The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an initial consultation with an orthodontist at the age of 7. Around this age, children have a mix of baby and adult teeth. Most children will not need treatment at this young age, but there are a few problems that can be diagnosed around this time and, if treated early, increase the success of future orthodontic treatment.

 

A panoramic radiograph at the age of 7 can identify eruption problems, which would make it difficult or impossible for certain adult teeth to erupt. Some eruption problems have the potential to cause damage to neighboring teeth without early intervention.

 

Orthodontics is not only about straightening teeth but also about guiding the growth of the upper and lower jaws to achieve a proper bite. Crossbites and underbites, for example, can easily be corrected with an appliance before sutures in the jaws begin to fuse. If not corrected before early adolescence, when these sutures become rigid, these problems are not as easy to fix. Growth of the skull also occurs in different dimensions at different ages. Since vertical growth occurs early, making changes to the vertical aspect of the bite is easier at an earlier age.

 

Early treatment can also help with the cessation of certain habits, like finger sucking and tongue thrusting. These habits can alter the normal growth and shape of the jaws if continued past the early childhood years.

 

In recent years, certain orthodontic interventions have been shown to increase the airway, helping with sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). The most obvious symptom of SDB is loud snoring that is present most nights. Pediatric sleep-disordered breathing is associated with many issues, such as irritability, bedwetting, learning difficulties, slow growth, and obesity. A pediatric sleep questionnaire can help identify whether your child may benefit from interventions to increase their airway.

 

When early treatment is recommended, the goal is usually limited to a particular issue, and a second phase of comprehensive treatment may still be needed once all the permanent teeth have erupted, around the age of 12. The comprehensive phase completes the tooth and jaw alignment that was started with the preventive or interceptive treatment.

Consultations are always complimentary at Moin Orthodontics, and if early treatment is not needed, Dr. Moin will continue to monitor your child at no charge until they are ready for comprehensive treatment.

 

Contact us to learn more!

 

765 South Main St., Suite 302

Manchester, NH 03102

603-669-4503