Orthodontic evaluation and treatment at an early age is fundamental to ensuring that your children get off to a great start with their life-long oral health.
Many orthodontic problems can be corrected more easily if they are detected at an early age.
The Canadian Association of Orthodontists recommends that children should visit an orthodontist for the first time around the age 7.
Although some children may not require treatment until they are older (between the ages of 11 and 13), the first permanent molars and incisors have usually come in around age 7 and cross bites, crowding and other problems can be identified.
It certainly can. Sometimes, orthodontic issues can be significant enough to require early intervention. However, if a patient is not yet ready for treatment, we will monitor the growth and development of his or her jaw until the time is right for treatment to begin.
Phase I (or early interceptive), treatment is limited orthodontic treatment (e.g., expander or partial braces) before all of the permanent teeth have erupted.
Phase I treatment typically occurs between the ages of 6 and 10. It is sometimes recommended in order to make more room in the mouth for developing teeth, and to correct of crossbites, overbites, underbites, or harmful oral habits.
Phase I Treatment is typically done in anticipation for Phase II treatment, so it is quite likely that your child will eventually need full braces.
Early treatment can regulate the width of the upper and lower dental arches, gain space for permanent teeth, help avoid the need for permanent tooth extractions, reduce likelihood of impacted permanent teeth, correct thumb-sucking, and eliminate abnormal swallowing or speech problems.
Essentially, Phase I treatment will help make Phase II treatment go more quickly and effectively.
There are a many reasons a child may need orthodontic treatment at a young age.
Early phase treatment may reduce or prevent the need for more invasive treatment later, because when treatment is initiated at an early age, the orthodontist can guide the growth of the jaw and the incoming permanent teeth.
Any of the following issues may be treated with orthodontics:
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