Early Treatment
Parents in Charles County and St. Mary’s County, Maryland, who are interested in early orthodontic treatment for their children, are encouraged to contact Sequence Orthodontics, conveniently located in Waldorf, for more information.
Early Treatment
Parents in Charles County and St. Mary’s County, Maryland, who are interested in early orthodontic treatment for their children, are encouraged to contact Sequence Orthodontics, conveniently located in Waldorf, for more information.
What is Early Treatment Orthodontics?
Early treatment, also known as a two-phase, preventative, or interceptive treatment, is a specialized orthodontic process that combines the straightening of teeth with structural facial corrections. The purpose of early treatment is to achieve healthy function, as well as aesthetic results that will remain stable throughout the patient’s life. Back in the day, oral surgery was performed far more frequently, and orthodontic treatment was longer and more aggressive. By approaching treatment in multiple phases and treating patients at a younger age, future surgery may be avoided while still achieving effective orthodontic results using a more gentle and gradual process.
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When is Early Treatment Orthodontics Indicated?
Early orthodontic treatment in children is crucial for several reasons:
- Addresses malocclusion concerns early on.
- Affects gum tissue development based on permanent teeth growth.
- Can prevent future surgery and extractions by creating adequate space.
- May eliminate or shorten the need for orthodontic treatment in adolescence.
- Boosts self-esteem, protects against teasing, and positively impacts a child’s outlook with a beautiful smile.
Is My Child a Good Candidate for Early Orthodontic Treatment?
The American Association of Orthodontics recommends that children should have an orthodontic evaluation at age seven. This is to screen for those patients who will require early treatment. Children whose jaws are still developing and growing, and whose permanent teeth have not erupted fully, are ideal candidates for early orthodontic treatment. Typically, early treatment patients are children around the age of seven in whom the orthodontist has detected problems with tooth and jaw development that could increase if left untreated. When teeth, jaws, and the surrounding soft tissue are still in the development stages of childhood, orthodontic correction is much easier and gentler than if left until the teen years.
