Orthodontic treatment isn’t just for teens and adults. It’s also for children! Through early orthodontic treatment, Klein & Walker Orthodontics can help many kids smile confidently.
What Is Early Orthodontic Treatment?
Early orthodontic treatment, also known as interceptive orthodontics, is the practice of initiating orthodontic procedures in children to help their teeth and jaw properly develop. Childhood can be an ideal time to make adjustments because a child’s mouth is still growing, making it pliable and easier to manipulate.
Early treatment can help address malocclusion (misalignment) issues such as crowding, spacing, crossbite, underbite, open bite, and more. By intervening early, orthodontists can use treatments like spacers, partial braces (an incomplete set of metal braces), palate expanders, or other appliances to create a more favorable environment for permanent teeth.
The process, also known as two-phase treatment, happens in three phases as your child ages.
Phase 1
Phase 1 of early orthodontic treatment typically begins when a child is around 7-10. The goal of Phase 1 is to address significant dental issues early, such as severe crowding, jaw discrepancies, or protruding teeth, before they become more complex. By intervening at this stage, the treatment helps to create space for the permanent teeth, improve facial symmetry, and reduce the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth, setting a solid foundation for future dental development.
The resting period
The resting period occurs between phase 1 and phase 2. No active orthodontic appliances are used during this time, allowing the remaining permanent teeth to erupt naturally. An absence of active appliances does not mean forgetting about Klein & Walker Orthodontics until phase 2. Regular check-ups with Dr. Klein or Dr. Walker are still crucial to ensure that the teeth and jaws are growing correctly and that any emerging issues can be addressed promptly.
Phase 2
Phase 2 treatment typically starts once most or all of the permanent teeth have erupted, usually during the early teenage years. This stage is when we finalize the alignment of the teeth and the bite with full braces or clear aligners. The result is a well-aligned, healthy smile that looks great and functions properly, contributing to overall oral health and well-being.
What Are The Benefits?
Early orthodontic treatment offers numerous advantages that can positively impact your child’s oral health and overall well-being. Here are some key benefits:
- Prevention of Severe Dental Issues: Addressing problems such as crowding, spacing, and bite irregularities can make it easier for children to learn how to brush and floss effectively, preventing issues like cavities, gum disease, and other more serious conditions. Your child being able to perform a good oral hygiene routine will save you and your family time, money, and stress through the years!
- Improved Facial Symmetry and Aesthetics: In some children, using orthodontics to help form the lower and upper jaws results in a more flattering appearance for your child’s smile and facial features. This can also boost self-esteem and confidence.
- Enhanced Oral Function: Correcting bite issues improves chewing and speaking abilities, reducing the risk of communication issues and jaw pain, choking, indigestion, and other functional problems.
- Shorter and Less Complex Treatment: Though it might seem like the opposite is true, early intervention can actually shorten the overall duration and complexity of orthodontic care. It reduces the time your child will need to wear braces or other corrective devices during their teenage years, making the entire orthodontic process more efficient and less cumbersome for both the child and the parents. (Shorter, less complex treatment is another way two-phase treatment can save money!)
How Do You Know If Your Child Needs Two-Phase Treatment?
The only way to know if your child needs orthodontic care is to visit an orthodontic office like Klein & Walker Orthodontics.
While some young patients are referred to an orthodontist by their dentist, referrals aren’t necessary, and you shouldn’t wait for one. Dentists are incredible oral healthcare providers and are crucial to the health of people of all ages. However, they’re not orthodontists, which are dentists who specialize in malocclusion treatment. That means we have more training and experience in treating teeth and jaw alignment concerns than dentists, so we can provide a more comprehensive exam and a more accurate diagnosis and prognosis.
Because not all children who need care will have obvious symptoms like difficulty chewing, mouth breathing, or crooked teeth, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children see an orthodontist by age seven. Assessments are quick, easy, and painless. It’s better to be safe than sorry!
What If Your Child Doesn’t Need Treatment Now?
Most children don’t need to start treatment right away. In those cases, we usually monitor their smile’s development as they grow, so if problems do arise, we can treat them as soon as it’s the right time to intervene.
Schedule A Consultation For Your Child Today!
Choosing early orthodontic treatment can set the foundation for your child’s long-term oral health and confidence. At Klein & Walker Orthodontics, located in Olathe and Overland Park, Kansas, Dr. Klein and Dr. Walker are committed to providing personalized and effective care to patients of all ages.
Don’t wait to give your child the best start for a lifetime of beautiful, healthy smiles. Schedule a consultation today!
