When Should A Child Get Braces?

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Although individual problems determine the best time to start orthodontic treatment, the American Association of Orthodontics (AAO) recommends that every child should see an orthodontist at an early age. This could be as young as 2 or 3, but should be no later that age 7.

Many orthodontic problems are easier to correct if detected early rather than treating when jaw growth has slowed. Cases that demonstrate the advantages of early intervention can be found in most orthodontic practices. Unfortunately, many parents assume they must wait until a child has all of his or her permanent teeth, only to find out that treatment would have been much easier if started earlier.

EARLY TREATMENT CAN PREVENT SERIOUS PROBLEMS DOWN THE ROAD

Early treatment can eliminate the need for more drastic measures. Most bite problems are inherited, and therefore can’t be prevented, but early diagnosis can help.

Orthodontists may use one of several orthodontic appliances designed to guide bone growth. In some patients, early treatment achieves results that may not be possible once the face and jaws have finished growing.

Although many people associate orthodontic treatment with adolescence, orthodontists can spot subtle problems with jaw growth or with the teeth much earlier, while the primary or baby teeth are present. Some of the more readily apparent conditions that indicate the need for early examination include:

* early or late loss of teeth
* difficulty in chewing or biting
* mouth breathing
* thumb sucking
* crowding, misplaced or blocked-out teeth
* jaws that shift or make sounds
* speech difficulties
* biting the cheek or the roof of the mouth
* teeth that meet abnormally, or don’t meet at all
* facial imbalance
* jaws that are too far forward or back
* grinding or clenching of the teeth

EARLY DIAGNOSIS CAN PROVIDE PEACE OF MIND

Detecting an orthodontic problem early enables the orthodontist to determine the best time to begin treatment. And, early intervention can make the completion of treatment at a later age easier. Whatever the orthodontic diagnosis, the AAO emphasizes the importance of keeping in regular contact with the family dentist.

Information, courtesy of the American Association of Orthodontists

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