Does Your Child Need Early Orthodontic Treatment?
By Matthew Noyce | Published on February 11, 2011 | 0 Comments
Believe it or not, your child does not need to have all of his permanent teeth in order to reap the benefits of orthodontics. In fact, Matthew Noyce DDS of Lake Country Orthodontics explains that in some instances, it is important that your child receive treatment at an early age to combat some oral health issues that have already presented themselves.
As an experienced and trusted orthodontist in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, Dr. Noyce says that some of the most common signs that your young child may need early orthodontic treatment include:
- Cross-bites: his bottom teeth are shifted to one side or shoved forward or backward
- Under bite: the upper teeth are tucked underneath the lower teeth
- Severe crowding
Depending on the type of issues that are present, Dr. Noyce often uses expanders in the mouth to ensure that the teeth have adequate space to grow. He also often provides patients with a two by four treatment, which he explains as placing braces on the secondary teeth that have already erupted to again create more room in the mouth for the rest of the incoming teeth.
While every patient is different and is treated according to his needs, Dr. Noyce says that when possible, he prefers to wait until a child’s permanent molars have grown in, which generally occurs around age six. Many times, he continues, orthodontists will also wait until permanent incisors have started to come in. For most young patients, this makes treatment at around the age seven or eight the most favorable. Orthodontists typically prefer to wait for these few teeth to grow in, Dr. Noyce explains, because the molars are used as anchors. This also offers the right environment for the remaining teeth to come in.
This early treatment regimen is different from the typical braces that an adolescent would generally receive, Dr. Noyce points out. Most patients will have one of these treatments for less than a year, he says, and an orthodontist will make a decision in the upcoming years to see if full braces are going to be needed. It is not uncommon, though, that by addressing the problems early on, the child will not need full braces when he ages.
For the most part, Dr. Noyce says, a child’s regular dentist will notice any flaws and recommend a visit with a local orthodontist. On occasion, however, a parent who is concerned will bring in a child without a referral. If you are ever concerned with the growth of your child’s jaw or teeth, you should never be apprehensive about addressing the issue with either your child’s dentist or a trusted orthodontist in your area.
*Disclaimer: The information on this website is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.