At Harris Orthodontics, we believe in the power of a healthy, confident smile. One of the best ways to set kids and teens on the path to long-term dental health is through early orthodontic treatment. While many people think of braces or orthodontic care as something for teens, addressing issues early can make a huge difference. In fact, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic check-up by age seven. Early treatment allows us to identify potential problems and intervene at the right time to guide your child’s teeth into the correct position.
Why Start Early?
Early orthodontic treatment, sometimes referred to as Phase One treatment, focuses on diagnosing and treating issues before they become more severe. By identifying problems while a child’s teeth and jaw are still developing, we can create a more efficient and effective treatment plan. Starting early can prevent more complex orthodontic issues that might require longer treatment or more invasive solutions in the future.
What Are the Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment?
One of the main benefits of early treatment is the ability to correct jaw growth. When a child’s jaws are still developing, orthodontists can use devices like expanders or partial braces to guide the growth and ensure proper alignment. This is particularly helpful for addressing bite issues such as overbites, underbites, or crossbites. Treating these issues early reduces the likelihood of needing surgery later in life.
As children lose their baby teeth and permanent teeth begin to emerge, crowding can sometimes occur, leading to crooked or misaligned teeth. Early orthodontic intervention can help create space for these permanent teeth, ensuring they have room to come in correctly. By addressing crowding issues at a young age, we can prevent the need for tooth extractions or more extensive treatment down the road.
Children with protruding front teeth are at a higher risk of dental trauma from accidents or falls. By addressing this early through orthodontic treatment, we can reduce the risk of injury to these vulnerable teeth and protect your child’s smile. This is especially important for active kids who enjoy sports or other physical activities.
Proper alignment of the teeth and jaws is essential for clear speech and efficient chewing. If misalignment issues are left untreated, they can interfere with a child’s ability to speak clearly or chew food properly. Early orthodontic treatment helps correct these problems, leading to better oral function and overall comfort.
One of the most noticeable benefits of orthodontic treatment is the boost in confidence it can provide. Kids and teens who feel self-conscious about their crooked teeth or misaligned bite may avoid smiling or participating in social activities. By correcting these issues early, your child can enjoy a beautiful, healthy smile that boosts their self-esteem and allows them to confidently engage with others.
Is Your Child a Candidate for Early Treatment?
At Harris Orthodontics, we recommend scheduling an orthodontic consultation for your child by age seven. While not every child will need early treatment, an initial evaluation allows us to monitor their dental development and determine if early intervention is necessary. Some signs that your child may benefit from early orthodontic care include:
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- Difficulty biting or chewing
- Mouth breathing
- Thumb sucking beyond age five
- Crowded or misaligned teeth
- Protruding front teeth
- Misaligned jaws or uneven bites
By identifying these issues early, we can create a personalized treatment plan to address them and ensure your child’s smile develops in the best possible way.
Phase One & Phase Two Treatment
Early orthodontic treatment typically falls into two phases. Phase One focuses on addressing immediate issues like jaw growth, space for permanent teeth, and bite alignment while a child’s mouth is still developing. Phase Two, which may occur during the teen years, is the phase where we fine-tune the alignment of the permanent teeth to achieve a straight, beautiful smile. Not all children require both phases, but when they do, starting treatment early sets the foundation for success.
Why Choose Harris Orthodontics for Your Child’s Orthodontic Care?
At Harris Orthodontics, we are committed to providing exceptional care for our young patients in Highland and Saratoga Springs. Dr. Harris and our experienced team have helped countless Utah kids and teens achieve healthy, confident smiles through early orthodontic treatment. We offer state-of-the-art technology and personalized care to ensure your child’s treatment is as efficient and comfortable as possible.
With a reputation as a top provider of Invisalign in Utah and a dedication to making orthodontic care fun and stress-free, we make sure your child’s experience is positive from start to finish.
If you think your child may benefit from early orthodontic treatment or if you’re ready for an initial evaluation, contact Harris Orthodontics today. We offer free consultations to assess your child’s orthodontic needs and determine the best path forward for their smile. Let us help your child get on the path to a healthy, beautiful smile that will last a lifetime!
