The American Dental Association recommends that all children by the age of 7 be seen by an orthodontist. This is not necessarily to start treatment but to evaluate the need for intervention by looking at jaw growth or the lack of room for permanent teeth. An orthodontist can carefully monitor growth and development and begin treatment when it is ideal. Please don't wait until all the baby teeth are lost. There are great advantages to starting treatment early.
Orthodontic treatment can be initiated on certain types of tooth problems before all the permanent teeth have erupted. Treatment usually begins after the four upper front teeth have erupted (ages 7-9). Early treatment can be indicated when the front teeth protrude so much that the lips cannot be closed without straining or when the front teeth are so crowded or poorly arranged that normal development cannot take place.
Interceptive Treatment
This phase of treatment is for the orthopedic correction of the jaws and alignment of the front teeth to facilitate in the eruption of the remaining permanent teeth. Appliances are sometimes placed on the upper and/or lower permanent teeth. The patient may wear space maintainers or expanders, which bring the teeth into a more ideal biting position. Interceptive treatment can be used to enhance growth pattern in children to help create more room for the eruption of permanent teeth. Treatment can be accomplished within 12 months with a "holding" pattern (i.e. - retainers).
Advantages of Interceptive Treatment
- Improves the relationship of the upper and lower jaws.
- Utilizes the maximum advantage of the child's growth.
- The bone is more pliable and teeth move more easily.
- Moves protruding teeth back so that they will be less susceptible to injury.
- Improves facial appearance and self-esteem.
- Patient is cooperative and enthusiastic at this age.
- Helps reduce chance of removing permanent teeth later.
- Reduce length of time wearing full braces.
Disadvantages of Interceptive Treatment
- May not eliminate need for comprehensive treatment at an older age.
- If so, total time visiting the orthodontist can be longer.
- The cost of interceptive and comprehensive treatment may be higher than comprehensive treatment alone.
Comprehensive Treatment
If you decided to wait, full treatment will begin when all the permanent teeth have erupted. Comprehensive treatment without interceptive treatment, if needed, may require a more complex therapy or limit the final results.