Early Orthodontic Intervention Lake Zurich
Timely Care for a Lifetime of Healthy Smiles
Did you know that the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children undergo an orthodontic evaluation by age 7? While that might seem quite young, there is actually good reason behind this advice. When developmental issues are caught at the right time, they frequently require less extensive care than they would if treatment were delayed. That is why our Lake Zurich team is proud to offer early orthodontic intervention for young smiles in our community. Contact us today to set up an appointment for your child.
Why Choose G&G Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics for Early Orthodontic Intervention?
- Highly Skilled On-Staff Orthodontist
- Caring Team & a Welcoming Environment
- Multiple Financial Options Available
How Early Orthodontic Intervention Works
Early orthodontic intervention is often called “phase 1 orthodontics.” These terms mean essentially the same thing; they refer to orthodontic care that occurs around the time a child is starting to lose their baby teeth. This usually happens between the ages of 6 and 9. The goal is to guide development of key oral structures so the jaws and adult teeth can grow in a way that supports optimum function and aesthetics.
Early orthodontic intervention may involve the limited use of braces, but it could also require other gear, such as:
- Headgear to adjust jaw alignment
- A Herbst appliance or other devices that focus on properly aligning the bite
- Palatal expanders to create more space in the upper dental arch
- Space maintainers to maintain an open space for an incoming adult tooth where a baby tooth was lost prematurely
- Other appliances as needed
Who Is a Good Candidate for Early Orthodontic Intervention?
When you bring your child to us for their orthodontic evaluation, we will let you know if they need treatment. While all kids should undergo this assessment, it is especially important that you book an appointment for your child if they are exhibiting signs of an orthodontic problem, such as:
- Visibly misaligned teeth, which may include crowding, overlapping, crooked teeth, or large gaps between teeth
- Bite problems, such as an underbite or overbite
- Functional issues that may be related to dental misalignment, such as snoring, difficulty chewing, speech challenges, or prolonged use of a pacifier
The Benefits of Early Orthodontic Intervention
Early orthodontic intervention has the potential to deliver some valuable benefits:
- Reduced need for orthodontic care in the future: In some cases, early intervention can eliminate the need for braces when a child reaches adolescence or adulthood. In other cases, this treatment makes additional orthodontic care easier and less extensive.
- Improved function and appearance: Your child may breathe, speak, and eat more easily as a result of treatment. They may also be at a reduced risk of dental problems like cavities.
- The potential to avoid surgery: Guiding the jaw’s development during childhood might eliminate the need for corrective surgery in the future.
