Can Young Children Benefit From Orthodontic Treatment?
Did you recently learn that your young child may be in need of orthodontic care? Many parents are surprised when we recommend orthodontic treatment for their young children. The preconceived notion is that braces should be placed during teenage years. Orthodontic care has transformed over the years, and it is not uncommon for children as young as five to experience two-phase treatment. There are also signs that may indicate your child is in need of orthodontic treatment. Read on to learn more about two phase treatment and warning signs to look out for.
What is Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment?
Two-phase orthodontic treatment is breaking traditional orthodontic care into two components, the first being the placement of the jaw, and the second the placement of the teeth. During phase one, we take advantage of the growing body and aid in the correct movement and placement of the jaw to house all of the adult teeth when they emerge. Doing this at an early age can help eliminate the need for more extensive treatments to move the jaw at a later date. It is not uncommon for children to show signs of jaw problems. Once the permanent teeth are in place, phase two can begin. This is the process of transitioning the teeth into the desired placement. Using both of these methods together can eliminate unnecessary treatment time.
Four Signs that Indicate Your Child Should be Examined for Orthodontic Treatment
It can be confusing to determine what constitutes needing orthodontic care. We have compiled four indicators that tell you it is time to schedule an appointment in our office:
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- Crowded or missing teeth
- Mouth breathing or excessive snoring
- Misalignment in the position of the jaw
If you notice any of these warning signs, don’t hesitate to mention it during your next visit to our office. If you were unaware, along with traditional dental care, we are proud to provide orthodontic services to our patients in the Kewaskum, WI area. We want to help meet your child’s orthodontic needs as early as possible.
