How Young Is Too Young For Orthodontic Treatment?
Misalignment in a child’s teeth may seem like a normal occurrence, but it is often a sign of things to come. Baby teeth that are misaligned, improperly spaced, or overly crowded create a path for permanent teeth to follow suit. Ensuring that you are setting your child up for a beautiful, healthy smile starts when they are young.
In the past, orthodontic treatment wouldn’t begin until all of the patient’s permanent teeth were properly in place. The belief was that orthodontic appliances would need to be adjusted too often to account for non-permanent teeth that would eventually fall out. Advances in orthodontic technology now encourage a two-phase treatment plan that emphasizes starting realignment at an earlier age, sometimes as young as six or seven years old.
Warning Signs
If your child’s smile has significant crowding, misalignment, or demonstrates functional issues with their teeth, they may be a candidate for Phase One treatment. Children who have habits that may affect their dental development, such as sucking their thumb, are more likely to require orthodontic treatment.
The Benefits of Starting Orthodontic Treatment Early
Ignoring issues with your child’s smile can be costly, in terms of both time and money. It’s bad enough to go without a smile they are proud to show off but even worse, foregoing treatment often leads to additional, more serious problems down the road. Baby teeth carve the path through which permanent teeth erupt, so putting off treatment until permanent teeth come in all but assure they will have significant alignment issues that need to be treated.
Phase One treatment can mitigate many problems; in some scenarios, it can actually prevent invasive procedures, such as extractions. And while a Phase Two treatment plan, or what many consider traditional treatment, is often necessary, the complexity is typically reduced by ensuring your child’s teeth are set on a path to align properly at a young age.
Schedule Your Free Consultation Today
Giving your child a smile they’ll love is one of the best things you can do for them. Adirondack Orthodontics is proud to offer free consultations for children to see if they are a candidate for Phase One orthodontics. No referral is necessary, and our consultations are quick (about 20 minutes) and painless. Contact us today and we can let you know if an early orthodontic treatment plan is right for your child.
Adirondack Orthodontics is committed to providing a safe, effective, affordable, and pleasant experience for every patient. We look forward to meeting you and your child!
