Parents often wonder when the right time is for their child’s first orthodontic visit. While braces are commonly associated with teenagers, some children may benefit from early orthodontic treatment, which can help prevent more severe issues down the road. If your child has noticeable dental concerns or if Dr. Paula has recommended an orthodontic evaluation after her thorough examination, understanding early treatment can help you make an informed decision.
Let’s explore what early orthodontic treatment involves, who it benefits, and how it can lay the groundwork for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
What Happens During an Orthodontic Evaluation?
An orthodontic evaluation is a comprehensive assessment of your child’s teeth, jaw, and bite. These evaluations help determine if early intervention is necessary or if waiting until all permanent teeth erupt is a better approach. During an evaluation, our children's dentist in Miami will:
- Examine dental alignment and jaw growth patterns
- Take full-mouth x-rays to check for unerupted or misaligned teeth
- Assess bite function to determine if your child has an overbite, underbite, crossbite, or any other alignment issues
- Discuss any concerns related to thumb-sucking, tongue-thrusting, or other habits
What Is Early Orthodontic Treatment?
Early orthodontic treatment, also called Phase 1 orthodontics, typically begins between ages 6 and 10, while a child still has a mix of baby and permanent teeth. Unlike traditional braces, which focus on straightening permanent teeth, early treatment aims to guide proper jaw development, create space for incoming teeth, and correct bite issues before they become more complex. This first phase of treatment can make future orthodontic care simpler and more effective. Common early treatments include:
- Palatal expanders to widen the upper jaw
- Space maintainers to prevent shifting of teeth
- Partial braces or other appliances to guide tooth movement
Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment in Miami
Early intervention provides several advantages, including:
- Preventing severe misalignment — Addressing bite and spacing issues early reduces the need for extractions or surgery later.
- Jaw development — Expanding or guiding jaw growth ensures a balanced bite and facial symmetry.
- Reduced treatment during adolescence — Phase 1 ortho treatment can make later braces more effective or eliminate the need for them altogether.
- Improved speech and breathing — Early treatment can help correct certain orthodontic issues that contribute to speech impediments or airway problems.
- Increased confidence — Fixing prominent dental concerns early can boost a child’s self-esteem.
Signs Your Child Might Need Early Orthodontic Treatment
Not every child needs early intervention. However, certain signs indicate potential orthodontic issues. If you notice any of these issues, scheduling an evaluation can help determine whether treatment is needed:
- Difficulty biting or chewing
- Early or late loss of baby teeth (before age five or after age 13)
- Crowded or misaligned teeth
- Prolonged thumb-sucking or pacifier use (past age 3)
- Mouth breathing or snoring
- Noticeable jaw shifting when opening or closing the mouth
- Overbite, underbite, or crossbite
When to Schedule an Early Orthodontic Evaluation with Your Children's Dentist
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that children have their first orthodontic checkup by age 7. At this stage, an orthodontist can identify potential problems and decide if treatment is necessary. Even if no immediate intervention is needed, regular monitoring allows for timely action if issues arise.
Factors that Determine Candidacy for Early Treatment
Not every child evaluated at a young age will need treatment right away. Orthodontists consider several factors before recommending Phase 1 treatment:
Age and development — Some issues self-correct as children’s teeth and jawbones develop, while others require intervention.
Severity of misalignment — Mild crowding may not need early correction, while significant bite issues often benefit from treatment.
Future growth potential — An assessment of whether jaw growth will resolve or worsen current issues.
Breathing and speech — Children with airway issues linked to orthodontic problems may be strong candidates for early treatment.
If your child doesn’t need treatment yet, the orthodontist may suggest a wait-and-see approach with periodic checkups.
Common Early Orthodontic Treatments
If an orthodontist determines early treatment is beneficial, they may recommend one of the following:
- Palatal expanders — These devices gently widen the upper jaw in children with narrow dental arches to correct crossbites and create space for erupting teeth.
- Space maintainers — When children lose baby teeth prematurely, space maintainers keep the gap open to prevent nearby teeth from shifting.
- Partial braces or limited appliances — Partial braces, retainers, or specialized appliances that proactively address minor misalignment.
- Functional appliances — Devices like Herbst or Twin Block appliances help guide lower jaw growth and correct underbites or overbites.
- Behavioral modifications — Thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, and mouth breathing can lead to orthodontic problems. Special appliances or techniques can help break these habits.
Comprehensive Orthodontic Evaluation with a Children's Dentist in Miami
The best first step in orthodontics for your children is an evaluation with an experienced orthodontist. If you’re looking for a children’s dentist in Miami to determine whether your child is a candidate for early orthodontic treatment, preemptively identifying issues or risk factors and helping prevent more complicated treatments in the future, contact Dr. Paula Egharevba and the friendly and knowledgeable Adonias Smiles Dentistry team today to schedule a consultation!