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Early Orthodontic Treatment

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Early Orthodontic Treatment

Serving Marietta, Cumming, and Kennesaw, GA

At Masterpiece Smiles Orthodontics, we emphasize the importance of early orthodontic treatment for children. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. Early evaluation allows us to monitor your child's growth and development, and to create a customized treatment plan that ensures the best results.

Red headed child with braces

The Importance of Early Evaluation

Early orthodontic evaluation is crucial for identifying potential issues before they become more serious. By age 7, children usually have their first adult molars, which helps us assess the alignment of their teeth and determine if there is enough space for permanent teeth. Early evaluation does not always mean early treatment, but it allows us to plan and prevent future problems.

Conditions Benefiting from Early Treatment

While most orthodontic treatments start between ages 9 and 14, some conditions are best addressed early. These include:

  • Crossbite: A condition where the upper teeth close inside the lower teeth. Early treatment with a palatal expander can widen the upper jaw and prevent more complicated treatments or surgery later.
  • Crowding: When the jaws are too small to accommodate all permanent teeth, early intervention with palatal expansion or tooth extraction can help.
  • Protruding Teeth: Teeth that stick out are more prone to damage. Early treatment can align these teeth and improve the child's appearance and confidence.
  • Underbite: When the lower jaw grows larger than the upper jaw, early intervention with orthodontic appliances can correct the alignment and avoid surgery.

Correcting Bad Habits

Bad habits like thumb sucking, mouth breathing, or tongue thrusting can affect the development of a child's teeth and jaws. Early orthodontic evaluation can identify these habits and provide solutions to correct them, preventing long-term issues such as open bite or abnormal jaw growth.

Examples of Bad Habits

  • Thumb Sucking: A natural reflex in young children, but if it continues past age 4, it can cause teeth to move apart and the jaw to change shape.
  • Mouth Breathing: An abnormal breathing pattern that can cause the upper and lower jaw to grow abnormally. It can start from a physical difficulty but quickly become a habit.
  • Tongue Thrusting: Pushing the tongue forward against the teeth, which can cause an open bite and affect speech.

Early intervention can help correct these habits and prevent further damage.

Why Choose Masterpiece Smiles Orthodontics?

At Masterpiece Smiles Orthodontics, we are dedicated to providing the highest quality orthodontic care in a friendly and comfortable environment. Our experienced team uses the latest technology to ensure effective and efficient treatment. We are committed to helping your child achieve a healthy, beautiful smile that will last a lifetime.

Contact us today to schedule an early orthodontic evaluation for your child. Serving Marietta, Cumming, and Kennesaw, GA, we are here to provide the best orthodontic care for your family.

Young child with braces

Frequently Asked Questions About Early Orthodontic Treatment

Early orthodontic treatment, also known as Phase One treatment, involves orthodontic interventions for young children, typically between the ages of 7 and 10. This early treatment aims to address and correct certain dental issues before they become more severe, guiding the growth of the jaw and the alignment of incoming permanent teeth.

Early orthodontic evaluation is crucial as it allows orthodontists to detect potential issues early and plan appropriate treatments. This early intervention can prevent more severe problems, reduce the need for extractions, and guide jaw growth and permanent tooth eruption, leading to more effective and efficient treatment outcomes.

Signs that your child may need early orthodontic treatment include crowded or crooked teeth, difficulty chewing or biting, mouth breathing, thumb sucking, early or late loss of baby teeth, and protruding teeth. If you notice any of these signs, it is advisable to schedule an orthodontic evaluation to determine if early treatment is necessary.

Early orthodontic treatment can correct harmful oral habits, guide the growth of the jaw, create space for crowded teeth, improve the appearance and function of teeth, and reduce the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth. Additionally, early treatment can simplify future orthodontic procedures and potentially reduce the overall treatment time and cost.

The duration of early orthodontic treatment varies depending on the specific issues being addressed and the individual child's needs. Generally, Phase One treatment can last from 12 to 18 months. After this phase, there is usually a resting period during which growth and tooth eruption are monitored, followed by a second phase of treatment if necessary.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. By this age, enough permanent teeth have usually emerged to identify potential issues and plan any necessary interventions. Early evaluation does not always mean early treatment, but it ensures timely monitoring and intervention if needed.

During the initial orthodontic evaluation, the orthodontist will review your child's dental and medical history, conduct a thorough examination of the teeth and jaws, and take any necessary X-rays or digital scans. Based on this assessment, the orthodontist will discuss any findings, recommend a treatment plan if needed, and answer any questions you may have about the process.

Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial during orthodontic treatment. Encourage your child to brush their teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristle toothbrush. Flossing daily is also important to remove food particles and plaque from between the teeth and around the braces. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are essential to monitor oral health and prevent cavities and gum disease.