Orthodontists are specialized dentists who are involved with the treatment of irregularly aligned teeth. Treatments can include the use of braces and appliances and in rare cases, oral surgery. Some children need an orthodontist’s help right from their early years if their teeth are coming out irregularly or have bite problems. Children as young as 7 years may need orthodontic treatment to position their growing teeth correctly. Manipulation of teeth is easier and more effective when done at an early age, and can prevent major procedures in the later years. What’s even better is that the traditional braces – which meant a mouth full of steel wires and brackets, has now been replaced with more aesthetic and advanced technology. A variety of clear aligners are the latest in orthodontic treatments and are easier to use and more effective too. The OrthoFX is one of these new-gen invisible aligners that are ideal for young kids as they can easily remove them when it’s time to eat or drink and replace them back when done. And there are no dietary restrictions either, like avoiding hard-to-chew foods.

Early orthodontic treatment

The best time for getting your child evaluated by an orthodontist is by the age of 6-7 years. Not every child will require orthodontic treatment, but its better to have a checkup to ensure that permanent teeth will come out properly. Early evaluation reduces the risk of issues such as crowded teeth, crooked teeth, bite issues and gaps. Also referred to as Phase I treatment, it includes use of partial braces, palatal expanders and retainers. These are interceptive or preventive care of skeletal issues of the jaw and alignment as the permanent teeth emerge.

Conditions requiring Early Orthodontic Treatment

The best way to treat orthodontic issues is at the early stages. An oral examination and dental x-ray provide further details on the child’s teeth alignment and other jaw issues. Some of the concerns for which treatment is required include: 1.Bite complications 2.Protruding dentition 3.Malocclusion 4.Narrow jaw Starting treatment early on (Phase I) ensures a head start for Phase II treatment which will be of a shorter duration. Hence, interceptive or preventive treatment with appliances is better done during the growth phase before a majority of the permanent teeth have cut through. A secondary Phase II of treatment could then include braces or aligners (8-14 age) to guide the intended end-result. Orthodontists believe that guidance of growth with dental appliances (Phase I) before starting the Phase II of treatment, makes dental corrections easier and of shorter duration.