Early Orthodontic Evaluation
Between wiggly and permanent teeth, gaps and crowding and not-so-great brushing techniques, there is a lot happening in a child’s mouth. An early orthodontic evaluation by your child’s pediatric dentist determines whether they need to be seen by an orthodontist for early intervention. At Kid Grins in Edina, MN, Dr. Mitchell Loeb is eager to discuss each child’s dentition, development, and whether it’s time to talk expander, braces, or other dental appliances.
Transitioning Into Early Orthodontics
Early orthodontics are also referred to as Phase 1 orthodontics or interceptive orthodontics. These treatments are initiated in elementary school to address significant alignment problems like severe crowding or slow jaw growth. The purpose is to set a child up for an easier, less intensive, and less costly orthodontic journey when they are a teen.
What to Expect from an Early Orthodontic Evaluation
The goal of early orthodontic evaluation is to determine the best route to a straight, healthy smile for your child. For some kids to achieve this they need Phase 1 orthodontics. This initial evaluation usually includes the following:
- Examination. Your pediatric dentist looks at your child’s mouth to see how their teeth, jaws, and palates are developing. Evaluating growth is critical to determining whether there is space for everything that needs to happen with dentition.
- X-rays. Some of the most fascinating dental x-rays show a young child’s teeth above and below the gumline. It’s clear from digital images when there isn’t enough room for adult teeth to erupt. This may result in a recommendation for an expander or other interceptive orthodontics.
- Conversation. Once your dentist or orthodontist has reviewed your child’s teeth, you will discuss the circumstances and figure out how their teeth are likely to develop with and without intervention. Every parent will decide what route is best, but when early treatment is recommended, there is a good reason why.
Reasons for Interceptive Orthodontics
A child’s first orthodontic evaluation is recommended by age 7, per the American Association of Orthodontists. Your child can have baby teeth remaining and this visit will still be worthwhile. Mixed dentition is actually good because that means their mouth is still growing and malleable and major transformations are easier to carry out to prep a patient for full braces later.
Parents may not have concerns about their child’s dentition in general, but a pediatric dentist is always on the lookout for potential complications, including:
- Slow jaw growth
- Side effects of thumb sucking
- Evidence of tongue thrusting
- A significant overbite
Permanent teeth are meant to end up in one place, but without early orthodontics they may erupt improperly or interfere with other teeth. Through interceptive orthodontics, there is an opportunity to guide jaw growth, correct harmful oral habits, guide permanent teeth into more favorable positions, and lower the risk of trauma from protruding front teeth.
Get an Early Orthodontic Evaluation from Edina Pediatric Dentist
Little kids are not strangers to differences, especially if they are made fun of for a speech condition, difficulty biting and chewing, or prominent teeth. An early orthodontic evaluation and treatment allows your child to enjoy the benefits of improved self-esteem and teeth that are properly positioned.
When teeth are treated early for misalignment or other growth problems, this preventive dentistry approach can help stop serious oral health issues from developing later. Most of all, intervention during childhood can simplify and shorten orthodontic treatment later, which means an easier, faster route to a beautiful, natural smile.
Early orthodontics is a limited treatment that lasts usually less than one year. Contact Dr. Loeb for guidance and to schedule an early orthodontic evaluation to find out if your child needs interceptive orthodontics.
