Treatment for children
Children
While there is no exact age for children to begin orthodontic treatment, the ASO recommends visiting the orthodontist around age seven. By this age, most children have a mix of baby teeth and adult teeth, making it easier for Dr Vanco to diagnose and correct tooth and jaw problems sooner and without surgery.
The goal of Phase-One treatment is to help the jaw develop in a way that will accommodate all of the permanent teeth and improve the way the upper and lower jaws fit together. This can help avoid the need for permanent tooth/teeth extractions later in life.
Early intervention can also correct thumb-sucking and help improve minor speech problems as well as address mouth breathing issues to promote more favourable jaw development.
Common reasons why children are considering orthodontic treatment
- early or late loss of baby teeth
- if your child is having a difficult time chewing or biting food
- mouth breathing
- finger or thumb sucking.
Why you should consider treatment
- Guides jaw growth: Young jawbones are soft and easy to shape. Early care fixes issues like crossbites or severe overbites while the child is still growing
- Creates or hold space: It can help prevent severe crowding. Hold space for incoming adult teeth to allow them to erupt in their correct positions.
- Stops bad habits: It helps break long-term thumb-sucking or pacifier habits that shift teeth out of place.
- Protects front teeth: It lowers the risk of trauma or injury to front teeth that stick out.
- Simplifies future care: It can make a second phase of braces shorter and less complex. It may also prevent the need for permanent tooth extractions or jaw surgery later.
