It’s true that orthodontics are for all ages. But we often say the earlier, the better. Today, Kottemann Orthodontics will answer and explain this common question: Does early orthodontic treatment improve dental health?
The Short Answer: Yes
We’ll explain a bit more about the benefits of early orthodontic treatment, which in this case refers to treatment as a child or adolescent as opposed to an adult. Again—adults have incredible success with treatment, too, but for anatomical reasons, early intervention can help with overall dental health in the long run.
Straighter teeth and aligned jaws are easier to maintain and clean throughout life.
Types of Early Orthodontic Treatment
There are a number of options that would fall into the category of early or interceptive orthodontic treatment. Generally speaking, these treatments set the stage for future treatment to be executed with ease, as a young person’s teeth change into permanent teeth, or while there is still more flexibility to align them.
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- Cleft Palate/Lip Treatment: Our incredible team of doctors is proud to offer treatment for patients born with this complex manner of orthodontic issue in our office. This sets us apart from many other practices in the area and even the country. Dr. Kottemann and Dr. Holt are both experts in treating this manner of genetic condition through craniofacial orthodontic treatment.
- Space Maintainers: These devices help to keep space open for permanent teeth if a baby tooth is lost prematurely. They prevent surrounding teeth from occupying the empty space.
- Expanders: Palatal expanders are used to widen the upper jaw and create more space for permanent teeth while also improving the bite. They can correct crossbites and make room for crowded teeth.
- Partial Braces: Also known as Phase I braces, these are an excellent preparatory step for a full set of braces. More on this in a second!
- Headgear: This appliance can be used to correct bite issues and guide the growth of the jaws. It’s worn partially outside the mouth and exerts pressure to move teeth and influence jaw growth.
- Retainers: Removable or fixed retainers can be used in early orthodontic treatment to maintain the position of teeth after they’ve been moved into the correct position.
Phase One Orthodontics
We want to highlight this method, as it’s employed so often in our young patients at Kottemann Orthodontics. Here’s what Phase One and Phase Two Treatment looks like:
- Phase One (Early Treatment or Interceptive Phase): Conducted typically between the ages of seven and ten, this phase addresses orthodontic issues while a child still has a mix of baby and permanent teeth. The main goal is to tackle specific problems, such as severe crowding, crossbites, or protruding front teeth, which are best managed during the child’s growth phase.
- Phase Two (Comprehensive Treatment): This phase begins once most or all of the baby teeth have been lost, usually around ages eleven to fourteen. It focuses on achieving the final alignment of permanent teeth and ensuring proper alignment of the upper and lower jaws. Comprehensive treatment often involves the use of full braces or other orthodontic appliances to fine-tune the positions of teeth and bite.
Other Benefits
Finally, here are some of the other many benefits of seeking orthodontic treatment with us earlier in life and how it can set you up for better oral health.
- Addressing the Jaw: During a child’s early years, their jaw is still developing, and the bone tissue is more malleable. Early treatment can guide jaw growth to ensure proper alignment, reducing the risk of disorders such as underbites, overbites, and crossbites. In some severe cases, surgery is the best approach.
- Correcting Habits: Children can develop detrimental oral habits that persist over time. By collaborating with parents, we aim to identify and correct these habits, promoting better oral hygiene practices.
- Improving Speech Development: Orthodontic issues like underbites can impact a child’s speech development. Early intervention can enhance speech patterns as the child grows.
- Enhancing Facial Symmetry: Early treatment can address skeletal and dental issues, improving overall facial symmetry and contributing to a more balanced appearance.
- Boosting Self-Esteem: A child’s dental appearance can significantly impact their self-esteem. Enhancing their smile can boost confidence and positively influence their mental well-being.
- Reducing the Need for Extractions: Extractions are often considered a last resort. By addressing dental issues early, we can reduce the likelihood of needing extractions later in life.
- Improving Airway Function: Problems like narrow dental arches or misaligned teeth can affect airway and breathing patterns. Early treatment can improve airway function and reduce the risk of breathing-related issues like sleep apnea.
- Preventing Trauma: Misaligned teeth, especially protruding ones, can increase the risk of dental injuries during physical activities. Straightening teeth reduces this risk, promoting overall oral health and safety.
Setting Up for Success
Even if you feel like you missed the window for early treatment, you might just have some children or teenagers who will benefit from it! We say that making sure your kids see us by age seven is the way to go. Our amazing offices in Chaska, Maple Grove, Orono, or Plymouth are the perfect places to kick off treatment.