Orthodontics is indeed for all ages, but there is definitive proof that kicking off treatment early can be very beneficial to kids. So, what is early orthodontic treatment? Our team at 303 Smiles will explain what early orthodontic treatment is and its benefits.
The Earlier, the Better
Let’s discuss some of the benefits of early orthodontic treatment, which typically refers to treatment during childhood or adolescence rather than adulthood. While adults can achieve excellent results, early intervention also offers certain advantages due to anatomical factors, supporting better long-term dental health. Properly aligned teeth and jaws are easier to clean and maintain throughout life.
Types of Early Orthodontic Treatment
There are several options Dr. Straffon can tell you about that fall under the category of early or interceptive orthodontic treatment. These treatments are designed to prepare the mouth for future orthodontic work, making it easier as permanent teeth come in or while the teeth and jaw are still more adaptable.
- Expanders: Palatal expanders widen the upper jaw, creating room for permanent teeth and improving bite alignment. They are especially useful for correcting crossbites and relieving crowding.
- Space Maintainers: Used to hold space open for permanent teeth when a baby tooth is lost too early, preventing nearby teeth from shifting into the gap.
- Partial Braces (Phase I Braces): These braces serve as an early intervention to prepare the mouth for a full set of braces later on. We’ll explain this further in a moment!
- Headgear: This type of device helps correct bite issues and guides jaw growth by applying external pressure to move teeth and align the jaws.
- Retainers: Retainers, either fixed or removable, can be used early on to maintain proper tooth alignment after initial corrections are made during the active treatment phase.
Two-Phase Orthodontics
We want to emphasize this approach, as it’s frequently used with our youngest patients at 303 Smiles! Here’s a breakdown of what Phase One and Phase Two treatment typically involve:
- Phase One (Early or Interceptive Treatment): This phase usually takes place between the ages of seven and ten, targeting orthodontic issues while a child still has a mix of baby and permanent teeth. The primary goal is to address specific problems like severe crowding, crossbites, or protruding front teeth—issues that are best managed during the child’s growth period.
- Phase Two (Comprehensive Treatment): This phase begins when most or all of the baby teeth have fallen out, generally around ages eleven to fourteen. The focus shifts to aligning the permanent teeth and ensuring proper coordination of the upper and lower jaws. This stage typically involves full braces or other orthodontic devices for optimal alignment and bite correction.
Other Benefits
Finally, here are some of the other many benefits of seeking orthodontic treatment with 303 Smiles earlier in life and how it can set you up for better oral health.
- Jaw Alignment: The jaw is still developing and more adaptable in childhood. Early treatment can guide jaw growth, helping prevent issues like underbites, overbites, and crossbites, and in severe cases, may reduce the need for surgery.
- Habit Correction: Kids can develop harmful oral habits over time. By working closely with parents, we can identify and correct these behaviors, leading to improved oral hygiene.
- Facial Symmetry: Addressing dental and skeletal issues early on can enhance facial symmetry, contributing to a balanced appearance.
- Speech Development: Orthodontic issues like underbites can affect a child’s speech. Early intervention can help correct these issues, improving speech as the child grows.
- Boosting Confidence: A child’s smile plays a really big role in their self-esteem. Early orthodontic care can improve their smile and boost confidence, positively impacting their overall well-being.
- Reducing Extractions: By tackling dental problems early, we can often avoid the need for tooth extractions in the future.
- Preventing Dental Trauma: Misaligned or protruding teeth are more susceptible to injury, especially for kids who play high-contact sports like football or hockey. Early treatment can minimize this risk, ensuring better oral health and safety.
- Airway Improvement: Narrow arches or misaligned teeth can impact breathing. Early treatment can help improve airway function, reducing risks like sleep apnea.
A Flawless Foundation
Even if you think the window for early treatment has passed as a parent, your child or teenager can still benefit from this approach! We recommend bringing your kids in to see Dr. Straffon and our team by age seven to get started on the right track. Our fantastic office in Greenwood Village is the ideal place to begin their orthodontic journey. Schedule your free consultation with us today!