Every parent wants the best for their child’s health and happiness. Orthodontic care is an important part of your child’s health, but it’s often overlooked or delayed until the teen years. However, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that children have their first orthodontic exam by age 7. Early orthodontic treatment has numerous advantages, which can avoid more difficult issues in the future, often referred to as Phase 1 treatment.
At Farrow Orthodontics, we understand that early orthodontic treatment can make a significant difference. This guide explains what early treatment involves, the warning signs to watch for, and how our team helps children build healthy, confident smiles.
What Is Early Orthodontic Treatment?
Early orthodontic treatment focuses on identifying and correcting dental or jaw issues in children between ages 6 and 9, when baby and adult teeth are both present. The treatment is designed to proactively guide the development of the facial and jaw bones, ensuring enough space for permanent teeth to emerge and addressing potential issues before they become more complex.
How Orthodontic Treatment Guides Your Child’s Smile Development
According to the American Association of Orthodontists, early treatment takes advantage of a child’s growing face and jaw bones by intercepting developing problems, addressing their causes, and guiding proper growth. By doing so, it helps ensure enough space for permanent teeth to erupt and prevents more complex dental issues in the future.
Signs Your Child May Benefit from Early Orthodontic Care
Your child may benefit from early treatment if they have:
- Difficulty biting or chewing
- Mouth breathing
- Thumb sucking beyond age 5
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- Crooked, crowded, or spaced teeth
- Protruding front teeth
- Jaws shifting or clicking
If these issues are identified early, treatments can be provided in a timely manner, potentially reducing the need for more extensive procedures later in life.
Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment
- Guides Jaw Development: Helps guide the growth of the jaw and facial bones into proper alignment for optimal function.
- Prevention of Dental Issues: Early treatment averts more complex issues, such as tooth impaction or the need for extraction.
- Makes Space: Interventions make space available for permanent teeth and minimize crowding.
- Aesthetics: Treatment of dental abnormalities early will enhance both facial symmetry and overall aesthetics.
- Treatment Process Shortening: Issues addressed early reduce the necessity for extensive treatment during teenage years.
How Treatment Works at Farrow Orthodontics
Initial Consultation: We start with a comprehensive exam and digital imaging to assess your child’s dental development.
Diagnosis and Treatment Plan: Dr Farrow creates a customized treatment plan.
Phase 1 Treatment: May involve expanders or partial braces to guide jaw growth and create space for adult teeth.
Monitoring: Regular visits track progress and ensure development is on schedule.
Transition to Phase 2: Once all adult teeth erupt, braces or aligners fine-tune the final alignment.
Cost of Early Orthodontic Treatment in Philadelphia
Early orthodontic treatment costs may differ, based on the complexity of the case and the specific treatments involved. At Farrow Orthodontics, we offer flexible payment options to make treatment affordable for families. To get a more accurate cost estimate, you may schedule a consultation in our Philadelphia office.
Retainer Care and Maintenance Tips
After orthodontic treatment, it’s important to maintain the results. Retainers help keep your child’s teeth in their corrected positions. We will teach you how to properly use and care for retainers so that the results will last.
Why Families Trust Farrow Orthodontics for Their Child’s Smile
At Farrow Orthodontics, Dr Anthony Farrow and our friendly team specialize in gentle, child-focused orthodontic care. We use the latest technology and personalized treatment plans to ensure your child feels comfortable and confident throughout their smile journey.
Ready to help your child achieve a healthy, confident smile? Schedule your appointment or schedule a complimentary consultation with Farrow Orthodontics today. We are here for you every step of the way.
FAQs
1. What is the right age for my child to be evaluated by an orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic check-up by age 7. This allows the orthodontist to spot early growth or bite issues while the jaw and teeth are still developing.
2. How do I know whether my child is a candidate for orthodontic treatment?
Treatment needs involve problems with chewing or biting, breathing through the mouth, thumb sucking over age 5, early or late loss of primary teeth, crowding or displacement of teeth, protruding teeth, and a poor bite in the jaws.
3. Is it always necessary to have orthodontic treatment early on?
Early treatment doesn’t mean that every child needs orthodontic care. A highly qualified orthodontist will be able to assess and give answers to figure out if your child will need early intervention.
4. How long does Early Treatment typically take?
The length of early treatment depends on the orthodontic case. Your orthodontist will provide an estimated time frame during consultation.
5. Will my child still need braces after early treatment?
Some children may still need braces later to fine-tune their bite or alignment. Your orthodontist will explain whether a second phase of treatment will be needed once all the permanent teeth have come in.