Early Orthodontic Screening: Giving Your Child the Best Start at Schaefer Dental Group in Lansing, MI
You probably know that it’s never too late to begin orthodontic treatment—but when it comes to your youngster’s teeth, did you know that earlier may be better than later? According to the American Association of Orthodontists, kids should have an initial orthodontic screening at age 7. What makes early evaluation—and potentially, early treatment—so important? Schaefer Dental Group is here to monitor your child’s dental development in Lansing, Michigan.
There are several ways that kids can benefit from an orthodontic evaluation at an early age. But it’s important to recognize that early evaluation isn’t necessarily followed by early treatment; in most cases, if orthodontic work is needed, your child’s growth patterns are simply monitored until it’s time for treatment to begin. This creates an opportunity to get the best results in the most efficient way, and to help prevent future problems. By age six, the first adult molars have typically started to emerge, allowing for an evaluation of the basic alignment and room for all permanent teeth.
When Earlier Treatment Is Better (Phase I Orthodontics)
Treatment for common orthodontic problems typically begins around age 9-14, when all of the baby teeth are gone and many of the permanent ones are in place. But there are some conditions that are much easier to treat if they’re caught at an early age, when a child’s natural growth processes are going full speed ahead. Early intervention may simplify or shorten later treatment, or even eliminate the need for surgery. Conditions that benefit from early treatment include:
- Severe Crossbite: Where the upper teeth close inside the lower teeth. A palatal expander can gradually widen the upper jaw, a treatment that is less complicated when the jaw hasn’t fully developed.
- Severe Crowding: Occurs when the jaws are too small to accommodate all permanent teeth. Early palatal expansion or tooth extraction can help adult teeth emerge properly.
- Protruding Teeth: Especially in front, which are prone to chipping and fractures and can affect self-image.
- Severe Underbite: Caused by the lower jaw growing much larger than the upper jaw. Orthodontic appliances can be used to correct this while the child is still developing, potentially avoiding later surgery.
Correcting Detrimental Habits
A youngster’s parafunctional (detrimental to health) habits can actually influence the development and function of his or her teeth, jaws and mouth. Examples include:
- Persistent Thumb Sucking/Tongue Thrusting: The pressure can cause the teeth to move apart and the jaws to change shape, leading to an “open bite” and potentially impairing speech.
- Mouth Breathing: An abnormal breathing pattern that can cause the upper and lower jaw to grow abnormally, leading to serious orthodontic problems.
Various orthodontic treatments are available to help correct these habits—and the sooner they’re taken care of, the less damage they may cause. These potential problems aren’t always easy to recognize, which is one more reason why you should schedule an early orthodontic screening for your child with Schaefer Dental Group.