Hearing that your child needs braces while they still have baby teeth can be confusing.
Many parents expect orthodontic treatment to begin after all their adult teeth have come in. However, in some cases, earlier intervention can make a significant difference. The solution: phase one orthodontics.
The experienced pediatric dentists at My Kidz Dentist in Phoenix, Arizona, are here to help you understand how treatment may help your child.
Our team sometimes recommends early treatment, also known as interceptive orthodontics, when they see signs that a child's mouth is not developing as it should. It doesn’t mean your child will be in braces for years on end. Instead, early treatment can fix specific problems and guide jaw and tooth development as your child grows.
By making adjustments during this early stage, we can often prevent more serious issues down the road. In many cases, this can shorten or even eliminate the need for braces during the teen years.
Although braces improve the smile with straighter teeth, they also serve a variety of non-cosmetic purposes. When your child still has baby teeth, we are examining how their bite is developing. If their upper and lower jaws don’t line up correctly, then chewing, speaking, and even breathing can become problematic.
Your child may have issues such as crowding, crossbites, or a narrow jaw that can affect how their teeth and jaws develop. Catching these problems early allows us to guide development in a healthier direction.
Sometimes the issue isn’t visible to the naked eye. That’s why a trained specialist may recommend treatment even if your child’s teeth appear straight.
When your child is young, their bones are still growing and are more adaptable — making it the perfect time to guide the jaw and help permanent teeth erupt into their proper position. Orthodontic treatment during this stage can be much more effective and efficient.
For example, an expander can help widen the upper jaw, creating more room for incoming adult teeth. If you wait too long, correcting the same issue may require surgery or longer treatment later.
Though braces at a young age may seem premature, they often set the stage for a smoother, healthier smile in the future.
Not every child needs early treatment, but for those who do, it often follows a two-phase approach. The first phase typically occurs between the ages of 6 and 10, while baby teeth are still present. It addresses growth-related concerns.
The second phase occurs later, typically around age 12 or older, once most or all of the permanent teeth have erupted. At that point, we fine-tune alignment and bite using braces or aligners.
Doing a little early work can sometimes reduce how long your child needs braces in the second phase, or prevent the need entirely.
It’s important to remember that not all children need braces while they still have baby teeth. Some can wait until they’re older with no negative impact. Others benefit from starting earlier.
Even though children should have their first orthodontic checkup by age 7, the visit doesn’t always lead to treatment. It does, however, help identify concerns early. If there are no problems, we will simply continue to monitor growth and development.
If we recommend braces while they still have baby teeth, don’t panic. Ask questions. Get a comprehensive understanding of what the treatment will address and what it aims to achieve.
Early orthodontics isn’t just about appearance. It’s about guiding growth, improving function, and laying the foundation for long-term dental health. In many cases, early action leads to better outcomes and fewer problems later.
Call our office or book an appointment online, and let us guide you.
