Early orthodontic treatment

We can often tell if your child is going to experience orthodontic problems early on as the primary (baby) teeth begin to fall out and the underlying permanent teeth begin to fall into place. Early orthodontic treatment allows us to keep the permanent teeth in alignment while they come down through the gums. This can prevent the need for more invasive orthodontic work later on when your child is a teenager. We recommend that all parents have their children come in for an orthodontic evaluation as soon as their primary (baby) teeth begin to fall out.

There are many benefits that come with early orthodontic treatment. For one, it allows us to prevent the need for more invasive work later on. By helping to keep the permanent teeth in alignment while they are coming down into place, this can help your child's smile to look full, natural and healthy. Because misaligned teeth can cause issues with oral hygiene and poor self-esteem, it is important to consider early orthodontic treatment for your child.

To determine if your child can benefit from early orthodontic treatment, we will have them come in for an exam. The exam includes a series of x-rays to give us a clear view of the underlying permanent teeth that have not yet come down through the gums. Most children are good candidates for this type of treatment. Parents will find it helps to prevent years in an orthodontic office when their children become teenagers.

The first step is to consult with you and your child. We will take impressions, x-rays and perform an exam to get to know your child's smile. Most often, early orthodontic treatment is done when there are still a lot of the baby teeth in the mouth, but when there are some permanent teeth coming down through the gum line. Depending on your child's unique needs, we may fit them with appliances or braces as needed. Treatment is done comfortably and easily in our office. It is important to stick with any subsequent orthodontic appointments so that treatment is not prolonged.

If you feel that your child would benefit from early orthodontic treatment, contact us today so that we can get them in for an appointment as soon as possible.