Building a Beautiful Smile: The Importance of Early Orthodontic Treatment
By NEFELI VASILAKOU,
DDS, MSc – Orthodontist at Island Dentistry
A healthy, confident smile is a valuable asset. For many children, achieving that smile starts with early orthodontic treatment,
also known as Phase I. Parents are often wondering, “Why is orthodontic treatment important at an early age when my child doesn’t have all their adult teeth yet?” Here is why early interceptive treatment is crucial for developing a healthy smile and who can benefit from it.
Phase I usually starts between ages 6 to 10 years. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that all children be screened by an orthodontist at the age of 7. At this stage, children still have some of their baby teeth, while their permanent teeth are starting to erupt. This mix of teeth allows orthodontists to address certain developmental issues early on, creating a more favorable environment for the permanent teeth to come in. Also at this young age, the jaws are still developing, and an intervention can result in a true orthopedic change.
CONDITIONS OFTEN EVALUATED BY THE ORTHODONTIST
Dental crowding: Sometimes there is not enough room for permanent teeth to erupt properly. Phase I treatment can help create space by widening the upper jaw or guiding the eruption of teeth. This can prevent crowding and impaction, reducing the need for extractions in the future.
Early or late loss of baby teeth: This can disrupt the normal eruption pattern of permanent teeth. Interceptive treatment could help by creating or maintaining the space for the permanent teeth or by removing baby teeth in a timely manner to guide the permanent teeth into the dental arch.
Incorrect bite: One of the most common problems seen in young kids is a narrow or small upper jaw that results in the upper posterior or anterior teeth biting inside the lower teeth. These conditions are known as a crossbite or an underbite, respectively. It is crucial to detect this problem when the child is still developing, as this is the best time to use an expander. An expander is a very common dental appliance that, if used at the right age, can orthopedically widen the upper jaw. Crossbites left untreated can affect chewing, dental health, facial symmetry, and, on some occasions, breathing.
Harmful oral habits: Thumb sucking or tongue thrusting are common habits often persisting after the permanent teeth start to erupt. They can result in bite changes, like crossbites or open bites, if they are not addressed early. In these cases, the Orthodontist may suggest custom-made appliances that can help the child break the habit and allow normal development of the jaws and teeth.
In a nutshell, Phase I treatment focuses on correcting problems that, if left untreated, could become more severe and complex to fix later. Think of it as laying the foundation for a strong and healthy smile. It can often minimize the extent and duration of future orthodontic treatment and prevent the need for more invasive procedures, like extractions and jaw surgery, later in life. It can also improve the appearance of the smile, boosting children’s confidence during their formative years.
Not every child needs Phase I treatment. At Island Children’s Dentistry, we always conduct a thorough examination to address the orthodontic needs of your child in the most personalized way. If Phase I is recommended, we use custom-designed appliances, braces, and even Invisalign, giving our little patients the best experience. Schedule a consultation to find out if your child is a candidate for early orthodontic treatment.
