Does Your Child Need Early Orthodontics?

As a parent, you want the best for your child's health, and that includes their oral health. While you might think orthodontic care is something you don’t have to consider until the teenage years, dental experts recommend a much earlier start. 

The American Association of Orthodontists advises that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by the age of seven. This milestone age is crucial because it allows orthodontists to identify potential issues early on — potentially saving young patients extensive orthodontic work later in life. This also means saving parents money in the long run. 

Continue reading to learn more about what early orthodontics entails and where to find the best pediatric dentist in San Jose.

What is Early Orthodontics? 

Early orthodontics, also called phase one orthodontics, is a proactive approach to dental and jaw alignment issues in children. Typically, phase I orthodontics starts between the ages of six and ten — and focuses on guiding the growth and development of a child's jaw and teeth while they still have a mix of baby and permanent teeth. 

The primary goal of early orthodontics is to create more space for incoming permanent teeth, correct bite problems, and address harmful oral habits. Common phase I treatment methods may include the use of dental appliances like: 

• Complete or partial braces
• Space maintainers
• Palatal expanders

Early orthodontics can also improve a child's facial symmetry, enhance their ability to chew and speak properly, and boost their self-esteem by addressing visible dental issues.

By intervening at an early stage, pediatric orthodontists can reduce the severity of future orthodontic problems and shorten the duration of later treatments. Early orthodontics can also sometimes eliminate the need for more invasive dental procedures entirely. 

4 Ways to Tell if Your Child Could Benefit From Phase One Orthodontics

While a thorough evaluation from a pediatric dentist is necessary to know for sure if your child needs phase I orthodontics, there are several indicators that parents can look out for — some key signs include:

1. A Thumb-Sucking Habit

Thumb-sucking is a common habit among young children, but if it persists beyond age four, it can lead to significant dental problems. Prolonged thumb sucking can cause the upper front teeth to protrude and the lower front teeth to tilt inward. It can also change the way your child’s jaw grows — potentially leading to an open bite where the front teeth don't meet when the mouth is closed. Early orthodontic intervention can help correct these issues and may include using habit-breaking appliances to discourage thumb-sucking.

2. Missing or Misaligned Teeth

If your child has misaligned or crowded teeth, spacing issues, or teeth that don't fit together properly when biting, they can benefit from early orthodontic treatment. Addressing these problems early on can guide the growth of the jaw and incoming permanent teeth, potentially reducing the need for extensive treatment later. Early intervention might involve the use of spacers, partial braces, or other appliances to guide teeth into their proper positions as they emerge.

3. Mouth-Breathing, Especially at Night

Chronic mouth breathing can be a sign of underlying issues such as enlarged adenoids, swollen tonsils, or a narrow palate. This habit can lead to improper facial growth, altered tooth position, and a long face appearance. Early orthodontic treatment can help widen the palate and improve nasal breathing. This usually involves the use of a palatal expander to create more space in the mouth and promote proper jaw development.

4. Speech Problems

Certain speech difficulties, particularly problems pronouncing specific sounds, can be related to the positioning of teeth or the shape of the palate. Orthodontic issues like an open bite, overbite, or underbite can also interfere with proper tongue placement and affect speech. Early orthodontic treatment can correct these structural issues and improve your child's speech, using devices that reshape the palate or align the teeth to create a better environment for proper speech development.

Finding the Top Pediatric Dentist in San Jose for Early Orthodontic Treatment

We understand that early orthodontic interventions can significantly impact your child's future dental health and overall well-being. That's why we're dedicated to creating a welcoming, child-friendly environment designed to put both parents and young patients at ease during their visits.

If you’re considering the best pediatric dentist in San Jose, Dr. Michelle Haghpanah, Dr. Reena Grover, Dr. Lisa Carrington, and the rest of our compassionate orthodontic specialists and support staff work together to deliver personalized treatment options for your child that deliver a lifetime of smiles.

Ready to get your child evaluated for phase I orthodontics at the highest-rated pediatric dental clinic in San Jose?