Early Orthodontic Treatment

Setting Your Child Up For a Healthy Smile

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children see an orthodontist by age 7. At this age, children typically have a mixture of baby teeth and some permanent teeth.

Early orthodontic patient smiling in dental chair

At their first orthodontic appointment, our board certified orthodontist, will assess the growth and development of your child’s jaw and teeth to determine if and when your child needs early orthodontic treatment.

Why Should My Child Visit An Orthodontist?

Although many children do not need early orthodontic treatment, a check-up with Dr. Rosenberg or Dr. Nicole Czajka can catch any emerging issues and check the development of your child’s jaw. Development issues that are caught early at this age are corrected much more easily with less invasive, faster treatment options than waiting until children are older. Another benefit of early orthodontic evaluation is avoiding the problem worsening when left unresolved.

If your child sucks their thumb, pacifier or other object it is a good idea to visit us for periodic check ups, as these habits can affect jaw development and are much easier to correct with early orthodontic treatment. If you have any questions or concerns about whether your child needs early treatment, our team are happy to answer them.

Reasons For Early Orthodontic Treatment

Some potential problems that parents should be aware of in children include:

In this situation, the lower front teeth jut out in front of the upper teeth, which can cause gum and bone issues as teeth develop.

The upper teeth in the back of the jaw sit inside the lower teeth. This condition can be caused by an upper jaw that may not be developing properly.

The upper front teeth extend out excessively over the bottom teeth. These teeth are at greater risk for trauma.

Children with an open bite have front teeth that do not touch. This can often result from thumb or finger sucking.

In this condition the upper teeth cover too much of the lower front teeth, which can cause excessive wear if not corrected.

Teeth that are widely spaced or very crowded is an issue that should be corrected early.

Sometimes permanent teeth do not erupt after the baby teeth fall out. Early intervention with Dr. Rosenberg can help guide the permanent teeth into position.

If our team notices a potential problem with your child’s bite, we may recommend Phase 1 treatment. In most cases, Dr. Rosenberg or Dr. Nicole Czajka will simply recommend check-ups to monitor your child’s dental development until treatment is necessary.

Early Orthodontic Treatment At Smile Experience Orthodontics

Many orthodontic issues can be more easily corrected at a young age as the jaw is still growing. Our team may use a combination of the following treatment methods during early orthodontic treatment:

A palatal expander is a type of orthodontic appliance used to widen the upper jaw, or palate. It attaches to your child’s upper back teeth and sits against the roof of the mouth. By widening the palate, there will be enough room for the permanent teeth to erupt, and discrepancies between the upper and lower jaw will be fixed to create an ideal bite.

Depending on your child’s age and their specific orthodontic concerns, it could be possible to pair an expander with braces as part of comprehensive treatment. However, when it comes to certain issues, including airway problems, using an expander as a phase 1 appliance will achieve the best outcome with braces to follow in a subsequent phase.

At Smile Experience Orthodontics, Dr. Rosenberg and Dr. Nicole Czajka take every measure to make early orthodontic treatment as comfortable and efficient as possible. Our expanders are 3D-printed and do not require the use of bands and spacers. This ultimately leads to fewer in-person visits and a better treatment experience for the young patient.

Orthodontic team member reading to little girl

Do All Children Need Early Orthodontic Treatment?

Not all children require early orthodontic treatment. Your pediatric dentist may recommend your child see us, or as a parent you may be the first to notice a problem with your child’s teeth or bite. Many orthodontic issues can be addressed effectively during adolescence when the permanent teeth have erupted. However, in cases where early intervention is beneficial, orthodontic treatment can lead to more efficient and less invasive treatment later on.

Ready To Schedule A Consultation?

Whether your child is just turning 7 years old or your child’s dentist has recommended you come see us, our experienced team are ready to help your child grow a healthy, beautiful smile. Schedule a consultation today at our Wayne, Florham Park or Oak Ridge location by calling our team or using our online form.

Orthodontist smiling with patient in chair need braces

The Experience You Deserve

Begin your smile journey with Smile Experience Orthodontics. Request an appointment at our conveniently located offices in Wayne, Florham Park or Oak Ridge, NJ. Our dedicated team will guide you through your remarkable transformation!