We are going to introduce this topic and give you some pearls of wisdom that may be important to your child’s journey to a healthy smile!
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children be screened by their pediatric dentist or orthodontist to determine if any Early Orthodontic Treatment (often referred to as Phase I) is recommended. Most kids do not need early treatment before the permanent teeth are in, but some kids do.
When should my child be screened for Early Orthodontic Treatment?
While dental development can vary with each child, it is generally recommended that they are screened around the age of 7. This screening of the of the jaws, gums, baby and adult teeth by a trained orthodontist can provide a wealth of information.
What are the indications for Early Orthodontic Treatment?
- Early Loss of baby teeth: Losing baby teeth too early or too late can create problems for the new permanent teeth that come in behind them. An orthodontist has the training to recognize and treat any variations from normal.
- Difficulty Biting or Chewing: Chewing all those nutritious snacks and meals shouldn’t hurt! Outside of discomfort from teething, pain while eating and drinking may be sign of an orthodontic problem.
- Crowding: At age 7, children have a mix of adult and baby teeth and the back occlusion, or bite, has been established. We can look at the size, shape and location of the teeth, as well as the ones developing underneath, to determine if all of the new ones will have a place to grow in. Crowding can make it difficult to keep the teeth clean leading to decay. It can also cause gum and bone problems.
- Crossbite: Sometimes children’s jaws can be too narrow, too short, too long, or uneven! When this happens the upper and lower teeth don’t fit together as they should which can make biting and chewing difficult. Additionally, it can cause long term damage to the teeth, gums and in some cases jaws over time. During this early phase of child development, early orthodontics can take advantage of the fact that growth is still occurring. We can actually change the size and direction of growth in order to correct the jaws before growth is complete!
- Protrusion: When the upper teeth are too far out in front of the lower, there is a risk for trauma to the upper front teeth if the patient were to fall and bump their mouth. Additionally, it can be a sign that the back teeth may not fit together correctly. Correction at an early age can reduce the risk of damage and help correct the bite.
- Open Bite: The upper teeth should overlap the lower teeth, but in some cases oral habits (such as thumb sucking & extended pacifier use) and certain abnormal skeletal development, the teeth do not erupt as they should. This can lead to difficulty biting into things, excessive wear of the back teeth, and sometimes jaw problems in the future. Correction of an open bite at an early age is essential for maintaining the overlap of the teeth. Relapse is much more common once all the permanent teeth are in.
- Ectopic Eruption: Most of the time teeth erupt at just the right time and in the right place. There are times when a tooth or teeth get “off track.” We call this ectopic eruption. When this happens, the wayward teeth can simply not come in on their own or in some instances they can do damage to the surrounding teeth. Early orthodontics can help to redirect eruption and minimize damage.
What should I do if I suspect my child has any of these findings?
All of the orthodontists and pediatric dentists at Great Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics are fully trained and experienced at the diagnosis and treatment of children at this important stage of development. We would be thrilled to help you evaluate any orthodontic needs you or your child may have. Feel free to contact us at either our Carlsbad or Solana Beach location! www.GreatSmiles.org
