During a child's growth, dental health and oral development are crucial and have lasting impacts. Many believe the best age to have orthodontic treatment is during adolescence or adulthood, waiting until all permanent teeth have erupted and skeletal development is complete. However, this can lead to missing the optimal period for orthodontics. For parents, understanding the golden period for their child's orthodontics is essential.
Golden period for orthodontic treatments: Ages 7 to 12
Generally, children start losing their primary teeth around age six, which is when permanent teeth begin to emerge. The golden period for orthodontic treatment typically occurs during the transition from primary to permanent teeth, around ages seven to twelve. If a dentist can design an appropriate orthodontic plan during this time, they can create additional space as primary teeth fall out, allowing incoming permanent teeth to erupt in better positions. This proactive approach not only reduces the likelihood of crowding later but also prevents misalignment and bite issues.
Furthermore, during this active growth phase of a child's jaw, orthodontic treatments such as functional appliances or clear aligners can non-surgically expand narrow dental arches, creating more space for permanent teeth.
Common cases include children experiencing anterior crossbites during the transition. If the upper front teeth are covered by the lower front teeth, early treatment before skeletal maturation is critical. If left unaddressed, these skeletal issues may worsen, requiring surgical correction later when the jaw has fully developed.
Methods of orthodontic treatment for children
1. Functional Appliances
During the transition phase, if a child exhibits narrow dental arches or bite issues, using functional appliances can promote jaw development and correct growth deficiencies. These devices can also adjust jaw position to improve bite relationships. For instance, many children have a retruded mandible; using a functional appliance like Twin Blocks can advance the lower jaw and stimulate growth, narrowing the distance between the upper and lower jaws. Most functional appliances are removable, so the longer a child wears them, the more effective the treatment.
2. Clear Aligners
During the transition, children can effectively address early crowding and bite issues by wearing custom-made clear aligners as directed by their dentist. With sufficient wear time, significant results can often be achieved in less than eighteen months, completing the first phase of treatment. After all teeth have erupted, a further evaluation can determine if a second phase of treatment is necessary.
Consult a dentist for early treatment of children’s dental issues
It is important to take children to a dentist for an oral check-up early on. If potential dental and bite problems are identified, a treatment plan can be developed promptly. This approach is generally more effective than waiting until after all teeth have erupted and skeletal development has slowed, helping to avoid more complex orthodontic treatments in the future.
