Orthodontics For Children

While there is no exact age for children to begin orthodontic treatment, the Canadian Association of Orthodontists recommends visiting the orthodontist around age seven.

By this age, most children have a mix of baby teeth and adult teeth, making it easier for the orthodontist to diagnose and correct tooth and jaw problems sooner and without surgery.

For parents, it’s not always easy to know if your child may need orthodontic treatment. Here are a few things to look for that may mean your child needs to see an orthodontist:

  • Early or late loss of baby teeth
  • A hard time chewing or biting food
  • Mouth breathing
  • Finger or thumb sucking
  • Crowded, misplaced, or blocked teeth
  • Jaws that pop or make sounds when opening and closing
  • Teeth that come together abnormally, or do not come together at all
  • Jaws and teeth that are not proportionate to the rest of the face
  • Crowded front teeth around age seven or eight

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Early Treatment

Early treatment is something Dr. Rajasekaran considers and does perform only when absolutely necessary. In fact, based on scientific research and orthodontic guidelines, there are several reasons why early orthodontic treatment (also known as Phase I or interceptive treatment) may not be recommended for children in certain cases:

Natural Dental Development: Many orthodontic issues, such as crowding or misalignment, may correct themselves as permanent teeth erupt and jaws continue to grow. Early treatment may not be necessary if the problem is likely to resolve on its own

Potential Over-Treatment: Starting orthodontic treatment too early can lead to unnecessary procedures, including extractions and appliance use, that may not ultimately benefit the child’s long-term dental health.

Psychosocial Impact: Introducing orthodontic treatment at a very young age can potentially impact a child’s self-esteem and social development, especially if their peers are not undergoing similar treatment.

Increased Treatment Duration: Early treatment may not necessarily shorten the overall duration of orthodontic care. In some cases, it might extend the total treatment time if additional phases are needed later.

Risk of Relapse: Teeth may move back to their original positions after early orthodontic treatment if growth and development continue to change facial structures.

Financial Considerations: Early orthodontic treatment can be costly, and the benefits may not outweigh the financial investment if the problem can be managed effectively later on.

Evidence-Based Practice: The American Association of Orthodontists and other professional organizations recommend evidence-based orthodontic care, which often advocates for waiting until the optimal time for treatment based on individual needs and developmental stages.

Long-Term Stability: Orthodontic outcomes are typically more stable when treatment is performed during the optimal developmental period, which may not be during early childhood.

It’s important for parents to consult with a qualified orthodontist who can assess their child’s specific dental and skeletal development to determine the most appropriate timing for orthodontic treatment, if needed. Regular dental check-ups can also help monitor dental growth and catch any issues early, potentially reducing the need for extensive treatment later on.