EARLY TREATMENT

Your Path To A Perfect Smile

The Canadian Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children should have an orthodontic examination at age 7. At this age, several important dental features can be evaluated such as dental alignment, bite issues, jaw growth, and speech deficiencies.

There are certain issues that we look for at this age that, if not corrected early, can lead to bigger problems later in development. Early intervention can reduce the need for invasive procedures such as the extraction of permanent teeth and jaw surgery.

Orthodontic Problems in Children: Visual Examples and Solutions

Problems to watch for
in children age 7 to 9

  • Inadequate space for the erupting permanent teeth
  • Crossbite between the front and/or back teeth
  • Thumb sucking habit that impacts jaw development
  • Protrusive upper incisors that are prone to traumatic injury
  • Forward tongue posture that interferes with dental alignment
  • Mouth breathing and/or speech impediments
  • Early or late loss of baby teeth

If your child does not require early treatment, they will be placed in our recall program and benefit from regular complimentary visits throughout their dental development. We will monitor the eruption of their permanent teeth and let you know when the ideal time would be to begin orthodontic treatment.

Start orthodontic treatment early with our expert team

Orthodontic Early Treatment FAQs

1. When should my child have their first orthodontic evaluation?
Around the age of 7 is the recommended time to have the first orthodontic evaluation. This is the time when the most important aspects of orthodontic jaw growth evaluation is possible, along with the initial assessment of alignment and bite.
2. What problems do orthodontists look for between ages 7–9?
During this period, we look for signs of dental crowding, crossbites, thumb-sucking, and signs of delayed or premature loss of primary teeth. Also, we look for dental protrusions, tongue-thrusting, mouth breathing, and other speech issues.
3. Why is early intervention important for orthodontic care?
Early intervention helps to minimize complicated orthodontic problems that may require more invasive treatment such as extractions or jaw surgery. This will always improve their orthodontic future.
4. What happens if my child doesn’t require treatment right now?
If early treatment is not necessary, your child will be placed on the recall program, which includes free appointments, so that the team can keep track of their orthodontic development and intervene when necessary.
5. What are the benefits of early intervention?
  • It avoids challenges down the line, such as needing to do extensive extractions or even surgery.
  • It facilitates healthier jaw and face growth, which allows for better alignment as a person matures.
  • It enriches a child’s long-term oral health and personal self-esteem by addressing challenges with alignment and the bite early on.
6. Which specific issues are easier to correct early on?
It is easier to address jaw discrepancies, the impacts of thumb-sucking, and bite alignments, such as crossbites and overbites, when the child’s skeletal system is still maturing.
7. How does early orthodontic care influence treatment later in adolescence?
Down the road, early treatment means the child will need less complicated and shorter therapies and is less likely to have extractions and will have the jaw and smile guided in a more favorable, aesthetically positive direction.
8. What’s the overarching goal of early orthodontic evaluation and treatment?
What are we really focusing on? Helping your child attain a healthy, self-assured smile. Smile challenges and complications are bound to arise and early intervention and monitoring by orthodontists will help your child bypass those complications and achieve a beautiful, functional smile.