When Should My Child First Visit the Orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists suggests that children should have their first orthodontic screening by age 7. This early evaluation helps Dr. Flor Segovia assess when orthodontic treatment may be necessary and determine the best timing for your child’s care. In some cases, your family dentist may refer you to our office earlier if they notice any signs of potential orthodontic concerns.
Why is Early Evaluation Important?
By addressing orthodontic issues early, we can guide the eruption of your child’s teeth, ensure they emerge in the best possible position, and help preserve space for permanent teeth. Early treatment can also reduce the risk of damage to protruding teeth and set the stage for a smoother orthodontic journey later on.
If early treatment is needed, Dr. Segovia can help with the following:
- Guiding jaw growth to ensure proper alignment.
- Creating space for permanent teeth to erupt naturally.
- Preventing the need for extractions by correcting alignment early.
- Addressing thumb-sucking, abnormal swallowing, or speech issues can improve overall oral function.
This approach may also simplify later treatment once all permanent teeth have erupted.
Does Every Child Benefit from Early Treatment?
While early treatment can be incredibly beneficial for some children, it’s not necessary for all. Certain orthodontic concerns may be best treated during the teenage years once all permanent teeth have come in. For some skeletal issues, treatment may need to wait until your child’s growth has advanced further. Dr. Segovia will create a customized plan based on your child’s unique needs.
If early treatment isn’t necessary, your child will be placed in our orthodontic supervisory program. This program ensures that your child continues to receive the appropriate care until the optimal time for treatment arrives.
What is the Orthodontic Supervisory Program?
The orthodontic supervisory program is for children who are not yet ready for treatment. During periodic check-ups, typically every 6 to 8 months, we monitor the eruption of their permanent teeth. This allows us to track their progress and identify any potential issues early on. In some cases, removing baby teeth early can reduce treatment time once your child is ready for braces.
- There’s no cost for this program.
- We’ll keep your family dentist informed of any recommendations.
- We monitor progress until the right time for treatment.
Additional Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontic treatment doesn’t just give your child a beautiful smile – it can also improve the overall function of their bite and teeth. Benefits include:
- Improved teeth cleaning, making it easier to maintain oral hygiene.
- Prevention of excessive wear on the teeth.
- Increased longevity of natural teeth over a lifetime.
Does Early Treatment Prevent the Need for Braces as an Adolescent?
Early treatment can address significant issues early, prevent future problems, and streamline later treatment. However, since not all permanent teeth have come in at this stage, a second phase of treatment, known as Phase II, may be necessary once all permanent teeth are in place. In some cases, no further orthodontic treatment may be required.
Should We Continue Seeing Our Family Dentist During Treatment?
Even with braces or other orthodontic appliances, regular dental check-ups are essential for oral health. To ensure your child’s teeth and gums remain in the best condition during orthodontic treatment, we recommend seeing your family dentist for cleanings and check-ups every 6 months.
