Phase I Orthodontic Treatment
When most people think of orthodontics, they only think of the actual "braces" that are typically placed to straighten your permanent teeth. However, one of the crucial roles that orthodontics plays is the treatment done during a child's early years, before all the permanent teeth have come in.
There are many specific reasons to consider early (Phase 1) orthodontic intervention for children. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child have a check up with an orthodontic specialist no later than age 7. Occasionally, children as young as 4 to 6 are treated for certain orthodontic problems such as underbites. Needs for individual children vary, so the following reasons should be considered:
1. 'Window of opportunity' during growth
Certain jaw movements, such as widening of the upper jaw, should be done prior to fusion of the upper jaw bones which typically starts at age 8. Often by the time all the permanent teeth erupt, the procedures that would have required minimal growth modification during earlier years may require jaw surgery and/or extraction of permanent teeth and may result in compromised treatment results.
2. Decrease need to extract permanent teeth in the future
Your child's jaws continue to grow to accommodate room for their back molars and wisdom teeth. However, contrary to what most parents might think, the space for your child's front teeth is at its maximum at age 4. Between ages 4 and 12, about 4-8 mm of space (the width of a tooth) is lost naturally by the back teeth moving forward. Early treatment minimizes extracting permanent teeth by allowing the Orthodontist to modify the shape of the jaw, create more room and preserve needed space when primary teeth are still present.
3. Avoid or reduce need for facial/oral surgery later on
Decrease the chance of impacted teeth that may require future oral surgery. An Orthodontist can often eliminate the risk of future facial surgery with early treatment at a time when a child's facial growth can be modified.
4. Correct harmful habits
Habits such as thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting can not only interfere with proper speech and chewing.
5. Decrease risk of tooth trauma
6. Improve psychological factors
Improved facial esthetics positively affects your child's outlook and attitude by increasing self-confidence.
7. Increase compliance
Younger patients tend to be more compliant and cooperative
8. Maximize benefits of orthodontics
Having a solid foundation provides final orthodontic results (Phase 2) that are optimal with better stability and ideal facial esthetics. When all the facts are considered, the importance of early orthodontic treatment for young children becomes clear.