Over recent years early intervention has become a tool of choice for treating orthodontic issues that may become more severe or harder to remedy when a child reaches their teens.
And ultimately identifying and managing a problem early can have very real benefits. These range from improved treatment outcomes, the reduction of more invasive work later, less likelihood of tooth extraction and also improved self-esteem and teeth function in the short and long-term for the child involved.
So, what sort of orthodontic issues benefit from early intervention?
Overcrowded teeth
Overcrowded teeth are the most common reason people of all ages visit an orthodontist. In the majority of cases treating overcrowded teeth is simply a matter of making better use of the space available in the jaw by shifting the teeth gently into their rightful position.
However, in the case of severely overcrowded teeth, that becomes tricky because the jaw is simply too small to accommodate all the adult teeth emerging. And this is where early intervention can be hugely beneficial.
Involving treatments like palate expanders, early intervention allows an orthodontist to make space for all the permanent teeth that are struggling to come through.
Not only does this often mitigate the need for tooth extraction later, it can also help ensure there is less wear on the teeth, or they are not subject to trauma in the interim.
Meanwhile, this early intervention utilises a series of growth phases and expands the palate long before a child reaches their teens. It allows teeth to erupt without becoming impacted, shifting other teeth, or wearing against each other.
Serious bite issues
Some bite issues are evident in children as young as 7-10, and while they could potentially be fixed through braces later in life, identifying and minimising them when children are younger can result in better outcomes.
This includes issues like protruding front teeth.
Also known as buck teeth or an increased overbite, protruding front teeth can affect a child’s speech and their self-esteem, in addition to causing potential damage to the teeth.
Because these teeth are more pronounced than their counterparts, they are more likely to be cracked or chipped in a sporting incident and can also cause injury to the lips or mouth.
In some instances, this may make remedying the problem early a priority.
Prolonged thumb sucking
Prolonged thumb sucking beyond the age of five can have serious implications for the formation of the jaw and the position of teeth.
Thumb sucking can lead to protruding front teeth, increased underbite or open bite due to the consistent pressure that is placed on them.
It can also affect the formation of the top of the mouth, which can impact the alignment of the teeth and also result in speech impediments including a lisp.
If your child has vigorously or habitually sucked their thumb beyond the age of five, early intervention can mitigate or reverse the effects, while there are orthodontic appliances available that can help deter children from sucking their thumbs.
Speech and eating problems
Some speech and eating problems are associated with the formation of the jaw and the alignment of the bite. Many of these are best treated early in a bid to improve the functionality of the jaw and the child’s self-esteem.
Impacted teeth
Occasionally an adult tooth fails to erupt and is growing beneath the gumline. Known as an impacted tooth, it can occur for a variety of reasons.
The biggest indicator that a tooth is impacted is when its eruption is delayed. That might mean the baby tooth doesn’t fall out when it should, or it does, yet no adult tooth comes in behind it. Meanwhile, sometimes impacted teeth do erupt, but only partially.
Often impacted teeth do not initially cause pain, but if you suspect that a tooth is taking too long to emerge, it is very important that your child sees an orthodontist.
The sooner an impacted tooth is identified, the more treatment options are available and the less damage it will do.
Impacted teeth have the potential to cause serious damage to the teeth that surround them. They place additional pressure on these teeth and can ultimately lead to problems like breakage, decay and the loss of surrounding teeth.
If an orthodontist identifies an impacted tooth early, they can work to create the desired space for it and guide it into the correct position using less invasive treatment and before its does damage to surrounding teeth.
When is the right time?
The Australian Society of Orthodontists recommends all children see an orthodontist at age 7. This allows the specialist orthodontist to identify any of the issues listed above and commence treatment if they believe it is required.
If early intervention is recommended, it can help eliminate the need for any tooth extractions, reduce the likelihood of invasive treatment and result in better outcomes and increased confidence for the child involved.
It’s important to note, early intervention is often part of a two-phase treatment process, where stage one takes place prior to a child’s teens and the second stage resumes treatment in the teen years to offer ideal results. In some cases, the second stage may not be required, however it usually comprises standard treatments like braces, and often any subsequent treatment during this phase takes less time.
It’s also helpful to understand, patients do not require a referral from their dentist to see an orthodontist. If you would like your child assessed, you can simply make an appointment with a specialist orthodontist.
About Norwest
Norwest Orthodontics specialises in helping you achieve a great smile, no matter your age. We feature a range of orthodontic treatments that span from early intervention right through to remedial adult work.
We also have a suite of treatments available that includes Invisalign and we welcome the opportunity to work with you to achieve the smile that you’ve always dreamed of.
You can learn more about our services, or contact us here to make an appointment.
