Early Orthodontic Intervention
Timing is everything – even when it comes to your kids orthodontic treatment. “Early” treatment, also called “interceptive” treatment, means treatment that is performed while some baby teeth are still present.
At Brunswick Orthodontics, Dr. Zack takes a holistic approach to treatment planning, prioritizing not only straight teeth but also overall health and well-being. With an airway-focused mindset, he aims to optimize breathing and facial development, helping patients not only achieve beautiful smiles but also thrive in their daily lives.
Dr. Zack and the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommend that your kids’s first check-up with an orthodontist be performed when an orthodontic problem is first recognized, but no later than age 7. Why age 7? By then, your kid has enough permanent teeth for an orthodontist to evaluate the developing teeth and jaws, which in turn can provide a wealth of information. AAO orthodontists are trained to spot subtle problems even in young children.
There are generally three outcomes of an initial check-up:
- No treatment is expected to be necessary.
- Treatment may be needed in the future, so your kid will be followed periodically while the face and jaws continue to grow.
- There is a problem that lends itself to early treatment.
The kinds of problems orthodontists may recommend treating while a kid still has some baby teeth include:
Underbites – This occurs when the lower front teeth sit ahead of the upper front teeth. Left untreated, underbites can lead to difficulty chewing, uneven tooth wear, and potential jaw issues as your child grows.
Crossbites – A crossbite happens when the upper and lower jaws don’t align properly, causing the jaw to shift to one side when your child bites down. Early correction can prevent long-term issues with jaw development and facial symmetry.
Open bites – This occurs when the teeth do not meet in a normal way or don’t meet at all. It can affect your child’s ability to chew, speak, or close their mouth comfortably. Treating these early can help guide healthy bite development.
Severe crowding – When there isn’t enough space in the mouth for all of the teeth to come in properly, it can cause overlapping or twisting. Early treatment can help create space and guide proper tooth eruption, reducing the need for tooth extractions later.
Excessive spacing – If there are large gaps between your child’s teeth, it could be due to missing teeth, small tooth size, or abnormal jaw growth. Addressing this early can help ensure the adult teeth come in correctly.
Extra or missing teeth – Some children are born with extra teeth (supernumerary teeth) or are missing certain permanent teeth. Early detection allows for planning the best long-term solution, such as creating space or guiding remaining teeth into place.
Habits affecting jaw growth – Prolonged thumb-, finger-, or pacifier-sucking can affect the way the teeth and jaws grow, leading to open bites or protruding front teeth. An orthodontist can help guide your child out of the habit and monitor their growth to prevent long-term issues.
Schedule Your Kids Orthodontic Consultation Today
Early evaluation is key to lifelong oral health. At Brunswick Orthodontics, Dr. Zack uses a holistic, airway-focused approach to identify and address issues before they become bigger problems. Give your kid the best start possible—with a smile that’s both beautiful and healthy.
Book your kids consultation now, or contact us to learn more about how early orthodontic care can benefit your kids.
