Early Orthodontic Treatment

children

The American Association of Orthodontist recommends that children are seen by an orthodontist by the age of 7 years old. Children at this age will still have baby teeth. It is important to have the doctor evaluate jaw growth, permanent teeth eruption, and overall oral health of your child.

Early orthodontic treatment (phase I) is often between the age of 8 - 10 years old. The goal of this early treatment is to create enough space for erupting permanent teeth and to correct the growth of the jaw before it becomes “permanent” at an older age.

Your Child May Need Early Treatment if . . .

  • There’s premature/early or late loss of baby teeth - Your child should get his/her 1st permanent molars at 6 years old and all permanent teeth by 13 years old

  • Mouth breathing or hard time breathing

  • Difficult chewing and/or bite

  • Thumb sucker

  • Tongue thrust

  • Speech problems

  • Protruding/flared front teeth

  • Severe crowding

  • Shifted jaws (crossbite)

Why does my child have orthodontic problems?

Orthodontic problems, such as impacted tooth, crowding, spacing, jaw problems, etc. can be because of genetics, injury at a young age, habits, or early/late loss of baby teeth. By late teens/early adulthood, the jaw will stop growing. Dental and skeletal improvements at a later age are harder to achieve. It is important to take advantage of your child’s growth to help straighten the teeth and fix the bite in a comfortable and successful manner.

201 N. College Dr. STE 102
Santa Maria, CA 93454
805-623-8489