Early orthodontics reduces the severity of problems and encourages healthy young smiles

Our team at Straight Orthodontics encourage parents to bring their children in for early orthodontics as it may be the necessary key for providing a healthy, happy smile as they grow up into an adolescent.

It’s never too late to bring your little ones along to the orthodontist, but the earlier the better. We recommend bringing your child for their first orthodontic appointment at age seven. By this time, you have made it through the tantrums and first years of school, and now it’s time to take care of their smile.

We make sure we provide not only early treatments, but also a happy space for your child to learn about the importance of good oral health and why straight teeth are important.

Don’t rely on the untrained eye, it cannot always spot dental issues.

Why is early orthodontic treatment important?

Early assessments allow us to examine your child’s mouth for issues, including current and future orthodontic problems. We can check for potential bite, alignment, jaw and a range of other oral complications using our trained eyes and advanced x-ray technology. This early treatment reduces the chances of later issues becoming more complicated and costly to fix.

Your children may not require early orthodontics; however, we think it’s better to be safe than sorry.

What can early orthodontics fix?

  • Decrease chances of complicated future treatments
  • Address damaging dental habits (thumb/pacifier sucking)
  • Decrease the chances of future extractions
  • Guide adult teeth into alignment
  • Create room to reduce chances of crowding

Early signs to look out for

There are many signs that may indicate your child’s smile requires early orthodontic treatment.

  • Baby tooth decay
  • Early loss of baby teeth
  • Snoring or mouth breathing
  • Biting and chewing difficulties
  • Late thumb sucking habits – causes jaw and teeth misalignment
  • Protruding front teeth – front teeth stick out
  • Crowded teeth – not enough room to accommodate permanent teeth
  • Crossbites – teeth don’t align while smiling
  • Overbites – upper front teeth overlap the bottom teeth
  • Underbites – bottom teeth extend out farther than top teeth

If any of these are relevant, please don’t place your child’s orthodontic visit to the back of your to-do list, as your little one’s smile is a priority.

Leaving your child’s orthodontic issues unchecked can lead to more complicated or serious issues as they grow into a teenager.

Early orthodontic treatments for children

At Straight Orthodontics we offer a range of early treatment options to help children achieve their best oral health. These treatments include making sure your child feels as comfortable and happy as possible while visiting us.

Treatments differ for every child, depending on the problem and overall severity.

Some treatment options are, but are not limited to the following:

Palate expansion devices

This device is used to expand the upper dental arch, creating more room for teeth.

Tooth extraction

May be required to ensure permanent teeth emerge correctly.

Correcting bad habits

The orthodontist can provide treatment to correct bad habits, such as mouth breathing and thumb sucking. Thumb sucking is a common occurrence in young children, however if it persists, it can cause a range of dental issues.

Space maintainers

If a child loses a tooth too early, it’s important to continue to maintain the spot for the permanent teeth, which is exactly what this device does. If you want to learn more about early orthodontics, or think you are ready to bring your child for their first appointment, then please contact our team today!


Frequently Asked Questions

Early orthodontics is important because it allows for the timely intervention and correction of orthodontic issues during a child’s developmental years. By addressing problems such as jaw misalignment, crowded or crooked teeth, and bite irregularities early on, orthodontic treatment can guide proper growth and development, create space for permanent teeth, improve oral health, and enhance a child’s self-confidence.

The best age to start orthodontic treatment is typically around 7 years old for initial evaluations, while comprehensive treatment usually begins between the ages of 9 and 14. However, it’s important to consult with an orthodontist to determine the best timing for treatment based on individual circumstances.

Early orthodontic intervention offers several benefits:
 

  1. Proper Jaw Development: Early treatment allows orthodontists to guide and influence the growth of the jaws, ensuring they develop in a balanced and healthy manner.
     
  2. Improved Teeth Alignment: Addressing orthodontic issues early can help correct misalignments, crowding, or spacing problems, leading to straighter teeth and an improved smile.
     
  3. Bite Correction: Early intervention can correct bite issues such as overbite, underbite, or crossbite, improving oral function and reducing the risk of future complications.
     
  4. Prevention of Dental Problems: Early orthodontic treatment can prevent or minimise the risk of dental problems, such as tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss, by improving oral hygiene and facilitating easier cleaning of the teeth.
     
  5. Boosted Self-Confidence: Correcting orthodontic problems at an early age can enhance a child’s self-esteem and confidence, as they can enjoy a more aesthetically pleasing smile and improved facial harmony.
     
  6. Reduced Treatment Complexity: By addressing orthodontic issues early, it may be possible to simplify and shorten the overall treatment duration, potentially reducing the need for more invasive or complex procedures in the future.
     
    Remember that the necessity and timing of early orthodontic intervention depend on individual circumstances, and a thorough evaluation by an orthodontist is necessary to determine the best course of treatment.

Early orthodontic treatment at Straight Orthodontics can often minimise or even eliminate the need for extensive braces later on. By addressing issues like overcrowding, bite alignment, or crooked teeth early, orthodontists can guide the growth of the jaws and teeth, reducing the severity of conditions that might otherwise require braces. Utilising treatments such as space maintainers or functional appliances, Straight Orthodontics helps create the proper space for permanent teeth and positions them correctly, potentially shortening or avoiding the need for comprehensive braces in the future.

To promote early orthodontic intervention, it’s important to help your child adopt healthy habits. Encourage proper oral care, such as brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing regularly. A balanced diet that limits sugary snacks and drinks supports strong teeth and gums. Discouraging habits like thumb sucking or nail biting are also essential, as these can negatively impact tooth alignment and jaw development. Regular check-ups at Straight Orthodontics play a key role in identifying potential orthodontic issues early and providing timely treatment for optimal results.

Early orthodontic treatment can play a crucial role in shaping facial growth and development. By addressing misalignments and dental concerns at a young age, orthodontists at Straight Orthodontics can help guide the jaw and facial bones to foster a balanced and harmonious facial structure. For instance, appliances such as expanders are used to widen the upper jaw, creating more space for permanent teeth and improving bite alignment. Early intervention not only prevents more severe issues from arising later but also contributes to a natural and aesthetically pleasing facial appearance.