Orthodontic treatment doesn’t always start in middle school. Children as young as 7 can also be a candidate for early orthodontic treatment known as Phase 1 or Interceptive Treatment. This stage of orthodontics is short and has a limited focus, particularly on bite or jaw issues.
At Georgia Orthodontics & Children’s Dentistry, we have the unique streamlined ability to recognize bite issues and the need for early orthodontic treatment during your child’s routine dental exams. While we can detect these concerns by a visual exam and digital x-rays, there are also some specific warning signs or symptoms that can be indications that your child may have a poor bite and needs an orthodontic evaluation, such as the following:
- difficulty chewing due to improperly aligned teeth
- facial muscle or jaw pain
- headaches and ear aches
- teeth grinding at night
- permanent teeth coming in (erupting) out of their normal position
- problems with biting the cheek or roof of the mouth
- speech difficulties
- functional habits such as thumb sucking, mouth breathing or tongue thrusting
Not only can malocclusion (bad bite) cause disruptions to your child’s everyday habits and quality of life, but it can also set the stage for more aggressive orthodontic therapy in the coming years. Early interceptive orthodontic treatment often involves functional appliances that can often reduce the time your child spends in fixed braces. These customized appliances can gently guide the jaws as they grow and develop.
Worried about your child’s bite? Is your child already expressing concerns about the alignment and appearance of their smile? Don’t wait too late. Early orthodontic evaluation and treatment is available in Alpharetta. Call Georgia Orthodontics & Children’s Dentistry today.
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