What’s the distinction between early and regular orthodontic care, and why could my child require early treatment? What are the long-term benefits of early treatment for my child?

These are just a handful of the questions regarding children’s orthodontic treatment. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, kids as young as seven should see an orthodontic doctor. This is because the orthodontist will determine whether your child requires orthodontic treatment at this time.

Early treatment, also known as Phase One) usually starts when a child is eight or nine years old (Phase Two will begin around age 11 or older). Early treatment aims to correct jaw development and specific bite issues, such as underbite. Early treatment also aids in providing room for permanent teeth to erupt properly, reducing the likelihood of future extraction methods.

Since your child will begin losing teeth around the age of five and have all of their permanent teeth by thirteen, baby teeth can fall out early or late. Here are some of the signs you can look out for to know whether your child needs early orthodontic care. 

1. 1. Chewing and biting problems
   2. Speech impediments
   3. Breathing through the mouth
   4. Teeth that protrude (the top teeth and the bottom teeth extend away from each other)
   5. After the age of five, your child will continue sucking their thumb.
   6. When your youngster opens or closes their mouth, the jaw shifts (crossbites)
   7. Teeth that do not come together in a typical or even at all manner

Crowding of the teeth, much space between the teeth, jaw growth difficulties, protruding teeth, and terrible bites are all orthodontic disorders that can be inherited or induced by oral injuries, early or late loss of baby teeth, or thumb-sucking habits.

By the time they reach the age of 13, most children have lost their baby teeth, and their jawbones have hardened and stopped developing. As a result, adult orthodontic procedures take longer and may require tooth extraction or oral surgery. Early orthodontic therapy as a child can help reduce the need for orthodontic treatment as an adult, reducing the likelihood of extraction or surgery.

Please get in touch with our dental office in North Miami Beach, FL, to book an appointment if your child is between the ages of seven and eight and has signs of needing orthodontic treatment. Your family dentist has recommended that you see an orthodontist. Our staff will conduct an initial examination of your child and discuss the best actions to follow in caring for their smile.

Contact Esteem Braces and Aligners at (786) 744-1570 if you need assistance or consultation for early orthodontic treatment in North Miami Beach, FL, with our orthodontist in North Miami Beach, FL.