Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment

The aim of early treatment is to intercept any developing problem and eliminate the cause. It is also meant to help guide the growth of the jaw and facial bones and provide sufficient space for the incoming permanent teeth. A second course of treatment may be beneficial later on. This is when all the permanent teeth have come in. The second phase is meant to ensure that the teeth are moved into the ideal positions.

Early treatment can be beneficial if the problem is one that could end up becoming more serious if it is not treated. There is a variety of problems that oral health care providers recommend treating while a kid still has some baby teeth. These include crowded teeth, excessively spaced teeth and missing or extra teeth. It is also common for orthodontists to treat underbites, crossbites, or teeth that either meet abnormally or do not meet at all. They also help with finger-, thumb- or pacifier- sucking that is affecting either the teeth or jaw growth.

Some orthodontic problems may result from dental disease, accidents or abnormal swelling. Others are often inherited. Early orthodontic treatment can take a variety of forms. The dental provider may even prescribe a removable or fixed appliance.

The appliances often help to move teeth, change the jaw’s position or hold the teeth in place to bring about the desired changes. In some cases, no appliances are necessary. The removal of some baby teeth may increase the chances of permanent teeth erupting better. The extractions are often timed in order to take full advantage of the patient’s growth and development.