Early Orthodontic Treatment
As parents, you naturally want the best for your kids, including a healthy, confident smile. Early orthodontic treatment at Brockway Orthodontics is a great way to support a child’s dental health. Our team can identify any future issues and ensure your child’s smile grows just as beautifully as they do!
Why Do Children Need Early Orthodontic Evaluations?
Early orthodontic evaluations let us diagnose potential problems with your child’s jaw and erupting permanent teeth. Some kids need treatment as early as 7 years old.
While your child may seem fine, our 3D CBCT X-ray machine can reveal underlying issues with how their teeth are coming in or how their jaws are growing. Catching problems early gives us a better chance to create effective treatment plans.
The evaluation can also identify habits—like thumb-sucking or mouth breathing—that might affect your child’s facial development. An orthodontist can make sure their upper and lower jaws work well together, leading to a healthy bite and a beautiful smile as they grow.
When Should My Kids Have Their First Orthodontic Evaluation?
The American Association of Orthodontists suggests that children have their first orthodontic check-up by age 7 or when their first molars come in. While not every child will need early treatment, an evaluation helps us understand your child’s orthodontic needs for a successful future.
During the visit, we’ll talk about different treatment options and set up a plan for follow-up appointments.
When Is Early Treatment Needed?
- Crowded teeth or lack of space for incoming permanent teeth
- Protruding teeth or overbite
- Crossbite or underbite
- Thumb-sucking or other harmful oral habits
- Delayed eruption of permanent teeth
- Jaw discrepancies or asymmetry
- Difficulty with biting, chewing, or speaking
After the initial period, most people will need to wear their retainers every night for the rest of their lives to maintain that perfect alignment.
What Does Early Orthodontic Treatment Consist Of?
Early orthodontic treatment, or Phase 1 treatment, focuses on correcting issues with the permanent teeth that have already erupted. It may involve using appliances like expanders or retainers to guide growth and improve alignment.
Benefits of Getting Early Treatment
- Establishes optimal alignment of jaws and teeth
- Sets the stage for a lifetime of oral health
- Boosts social confidence in children
- Allows for monitoring of permanent teeth eruption
- Simplifies future orthodontic treatments
Find Out If Your Child Needs Early Treatment in Clearwater, FL
Ready to take action for your child’s smile? Reach out to Brockway Orthodontics today to schedule your complimentary consultation with our team!
Achieve Your Perfect Smile with Ease!
Families Throughout Pinellas County trust Dr. Brockway for Caring, Effective Orthodontic Treatment for All Ages. No Matter Where you’re Coming From, We’re Here You Achieve A Smile You’ll Love.