Many parents assume that orthodontic treatment should wait until all permanent teeth have erupted, typically around age 12 or 13. However, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that children receive their first orthodontic evaluation no later than age seven (7).
Why so early? At age seven, a child has a mix of baby and adult teeth, allowing a skilled orthodontist to assess not just the teeth, but the fundamental relationship of the jaws and the direction of facial growth. This early assessment allows for interceptive treatment—small, targeted interventions that can prevent major problems later.
At TAG Dental in Johor Bahru, our pediatric orthodontic team specializes in identifying and treating potential issues early, saving time, money, and complex procedures down the road.
While some issues are obvious (like severe crowding), many critical problems related to jaw growth and bite development are subtle and require a professional eye. Schedule an evaluation if you notice any of the following signs in your child:
Pediatric orthodontics is generally divided into two phases: Phase I (Interceptive Treatment) and Phase II (Comprehensive Treatment).
The goal of Phase I is not to perfectly align all the teeth, but to correct growth and alignment problems that become much harder or impossible to treat once the jaw stops growing. This phase typically lasts 6–18 months.
Interceptive treatments can often eliminate the need for future jaw surgery and shorten the duration of full braces in Phase II.
This phase begins once most or all permanent teeth have erupted. The goal is to finish aligning the teeth, perfecting the bite, and achieving the final aesthetic result. Phase I treatment often makes Phase II simpler, faster, and more effective.
Interceptive treatments utilize specific appliances tailored to the child's developmental needs:
These functional appliances manipulate and guide the growth of the jawbones to correct significant bite problems while the child is still growing.
Persistent oral habits can severely damage the bite. Interceptive appliances are designed to break these habits gently.
No. An initial consultation at TAG Dental is an investment in prevention. It simply determines if any issues need early attention or if monitoring is the best approach.
2. If my child needs Phase I treatment, will they still need braces later?Most children who undergo Phase I treatment will still require Phase II (full braces or aligners) later to finish aligning the permanent teeth, but the total time is often less, and the complexity is greatly reduced.
3. Does early treatment prevent tooth extractions later?Often, yes. By using a palatal expander during Phase I, we can create adequate space for permanent teeth, potentially eliminating the need to extract permanent teeth later to relieve crowding.
4. How often should a child brush their teeth with an appliance?A child with any orthodontic appliance should brush at least three times daily to meticulously clean around the device and prevent plaque build-up.
5. What is the difference between a pediatric dentist and an orthodontist?A pediatric dentist focuses on the general dental health of children (fillings, cleanings). An orthodontist is a specialist who focuses on correcting bite alignment, jaw positioning, and facial growth.
6. Can a removable retainer fix a crossbite?While some very minor corrections can be made with removable aligners, fixed appliances like palatal expanders are usually required to effectively address and stabilize skeletal issues like a crossbite.
7. Should I wait for all the baby teeth to fall out?Waiting until age 12 or 13 to assess severe bite problems can be too late to fully utilize the child's natural growth potential, often leading to a more complex and sometimes surgical solution.
8. If my child has a thumb-sucking habit, how long should they stop before an evaluation?It is best to come in for an evaluation while the habit is still active, as this allows the orthodontist to fully assess the resulting damage to the dental arches.
9. Can my child still play sports with an orthodontic appliance?Yes. However, if they have an active removable appliance, it should be taken out during contact sports. If they have fixed braces, they must wear a custom-fitted mouthguard to protect their lips and the appliances.
10. What is the most common reason for Phase I treatment?The most common reason is correcting a crossbite or addressing a severe skeletal discrepancy (like an underbite) to guide jaw growth into a proper relationship.
Investing in early orthodontic evaluation at TAG Dental in Johor Bahru is an investment in your child’s future health, confidence, and comfort. We are dedicated to gentle, effective care that harnesses the power of growth. If your child is approaching age seven or shows any of the warning signs, schedule their first orthodontic evaluation with us today.