Early Orthodontic Intervention
Timing is everything – even when it comes to your kid’s 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 — When the lower front teeth are ahead of the upper front teeth
Crossbites – When the jaw shifts to one side
Very crowded teeth
Excessively spaced teeth
Extra or missing teeth
Teeth that meet abnormally, or don’t meet at all
Thumb, finger, or pacifier – sucking that is affecting the teeth or jaw growth
Schedule Your Kid's 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 kid’s consultation now, or contact us to learn more about how early orthodontic care can benefit your kids.
