Early Orthodontic Treatment

McClellan Orthodontics

Timing is everything…especially when it comes to your child’s orthodontic treatment. “Early” treatment, also called “interceptive” treatment, means treatment that is performed while some baby teeth are still present.

Early intervention can make a dramatic impact on establishing the proper way the teeth move against each other during function. For each patient, a healthy bite is paramount for dental treatment success. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that your child’s first check-up with an orthodontist be performed when an orthodontic problem is first recognized, but no later than age 7. By age 7 your child has enough permanent teeth for Dr. McClellan to evaluate the developing teeth and the jaws.

Early intervention is one of the most rewarding treatment options that we offer to our patients. An early exam allows us to determine how and when a child's jaw and/or dental problems should be corrected for optimal results. There are generally three outcomes of an early exam:

1. No treatment is expected to be necessary.
2. Treatment may be needed in the future, so the child will be followed periodically while the face and jaws continue to grow. 
3. There is a problem that lends itself to early treatment.

While there are many orthodontic problems that are best treated after all permanent teeth have come in, early treatment can be in your child’s best interests if their problem is one that could become more serious over time. The major advantage of early treatment is to maximize the opportunity to accomplish the ideal healthy, functional, aesthetic, and comfortable results that will remain stable throughout your child’s life. In some cases, early treatment prevents adult tooth extractions or major jaw surgery.

Early Treatment may be recommended if your child has any of the following orthodontic issues:

• Underbite
• Crossbite 
• Crowded Teeth 
• Excessively Spaced Teeth 
• Extra or Missing Teeth 
• Thumb or Finger Sucking that is Affecting the Teeth or Jaw Growth

Early orthodontic treatment can take many forms. Dr. McClellan may prescribe a fixed or removable appliance to move teeth, change the position of the jaw, or hold teeth in place in order. Regardless of how treatment goals are reached, the bottom line is that some orthodontic problems may be easier to correct if they are found and treated early. Waiting until all the permanent teeth have come in, or until facial growth is complete, may make correction of some problems more difficult.

To give your child the best opportunity for a healthy, beautiful smile, visit McClellan Orthodontics today. No referral needed! Our office provides an initial consultation at no cost and with no obligation.

When you choose McClellan Orthodontics for your child’s orthodontic treatment, you can be assured that you have selected a specialist in orthodontics. Dr. McClellan and his team possess the skills and experience needed to give your child their best smile. Visit our website to learn more.