2333 Knob Creek Rd Suite 10
Johnson City, TN 37604
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Call Now, We're Open!
(423) 524-9202
Early Orthodontic Treatment & Braces for Kids
The American Association of Orthodontics (AAO) advises that children receive their first orthodontic exam by age 7.
While the baby teeth are shedding and the adult teeth are erupting, it’s the ideal time for us to complete an early orthodontic screening at our Johnson City office.
Dr. Jewett is highly experienced in evaluating the position of the teeth and bite in growing mouths to identify conditions that may become problematic in the near future.
We will never suggest unnecessary early orthodontic treatment! We only suggest treatment if we determine that it will improve your child’s smile, quality of life, facial development, or overall functionality.
Early orthodontic assessments enable us to monitor the development of the teeth and jaw bones, and evaluate for skeletal growth asymmetries. The earlier we’re able to detect problematic or asymmetric conditions, the earlier we’re able to intervene with treatment and stop these conditions from progressing.
Our goal is to guide emerging teeth and support jaw bone growth to create a harmonious facial appearance and a beautiful smile that will last a lifetime!
Signs that Your Child Needs Early Orthodontic Treatment
There are a few telling signs that your child is in need of early orthodontic treatment:
- Biting of the cheeks
- Underbite or edge-to-edge bite on front teeth
- Scissors bite of front teeth/anterior crossbite
- Facial deformities or asymmetries
- Misaligned, crooked or crowded teeth
- Losing baby teeth too early or too late
- Trouble or discomfort when chewing or biting
- Shifting, cracking or popping when moving the jaw
- Top and bottom teeth do not come together properly
Signs that Your Child Needs Early Orthodontic Treatment
There are a few telling signs that your child is in need of early orthodontic treatment:
- Biting of the cheeks
- Underbite or edge-to-edge bite on front teeth
- Scissors bite of front teeth/anterior crossbite
- Facial deformities or asymmetries
- Misaligned, crooked or crowded teeth
- Losing baby teeth too early or too late
- Trouble or discomfort when chewing or biting
- Shifting, cracking or popping when moving the jaw
- Top and bottom teeth do not come together properly
What is two-phase orthodontic treatment?
Two-phase orthodontic treatment is early orthodontic treatment split into two critical phases: tooth alignment and facial development.
During the younger years, while the jaw bones are still developing, it’s ideal to establish a healthy foundation and a symmetrical appearance by guiding the bones and supporting them in proper development.
Phase one treatment focuses on preparing the mouth for permanent teeth to grow. Orthodontic appliances, like palatal expanders, are often used in this phase to expand the upper jaw and allow enough room for permanent teeth to emerge if there is not enough space. Invisalign® First clear aligners are sometimes an option for phase one treatment.
Phase two treatment focuses on straightening the teeth and aligning the bite. This phase often includes a customized treatment plan using Invisalign® clear aligners or a form of braces for KIDS to guide the permanent teeth and jaw bones into alignment.
Two-phase orthodontic treatment is effective and efficient, because it works with the natural development of the teeth, jaws and facial bones to craft brilliant little smiles!
What is the best age for early orthodontic treatment?
It’s advised that you bring your child in for their first orthodontic exam around age 7. This allows us to guide the growth of permanent teeth to ensure proper alignment while they’re emerging.
We want your child to achieve a healthy smile that bolsters their confidence and optimizes their bite functionality. If we determine that early orthodontic treatment is necessary, we may suggest two-phase orthodontic treatment to shift the teeth into alignment and guide facial growth.
There is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ with early orthodontic treatment; not every child will be ready for treatment at age 7. That’s why it’s important for Dr. Jewett to complete an assessment and determine whether your child is in need of early treatment.
What is the best age for early orthodontic treatment?
It’s advised that you bring your child in for their first orthodontic exam around age 7. This allows us to guide the growth of permanent teeth to ensure proper alignment while they’re emerging.
This allows us to guide the growth of permanent teeth to ensure proper alignment while they’re emerging.
We want your child to achieve a healthy smile that bolsters their confidence and optimizes their bite functionality. If we determine that early orthodontic treatment is necessary, we may suggest two-phase orthodontic treatment to shift the teeth into alignment and guide facial growth.
There is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ with early orthodontic treatment; not every child will be ready for treatment at age 7. That’s why it’s important for Dr. Jewett to complete an assessment and determine whether your child is in need of early treatment.
The Importance of Early Orthodontic Treatment
Early orthodontic treatment enables us to minimize the need for future orthodontic treatment, or minimize the complexity of any future treatment.
Early orthodontic treatment enables us to minimize the need for future orthodontic treatment, or minimize the complexity of any future treatment.
When misalignments of the teeth or bite are left untreated, they sometimes require jaw surgery or headgear to correct. Dr. Jewett is able to detect many problematic orthodontic conditions before they fully develop. Through early detection, we can intervene as necessary and treat these conditions before they progress to the point of requiring a more complex treatment, like jaw surgery.
Early orthodontic treatment can save your child from discomfort or pain caused by his or her condition. When it comes to early orthodontic treatment pros and cons, the pros can far exceed the cons. The pros of early treatment can last the rest of your child’s life!
We will work with you and your child to establish healthy oral hygiene habits that mitigate any cons of treatment. Your child will need to pay extra attention to oral hygiene to avoid plaque build-up between their teeth and within their clear aligners or braces, but these are important habits that will benefit them for years to come.
If your child is around the age of 7 and hasn’t received his or her complimentary orthodontic assessment, we encourage you to request one today!
If you aren’t quite sure whether your child is in need of treatment, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
Dr. Jewett and our amazing team would love to answer all of your questions. Ready to schedule your free exam in Johnson City? Get started today!
