If you’ve had orthodontic treatment, can you recall how old you were when you first visited an orthodontist? Our practice caters to people of all ages, but today, our Icon Orthodontics team will address an important initial question:
Does my child need to see an orthodontist?
Lucky Number Seven
Typically, a general dentist will determine the need for treatment and refer a child to Dr. Sun or Dr. Sarpotdar for an initial evaluation by age seven, following the recommendations of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO). However, earlier intervention may be necessary if the patient exhibits any of the following symptoms or conditions:
- Early loss of primary teeth
- Crossbites
- Overbites
- Underbites
- Spacing
- Crowding
- Pacifier use
- Thumb-sucking after age five
These issues can certainly be addressed after age seven, but there are several reasons we consider that age or earlier to be the ideal window for treatment in children.
Turning Points
There are several reasons why this treatment around this age is strongly emphasized at Icon Orthodontics, many of which are tied to the natural timeline of our bodies’ development.
- Preventative Measures: Addressing issues early helps prevent the development of more severe conditions. Our goal is to avoid extensive, invasive treatment whenever possible.
- Early Detection of Issues: By age seven, a child’s permanent teeth are beginning to emerge, making it an ideal stage for detecting potential orthodontic issues and addressing them before they become more serious.
- Spacing: An early evaluation helps assess the space available for permanent teeth, allowing us to identify crowding or spacing problems.
- Guidance of Jaw Growth: Our doctors can assess jaw growth and identify potential discrepancies. Anatomically, it’s easier to address these issues earlier in life.
- Improved Confidence: Early orthodontic treatment can positively impact a child’s self-esteem as they grow up.
- Detection of Habits: Certain habits, such as thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting, can impact dental development. Early assessment allows us to work with parents to address these behaviors.
About Two-Phase Treatment
At Icon Orthodontics, the chosen course of treatment will depend on each individual child. However, the two-phase treatment method is an excellent option, specifically for our youngest patients. This approach can be either preventative or interceptive.
- Phase One: This phase sets the stage for a full set of braces by addressing baby teeth and resolving spacing and crowding issues, ensuring adequate room for alignment. It can also focus on correcting jaw alignment.
- Phase Two: Once the mouth has been prepared and all permanent teeth have erupted, usually around ages eleven or twelve, we will begin using a long-term appliance such as traditional braces or clear aligners. The child will wear these until the desired results are achieved.
The key to this process is managing the transition from baby teeth to permanent teeth or addressing issues as the permanent teeth begin to emerge.
More FAQs
- How long does orthodontic treatment for children typically last?
- The duration of treatment varies based on the complexity of the case, ranging from several months to a few years. The effectiveness of the treatment also heavily relies on the child’s compliance. Having a parent help keep them accountable can be very beneficial.
- Does every child need braces?
- No, not every child needs braces. While many children don’t require orthodontic intervention, many others do. It’s important to find out as soon as possible. We treat teenagers, adults, and pediatric patients, but earlier treatment is generally easier for everyone involved.
- Do braces hurt?
- Braces don’t hurt, but they can cause some initial discomfort. This adjustment period can be challenging, especially for kids. Over-the-counter pain relief is often recommended at the beginning. Sometimes, wires can irritate gums, and orthodontic wax can be used to create a barrier.
- Can children play sports with braces?
- Yes, children can play sports with braces, but they must wear a mouthguard. Not wearing a mouthguard risks damaging both the braces and the child’s teeth. This risk is higher if the child has bite issues involving protruding teeth or jaw.
- How often should a child visit the orthodontist during treatment?
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- Regular appointments are typically scheduled every four to six weeks for adjustments and progress assessments. Maintaining this schedule is crucial to ensure the treatment progresses as planned.
Shifting into Place
Hopefully, you now know some of the typical reasons children are recommended to seek orthodontic treatment, which can be foundational. We take great pride in creating beautiful smiles for children that will last them long into adulthood. Contact either of our offices in Surprise or Glendale to schedule a free consultation, which are excellent resources for your children. Our doctors are dedicated to providing them with care and guidance!