Early Orthodontic Treatment

Early Orthodontic Treatment

At Descanso Smiles: Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we believe that early orthodontic care lays the foundation for a lifetime of healthy, confident smiles. Orthodontic treatment is used to prevent and correct bite irregularities caused by genetics, early loss of baby teeth, oral habits like thumb sucking, and developmental challenges.

Misaligned teeth and jaws can impact not only a child’s appearance but also their ability to maintain good oral hygiene. Straight teeth are easier to clean and help reduce the risk of cavities, gum disease, and future dental complications.

When Should My Child See an Orthodontist?

We recommend that children receive their first orthodontic evaluation by age 8. During routine preventative visits, our pediatric dental team uses advanced diagnostic tools to monitor dental and jaw development. If we notice early signs of irregularities, we may recommend either careful observation or timely intervention.

Why Does Early Orthodontic Treatment Matter?

For children with significant orthodontic concerns, early treatment can offer several long-term benefits:

Improved self-confidence and appearance
Guided jaw growth and development
Better chances for properly aligned adult teeth
Lower risk of bruxism (tooth grinding)
Fewer cavities and gum problems
Decreased risk of impacted permanent teeth
Shorter, less invasive treatment during adolescence
Reduced risk of speech issues
Lower chance of injury to teeth or jaws

Stages of Early Orthodontic Treatment

Orthodontic treatment typically progresses through three stages based on your child’s dental development:

Stage 1: Early Treatment (Ages 2–6)

This phase focuses on creating enough space for adult teeth to come in properly and guiding jaw growth. It’s especially helpful for children who:

Lose baby teeth early
Have difficulty biting or chewing
Breathe through their mouths
Experience jaw clicking or grinding
Exhibit habits like thumb sucking or prolonged pacifier use

We may recommend simple dental appliances (like space maintainers or habit breakers) and work closely with parents to eliminate habits that could lead to bite issues.

Stage 2: Middle Dentition (Ages 6–12)

This is often the ideal time for early orthodontic intervention. During this stage, the bones and soft tissues are still flexible and respond well to treatment.

The focus is on:

Correcting crossbites
Encouraging proper jaw alignment
Gently guiding permanent teeth into better positions

Treatment may involve fixed or removable appliances. Children are able to speak, eat, and function normally, though extra care is needed to keep the teeth and gums clean—especially with fixed appliances.

Stage 3: Adolescent Dentition (Age 13+)

This is the most common age for traditional braces and orthodontic correction. The goal is to straighten permanent teeth and create a balanced, beautiful smile.

After completing treatment, most teens will wear a retainer to maintain the new alignment and protect the results for years to come.

Let’s Build a Healthy Smile, Together

At Descanso Smiles, we’re here to guide you and your child through every stage of dental and orthodontic care—with expertise, compassion, and a smile.

Descanso Smiles: Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
818-790-5959
A thoughtful approach to early orthodontics—because growing smiles deserve the best start.

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