Early Orthodontic Treatment
Wylie, Texas
Early orthodontic treatment, also called interceptive orthodontic treatment, helps prevent future dental problems. Children between ages 7-14 are ideal candidates since their teeth and jaws are still developing and more responsive to treatment.
Candidate Conditions
Eight conditions warrant evaluation:
- Crowded teeth
- Gapped teeth
- Underbites
- Jaw irregularities
- Crossbites
- Thumb or pacifier sucking effects
- Mouth breathing
- Extra or missing teeth
Treatment Options
The four primary approaches are:
- Palatal expanders - Widen narrow jaws
- Traditional braces - For misalignment
- Headgear - For severe jaw misalignment
- Clear aligners - Removable, hard to see, and comfortable to wear
Key Recommendation
The practice recommends scheduling an orthodontic evaluation at age seven, noting that the earlier problems are caught, the better your child's oral health will be in the future.
