Early Orthodontic Treatment
What Is Early Orthodontic Treatment?
Early orthodontic treatment, often referred to as Phase I treatment, is orthodontic care provided while some baby teeth are still present and before all permanent teeth have erupted. In certain cases, early intervention can help guide jaw growth, create space for incoming permanent teeth, and address developing bite issues as they emerge.
Every child is different, so not all children require early treatment. If orthodontic concerns are identified at a young age, addressing them at the appropriate time may help simplify future treatment and support healthy dental and jaw development.
When Should Your Child See an Orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation no later than age 7. An evaluation by this age allows an orthodontist to assess how the teeth and jaws are developing and identify concerns that may benefit from early treatment.
An evaluation at age 7 does not necessarily mean your child will need treatment right away. In many cases, the best approach is simply to monitor growth and development until the time is right to begin treatment.
During your child's evaluation, we will look for concerns such as:
- Narrow or crowded dental arches
- Protruding front teeth
- Crossbites, underbites, or overbites
- Jaw growth concerns
- Early or delayed loss of baby teeth
- Difficulty chewing or biting properly
Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment
When appropriate, early orthodontic treatment may:
- Guide jaw growth and development
- Create space for erupting permanent teeth
- Improve bite function and alignment
- Reduce the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth
- Address oral habits that may affect dental development
- Simplify future orthodontic treatment
Our team will carefully evaluate your child's teeth, bite, and jaw development and recommend early treatment only when it can provide a meaningful benefit.
What If My Child Isn't Ready for Treatment?
If your child does not need treatment right away, we may recommend periodic observation as their permanent teeth erupt and their jaws continue to grow. Monitoring your child's development allows us to identify the appropriate time to begin treatment if orthodontic care becomes necessary.
Schedule a Complimentary Consultation
An early orthodontic evaluation can provide valuable insight into your child's dental development and help determine whether treatment is needed now or in the future.
Schedule a complimentary consultation with Toms Orthodontics to have your child's smile evaluated and learn whether early orthodontic treatment may be beneficial.
