Parents naturally want the best for their children, especially when it comes to their health and development. You likely monitor their height, weight, and general well-being, but there is one aspect of development that is easy to overlook until the teenage years: their smile. While many people associate orthodontics with teenagers wearing metal braces, the foundation for a healthy smile is built much earlier.
We often hear parents ask, "Is my child too young for the orthodontist?" It is a valid question. You might see a few crooked baby teeth and assume it is best to wait until all the permanent teeth arrive. However, waiting can sometimes make orthodontic issues more complex to treat later.
This article outlines exactly why early evaluation is crucial. We will explore how monitoring jaw growth and tooth eruption at a young age can prevent serious issues, reduce treatment time in the future, and give your child the best start for a lifetime of confidence.
Why Age Seven is the Magic Number
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic check-up by age seven. To some parents, this might seem surprisingly early. After all, most seven-year-olds still have a mouth full of baby teeth. However, this is precisely why we want to see them.
A Mix of Teeth Tells a Story
At this age, children usually have a mix of primary (baby) teeth and permanent teeth. Their first adult molars have typically erupted, which establishes the back bite. This allows us to effectively evaluate the relationship between the upper and lower jaws. We can see how the bite is developing side-to-side and front-to-back. Even if your child’s teeth look straight to the untrained eye, there may be subtle problems with jaw growth or erupting teeth that only a trained orthodontist can detect.
Monitoring Growth Patterns
The primary goal of an initial exam is not necessarily to put braces on your child immediately. In fact, in many cases, we simply place the patient in an observation program. This means we check them periodically—usually every six to twelve months—to monitor their growth and development. We watch how the jaws are growing and ensure the permanent teeth have enough room to come in.
Think of this as a "watch and wait" period. It gives us a baseline. If problems do arise, we catch them right at the start. If everything looks great, you get the peace of mind of knowing your child’s development is on track.
Correcting Functional Issues Before They Worsen
When we do recommend treatment at a younger age, it is often referred to as "Phase I" or "interceptive" treatment. The goal here is physical and functional. We aim to guide the growth of the jaw and correct certain bite problems that could damage the teeth or gums if left untreated. Because a child's jaw bones are still growing and are more pliable than an adult's, we can achieve results that might be impossible—or require surgery—later in life.
Creating Space and Resolving Crowding
Severe crowding is one of the most common issues we see. If a child’s jaw is too narrow, there simply isn't enough room for the larger adult teeth to fit. Without intervention, this can lead to severe crowding where adult teeth come in rotated, twisted, or even blocked out completely (impacted).
By using appliances like palatal expanders, we can gently widen the upper jaw. This takes advantage of the natural growth suture in the roof of the mouth that has not yet fused. By creating more space, we allow permanent teeth to erupt into better positions on their own. This can significantly reduce the likelihood of needing tooth extractions later to alleviate crowding.
Fixing Bite Misalignments
Bite issues like crossbites, overbites, and underbites are best addressed early.
- Crossbites: This occurs when the upper jaw is too narrow, causing the upper teeth to sit inside the lower teeth. If left untreated, a crossbite can cause the jaw to shift to one side, leading to permanent asymmetry in facial growth and uneven wear on the teeth.
- Protruding Front Teeth: When upper front teeth stick out excessively, they are at a much higher risk of trauma. A simple fall on the playground or a bump during sports can easily chip or knock out a protruding tooth. Early treatment can move these teeth back into a safer position, protecting your child’s smile from accidental damage.
Correcting Harmful Oral Habits
Ideally, thumb sucking and pacifier habits stop before permanent teeth arrive. If these habits persist beyond age five or six, they can reshape the jawbone and push teeth out of alignment, creating an "open bite" where the front teeth don't touch. Early orthodontic intervention can include specialized appliances that help children break these habits and allow the bite to normalize naturally.
Setting the Stage for Easier Teen Years
One of the biggest advantages of early treatment is how it simplifies the future. By addressing significant structural issues while the child is young, we pave the way for a much smoother orthodontic experience during the teenage years.
Simplifying Phase II Treatment
Most children who undergo Phase I treatment will still need braces or aligners later, once all their permanent teeth have erupted. We call this Phase II. However, because we have already corrected the heavy lifting—like jaw width and bite relationship—Phase II focuses mostly on fine-tuning the alignment and aesthetics of the teeth.
This often means the second phase is shorter and less aggressive. We rarely need to extract permanent teeth for crowding if we have already expanded the arches. In some cases, early treatment might even eliminate the need for Phase II entirely, though this depends heavily on the individual patient’s growth.
Boosting Self-Esteem
While we focus heavily on the clinical benefits, we cannot ignore the social and emotional impact of a smile. Children can be sensitive about their appearance, and teasing can occur as early as elementary school. If a child is self-conscious about protruding teeth or severe spacing, it can affect their confidence to smile, speak, or participate in class.
Correcting these visible issues early can provide a significant boost to a child’s self-esteem. It allows them to navigate their critical developmental years without the burden of hiding their smile.
Building Good Habits
Starting the orthodontic journey early helps instill good oral hygiene habits. Children learn the importance of brushing around appliances and taking care of their teeth. Our team works closely with young patients to teach them proper techniques. When you seek early orthodontic treatment in Bakersfield, you are partnering with a team that values education as much as treatment results. We ensure both you and your child understand how to maintain a healthy mouth.
Getting Started
Deciding when to start orthodontic treatment is a big decision, but you do not have to make it alone. The benefits of an early evaluation are clear: we can guide jaw growth, lower the risk of trauma to protruding teeth, correct harmful oral habits, and improve the way lips meet. More importantly, we can potentially reduce treatment time and complexity in the future.
At Baker Orthodontics, we believe in a proactive approach to your child’s dental health. Whether we recommend immediate treatment or simply invite you to join our observation program, our goal remains the same: to ensure your child achieves a healthy, functional, and beautiful smile for life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does early treatment mean my child won't need braces as a teenager?
Not necessarily. Early treatment (Phase I) is designed to correct specific structural or functional problems, such as jaw width or bite alignment. Most children will still need a second phase of treatment (Phase II) once all permanent teeth have erupted to ensure every tooth is perfectly straight. However, Phase I usually makes Phase II shorter and easier.
What happens if we wait until all the baby teeth fall out?
In some cases, waiting is fine. However, if your child has a skeletal issue like a narrow palate or a severe underbite, waiting until the teenage years can make treatment much more difficult. Once the jaw bones stop growing and fuse, correcting these issues might require tooth extractions or jaw surgery. Early evaluation allows us to use growth to our advantage.
At Baker Orthodontics, we are dedicated to providing clarity and comfort throughout your family's orthodontic journey. If you suspect your child may benefit from an evaluation, we invite you to schedule an appointment with our friendly team today. Let us help you plan for a future of bright, healthy smiles.
