Early interceptive orthodontic treatment is intended for the growing child at a much younger age than for traditional braces. The old adage of waiting until all the baby teeth fall out is no longer valid. Better results can often be attained by addressing early crowding and monitoring facial growth — waiting for all the baby teeth to be lost may not be the best option for your child. That's why we offer early orthodontic interceptive treatment in addition right here at our pediatric dentist's office in Boerne, TX, particularly during the first few years of life (birth to age 4).
If you are concerned about the way your child’s teeth are coming in, we can help. If your child is self-conscious about smiling, having braces can greatly improve the way he or she looks and feels.
When treatment is complete, your child will have an amazing, healthy smile, as well as the confidence to show it off! We want you and your child to feel comfortable and confident throughout the entire orthodontic experience, so our practice is dedicated to making sure that your child receives the quality care they deserve.
Why Choose Early Interceptive Orthodontic Treatment?
It is recommended by the American Orthodontic Association that children should be evaluated by age 7. This makes early childhood the prime period for monitoring proper facial growth and development, as rapid growth of the face and jaws occur during this time period. Problems that alter normal facial and jaw growth need to be identified early and treated so your child will have a great smile and a more beautiful face when they are older. By the time traditional braces are placed when permanent teeth are in, the face has limited growth into adulthood, leaving fewer options for treatment when there is more severe crowding, often leading to loss of pristine permanent teeth to make the room or prolonged treatment times.
Bones and teeth in younger children have a more rapid response to treatment — early interceptive orthodontic treatment can sometimes eliminate a future need for traditional braces!
How Early Orthodontic Treatment Works
Orthodontic appliances are made to move teeth into better positions for health, proper function, and a beautiful smile. They may be removable or they may be brackets bonded to the teeth. By placing a constant, gentle force in a carefully controlled direction, braces slowly move teeth to the proper position.
Gone are the days when a metal band with a bracket was placed around each tooth. Orthodontic patients can have brackets that are bonded directly to the teeth, Wires are far less noticeable, and the latest materials are designed to move teeth faster with more comfort.
How Long Does Early Orthodontic Treatment Take?
At The Kids Place, the treatment length for early orthodontic care will depend on several factors, including age, treatment method, and the severity of the case. Treatment time varies and can last between one and three years. Receiving interceptive, or early orthodontic treatment, can also help provide a quicker treatment time later on in life. Another big factor to a successful treatment is your child’s cooperation. The more involved and diligent your child is, the quicker and more efficient treatment will be.
Before beginning your child’s orthodontic care, our skilled pediatric dentist will discuss all of your child’s options and provide an estimate for how long full treatment may take. Contact our practice today to schedule an appointment and learn more about orthodontics and the treatments we provide, including:
Interceptive Orthodontics
Children with moderate to severe dental crowding will benefit from interceptive or early orthodontic treatment. Parents typically notice crowding when the lower front permanent teeth first appear around age 6 years. At The Kids Place, our pediatric dental team will evaluate patients' smiles early on, when permanent teeth should be coming in, if they are crowded, when they are delayed, and when they are coming in out of position.
By recognizing and addressing orthodontic concerns early, we can often eliminate future extractions of permanent teeth, improve overall health and function of the mouth, and help give your child a beautiful smile.
Orthodontic Arch Development
Orthopedic arch development can often make room for the permanent teeth eliminating extensive treatment times later, and will reduce or eliminate the removal of permanent teeth that so often occurs when children undergo orthodontic treatment at a later age. In addition, arch development can improve your child’s ability to breath, and breath through the nose. Nasal breathing is the key to a well balanced face.
Although not every child will require this type of early treatment, it is important to have them screened by a knowledgeable dentist at an early age. You don’t want to miss an opportunity that would benefit your child, their face, or their smile!
Dentofacial Orthopedics (Dental Arch Development)
In the traditional model of orthodontic care, braces are delivered after all or at least most of the permanent teeth are in the mouth. Thus, most kids get braces in their late childhood or early teen years. At this age the majority of facial growth (90%) has occurred and options to deal with crowded teeth have become more limited. Dental crowding, on the other hand, starts early with the eruption of the first permanent teeth around age 6 years.
Waiting years for treatment can lead to compromise in facial growth and esthetics, compromise in health, loss of permanent teeth, or even more extensive and expensive treatments. At The Kids Place, we focus on treating dental crowding early, when the face has a larger growth potential.
Gently guiding your child's dental arches back to normal dimensions will allow room for the permanent teeth to come in uncrowded, assist in correct muscle and tongue function, and even improve nasal breathing.
Learn More About Early Orthodontics For Your Child
If you have questions or concerns about your child’s teeth, contact our office to schedule your for an orthodontic screening for your child. Dr. Wilkerson will perform a clinical evaluation of your child’s bite and dental eruption pattern to determine if early orthodontic treatment is right for your child!
We can't wait to meet you and your family!