For many parents, determining the right time for a child’s first orthodontic visit can be a source of questions. It is a common misconception that orthodontic care only begins in the teenage years. However, an early evaluation focuses on assessing a child’s developing teeth and jaws. This initial visit does not always lead to immediate treatment, but identifies potential issues early.
Ideal Age for First Orthodontic Evaluation
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) suggests that a child’s first orthodontic evaluation should occur around age seven. This recommendation is based on the typical dental development at this stage, where a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth are present. Most children will have their first permanent molars and incisors erupted, allowing an orthodontist to assess jaw growth and emerging tooth patterns.
Evaluating a child at this age allows for the early identification of subtle issues with jaw growth or the eruption of permanent teeth. It provides an opportunity to observe how the upper and lower jaws are developing in relation to each other. While treatment may not be initiated immediately, this early assessment helps determine if and when intervention might be beneficial.
Factors Influencing Orthodontic Timing
Several developmental and structural factors guide an orthodontist’s decision regarding the timing of treatment for a child. These include jaw growth discrepancies, such as an underbite where the lower teeth extend beyond the upper teeth, or an overbite where the upper front teeth significantly protrude over the lower ones. Crossbites, where upper teeth fit inside the lower ones, are also assessed.
Other factors closely monitored include:
Tooth eruption patterns and space issues, such as severe crowding or significant spacing.
Early or late loss of baby teeth, which can affect the proper eruption of permanent teeth.
Harmful oral habits, like prolonged thumb-sucking or pacifier use, which can impact jaw development and tooth alignment.
Speech impediments or difficulty chewing, which may be related to dental issues.
Understanding Early Orthodontic Treatment
Early orthodontic treatment, often referred to as Phase One treatment or interceptive orthodontics, typically takes place between ages six and nine. This phase aims to correct significant problems early to prevent them from worsening over time. Its purpose is to guide jaw growth and create adequate space for permanent teeth to erupt correctly.
Common appliances used in early treatment include palatal expanders, which gently widen the upper jaw to create more space for crowded teeth and correct crossbites. Partial braces may be used on a limited number of teeth, or space maintainers might be placed to hold space for permanent teeth if baby teeth are lost prematurely. This initial phase often lasts between nine and twelve months and is typically followed by a rest period, during which the child’s remaining permanent teeth emerge. A second phase of treatment, usually involving full braces, may then be necessary in the adolescent years to refine the alignment once all permanent teeth have erupted.