Early Orthodontics

The primary goal of early orthodontics is to address specific dental and skeletal abnormalities during a child's growth and development phase, potentially minimizing the severity of orthodontic problems and reducing the need for more extensive treatments later in life.

Early orthodontic treatment allows our pediatric dentist at Growing Smiles Pediatric Dentistry to identify and address specific dental and skeletal issues early. It starts with evaluating a child's dental and facial development to identify abnormalities such as crowded teeth, crossbites, overbites, underbites, or skeletal discrepancies. By intervening early, our pediatric dentist can guide the growth of the jaws and teeth, potentially reducing the complexity of future orthodontic treatment. 

The Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment 

Guiding Jaw and Dental Development 

Early orthodontics primarily focuses on influencing the development and alignment of the jaws and dental arches. This can be achieved through various techniques, such as using orthodontic appliances, selective tooth extraction, or guiding erupting permanent teeth into proper alignment.

Early orthodontic treatment aims to create a more favorable environment for the eruption of permanent teeth and to improve overall facial aesthetics by influencing the growth and development of the jaws and dental arches. 

Simplifying Future Orthodontic Treatment 

Early orthodontics can simplify and streamline future orthodontic treatment by addressing specific orthodontic issues early on. It can help create a more favorable foundation for the eruption of permanent teeth, reduce the severity of crowding issues or malocclusions, and shorten the overall duration of orthodontic treatment in the future. 

Enhancing Facial Aesthetics and Self-Confidence 

Early orthodontic intervention can positively impact a child's facial aesthetics and self-confidence. By addressing dental and skeletal abnormalities, early orthodontics aims to improve the alignment of the teeth and jaws, resulting in a more harmonious facial appearance. This can contribute to improved self-esteem and overall psychological well-being for the child. 

Types of Early Orthodontic Treatments for Children 

Palatal Expanders 

Palatal expanders are orthodontic devices that widen the upper jaw when it is too narrow. They apply gentle pressure to the upper arch, gradually widening it to create additional space for permanent teeth to erupt correctly. Palatal expanders often address crowding issues, crossbites, or impacted teeth. 

Space Maintainers 

Space maintainers are appliances that hold space in the mouth when a primary tooth is lost prematurely. They help prevent the adjacent teeth from shifting into the space and ensure enough room for the permanent tooth to erupt correctly. Space maintainers can help prevent the need for more complex orthodontic treatments in the future. 

Early Braces 

In some cases, children may benefit from braces at an early age to address specific orthodontic concerns. Early braces can help correct crowding problems, crossbites, or other bite irregularities and guide the growth of the jaw and alignment of permanent teeth. 

For the best dental care for your child, visit Growing Smiles Pediatric Dentistry at 10722 Potranco Rd #109, San Antonio, TX 78251, or call (210) 647-4769. Early orthodontic treatment should be focused on evidence-based practices and tailored to each child's needs to achieve long-term results.