Early Treatments for Kids
Think your child might need orthodontic treatment? Schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Allen to find out!
When is the Best Time for an Orthodontic Evaluation?
There are certain conditions that may qualify a child for early prevention orthodontics. These may include things like crossbites, crowded teeth or narrow arches. If crowded teeth are fixed at an earlier age, they allow more room for adult teeth to come in and may in turn reduce the need for teeth pulling later in life.
The American Association of Orthodontists and Dr. Allen recommend kids see an orthodontist for an initial evaluation at age 7. At this age, permanent teeth are starting to replace baby teeth and it’s the perfect time to start tracking your child’s jaw growth and development. If necessary, Dr. Allen may suggest getting your child started with the Phase One treatment to take advantage of bones that are still growing and better address problems before they develop fully.
The Advantages of Early Orthodontic Evaluation
So, why is 7 the ideal age? By age 6 or 7, a child’s first adult molars have finished erupting, establishing the back bite. This allows the team at Allen Orthodontics to evaluate tooth relationships in detail, making it possible to identify potential orthodontic problems that need correction. Not all children will need treatment at this early age, but if early treatment is necessary, it greatly improves the overall orthodontic result.
What Are the Advantages of Early Orthodontic Treatment?
While it isn’t right for all patients, early orthodontic treatment comes with a range of advantages. Treating early allows us to shape the development of the teeth and mouth, letting us make significant alterations to tooth alignment that would be much more difficult in later years. In fact, because of the upper jaw has yet to solidify into a single bone during childhood, we can use a device called a palatal expander to gently widen the upper jaw and make more room for teeth – a process that would require extensive oral surgery in later adolescence or adulthood.
Here are just a few of the benefits of interceptive orthodontic treatment:
- Makes more room for crowded teeth without surgery
- Prevents the need for tooth extraction
- Improves facial symmetry by influencing jaw growth
- Protects protruding front teeth from trauma
- Reduces the overall amount of time a child will spend in braces
How it Works
1. Getting to Know You
At your first visit to our Oceanside orthodontist office, diagnostic records – typically photos of your face and teeth, as well as x-rays – to determine the best course of treatment. We use this information to develop a custom treatment plan that’s unique to your needs and goals. These records are also helpful in tracking the progress of your treatment as your teeth begin to move and shift into the optimal position.
2. Custom Treatment Plan
We’ve invested in the latest orthodontic technology so that we can provide each patient with a customized treatment plan that’s not only perfect for jaw structure and their specific goals but also their budget. After Dr. Allen evaluates your records, we’ll discuss our recommended treatment plan with you in detail, including the payment options.
No matter your age, we can help you get the smile you’ve always wanted.
3. Your New Smile
At Allen Orthodontics in Oceanside, we don’t just make smiles more beautiful, we help you discover your true smile – a smile infused with real confidence. Because when you’re no longer afraid to smile you become more open, more honest, and more present in everyday moments. This is what we want for all of our patients. So, let’s do this San Diego County. Let’s uncover the true you by discovering your true smile.
FAQs About Kids
Will my child's teeth straighten as they grown?
Unfortunately, no. Orthodontic issues, such as spacing and malocclusions, tend to worsen with age. It’s important to be examined as early as possible, to ensure these problems are corrected sooner rather than later.
At what age should I schedule an appointment for an orthodontic screening?
American Association of Orthodontists recommend you should schedule your child’s first appointment by age 7.
Orthodontic treatment and a child’s growth can complement each other. By timing orthodontic treatment to predictable stages of dental development, the orthodontist may be able to take advantage of your child’s growth and development. Some problems that can be treated quite well in a growing child may require corrective surgery or permanent teeth to be extracted if treated after growth has occurred.
Can I schedule all of my kid’s appointments after school?
We do our best to schedule you for the most convenient times based on your busy schedule, but cannot make any guarantees. However, most appointments are scheduled 4-10 weeks apart, so you or your child will miss minimal work/school time.
Can I drop my child off for an appointment?
We completely understand your busy schedule and are happy to accommodate. Once you pick up your child, we will review what was accomplished at the conclusion of each appointment and what is expected to be accomplished at the next appointment. We strongly recommend making the follow up appointments prior to leaving our office.
Can my child still play sports?
Of course! We do recommend that you use a mouth guard to protect your mouth during treatment.
Can Orthodontic correction occur while a child has baby teeth?
If an orthodontic issue is severe enough, then early intervention can occur while the child still has baby teeth. If your child isn’t ready yet, we’ll simply monitor their growth and development, and begin treatment when they’re ready.
What is Phase One (Early) Treatment?
Between the ages 7 and 10, some patients require phase one (early) treatment, which usually lasts about 6-18 months. The goal of early treatment is to address more significant orthodontic issues to make later treatment processes smoother. It also drastically improves the child’s confidence and self-esteem levels.
Will my child need an expander?
You’ll find out if your child will need an expander after your initial consultation.
Will my child need braces if he/she has Phase One Treatment?
It’s best to assume that braces will be needed after phase one treatment, but we’ll monitor your child’s growth and development to ensure the best treatment methods occur next.
What are you waiting for?
Who You Are is Amazing. Your Smile Should Be Too.
Ready to start your smile transformation? Look no further than Allen Orthodontics, where we specialize in creating beautiful smiles that will leave you feeling confident and happy. Our experienced team is dedicated to providing exceptional orthodontic care tailored to your unique needs. Visit us today, and let us help you achieve the smile of your dreams!
