permanent teeth.
- Reduce the need for extractions or impacted teeth.
- Correct habits like thumb-sucking.
- Address swallowing or speech difficulties.
By tackling issues early, future orthodontic treatment can often be simplified, promoting better dental health and growth for your child.
Does Early Treatment Benefit Every Child?
Not all children need early treatment. Some orthodontic concerns are better addressed in the teen years once all permanent teeth have erupted. For certain skeletal issues, treatment may need to wait until growth is more advanced.
If immediate treatment isn’t necessary, we’ll include your child in our Orthodontic Supervisory Program. However, an evaluation around age 7 remains essential to determine the best course of action.
What Is the Orthodontic Supervisory Program?
This program monitors children who aren’t yet ready for treatment. Regular check-ups every 6–8 months allow us to track their dental development and intervene if needed.
- Poor eruption patterns can sometimes be improved with the early removal of baby teeth.
- Monitoring ensures the best timing for treatment to achieve optimal results.
We’ll also communicate with your family dentist about any recommendations. This program is provided at no additional cost.
Benefits Beyond a Beautiful Smile
Orthodontic treatment offers more than aesthetic improvements:
- Enhances bite function.
- Makes teeth easier to clean.
- Reduces wear on teeth.
- Supports long-term dental health and tooth longevity.
Will Early Treatment Eliminate the Need for Braces Later?
Early treatment helps address significant issues, prevent complications, and simplify future orthodontic care. However, because all permanent teeth aren’t in place during early treatment, final alignment is typically completed with a shorter comprehensive phase (Phase II) in adolescence.
In some cases, additional orthodontic treatment may not be necessary after early intervention.
Should My Child Still See the Family Dentist?
Yes! Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is even more critical during orthodontic treatment. Regular dental check-ups every six months ensure healthy teeth and gums throughout your child’s treatment journey.
