While orthodontics is for kids and adults, the former absolutely benefit from seeing an orthodontist. Early orthodontic treatment supports the preemptive intervention of an otherwise severe orthodontic problem, lowering the risk of oral problems arising in adolescence and adulthood. It also teaches your child to value their oral health at an early age.
If you’re new to childhood orthodontics, Dr. Thomas Kovacs and his team at Kovacs Orthodontics have created this comprehensive guide to help you understand the ins and outs of seeing an orthodontist.
Phase I and Phase II Orthodontic Treatment
Understanding orthodontics comes down to learning the differences between Phase I and Phase II orthodontic treatment. Our expert smile team put together a brief primer on these two treatment types:
Phase I Treatment: Lasting an average of 9 to 18 months, Phase I occurs when your child is between the ages of 6 and 10. This is the age when your little one starts to lose their baby teeth and develop permanent teeth, allowing Dr. Kovacs to detect and treat moderate to severe crossbites orthodontic conditions.
When orthodontic problems are addressed at an early age, it minimizes your child’s risk of developing serious oral problems and undergoing complex treatment like jaw surgery once they get older.
However, treatment for Phase I varies between patients, as we take into account your child’s habits and family history before we propose a treatment plan. Some common Phase I treatment options include orthodontic headgear, space maintainers, and limited braces on teeth.
Phase II Treatment: Phase II treatment centers on the alignment of adult teeth and often begins when your child is around 11 or 12 years old, lasting between 12 to 20 months. It is longer and more comprehensive than Phase I treatment due to the precision required for straightening teeth, which, in turn, leads to a healthier-looking smile.
Similar to Phase I, treatment options for Phase II vary from patient to patient. However, orthodontists often prescribe clear aligners, expanders, and braces on either or both the upper and lower teeth.
At What Age Should My Child See An Orthodontist?
There’s no age limit on seeing an orthodontist. However, the American Association of Orthodontists and Kovacs Orthodontics recommend that the best age for children to see an orthodontist is seven years old.
At this age, your child still has baby teeth and enough permanent teeth for Dr. Kovacs to assess their jaw and bite and provide the necessary treatment. Based on this information, as well as your child’s preferences and goals, our team may prescribe metal braces, clear braces, or Invisalign.
We also offer early intervention treatment to alleviate serious orthodontic problems. On the other hand, Dr. Kovacs may also deem it necessary to initiate treatment after further assessment of your child’s teeth and jaw development.
When Does My Child Need to See An Orthodontist?
Orthodontic treatment is key to making your child feel good with their smile. Our expert team at Billings and Miles City clinics shares four reasons why your child needs to see an orthodontist:
Malocclusion: Characterized by teeth and jaw misalignment, orthodontists often treat the following types of malocclusions:
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- Overbite: An overbite happens when the teeth on the upper jaw stick out farther than the teeth on the lower jaw, causing bruxism or teeth grinding, tooth erosion, and jaw pain.
- Dental Crowding: Crowding refers to teeth rotating or growing in an overlapping manner due to a lack of space in the mouth, making flossing and brushing a struggle. This condition leads to gum disease and tooth decay.
- Teeth Spacing: Although spaces between teeth signify the potential eruption of adult teeth, they become a problem when teeth are missing or underdeveloped. Gum problems, difficulty with chewing, and increased plaque accumulation are some of the risks associated with teeth spacing.
- Underbite: An underbite is when the lower teeth stick out more than the upper teeth, leading to mouth breathing, tooth decay, sleep apnea, speech difficulties, and other serious complications.
- Open Bite: This occurs when the upper and lower teeth do not completely “meet” halfway, creating a small gap when the mouth is closed. This makes speaking or eating certain foods harder.
Prolonged Thumb-Sucking: Thumb-sucking may be cute — at least, during infancy — but if your child continues this habit until five or six years of age, they can develop orthodontic issues. Prolonged thumb-sucking warps the upper jaw into an arch, making it narrower and hindering jaw development. As the thumb exerts pressure on the teeth and jaws, your child may develop an open bite or an overbite.
Extended Pacifier Use: Pacifiers are great for infants. But if your child is over the age of three, it’s time to let go of their pacifier for good. This is because pacifiers cause the tongue to thrust forward, leading to pronunciation and speech difficulties. Like thumb-sucking, prolonged pacifier use is also associated with poor teeth and jaw development.
Family History: Bite problems are usually hereditary. Even the size and alignment of your teeth are influenced by genetics. For example, if your family has a history of dental crowding due to an undersized jaw, you’re more likely to have this condition. Thankfully, Dr. Kovacs and his expert team will take note of your family history so they can create the best-personalized treatment for you.
Never Delay Treatment
Whether your child loves to suck their thumb or has a family history of malocclusion, having them see an orthodontist early on does wonders for their oral health. Because we are committed to providing you with expert help and treatment, give us a call or complete our online form for a free consultation — and possibly same-day treatment — at our clinic.