Early Orthodontic Treatment – Bend, OR

Creating Healthy, Functional, and Beautiful Smiles

Team members smiling in front of birthday cake

What is the difference between early orthodontic treatment and regular orthodontic treatment, and why might my child need early treatment? How will early orthodontic treatment from our Bend, OR orthodontist benefit my child in the long run?

These are just a few of the questions surrounding the topic of early orthodontic treatment for children. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children see an orthodontist as early as age seven. At this point, the orthodontist will evaluate whether (and when) your child will need orthodontic treatment.




How Phase 1 Orthodontics Works

Orthodontist with pink gloves placing braces on child

Early treatment (also known as Phase 1 orthodontics) typically begins around age eight or nine. The goal of this orthodontic treatment is to correct the growth of the jaw and certain bite problems, such as underbites, overbites, and crossbites. Additionally, it can make room for permanent teeth to come in properly, lessening the chance of extractions in the future. Usually, this is accomplished with an expander, a space maintainer, or specialized braces.

Who is a Good Candidate for Phase 1 Orthodontics?

Orthodontist examining patient's smile with blue gloves

Here are a few signs that your child may be a candidate for early orthodontic treatment:

  • Early or late loss of baby teeth (your child should typically start losing teeth around age five, and will have all permanent teeth around age 13)
  • Difficulty chewing and/or biting
  • Mouth breathing
  • Your child continues sucking his or her thumb after age five
  • Speech impediments
  • Protruding teeth (the top teeth and the bottom teeth extend away from each other)
  • Teeth that don't come together in a normal manner or even at all
  • Shifting of the jaw when your child opens or closes his or her mouth (crossbites)
  • Crowded front teeth around age seven or eight

If your child is between the ages of seven and eight and shows signs of needing orthodontic care, or if you have been directed by your family dentist to visit the orthodontist, please contact our orthodontic office and schedule an appointment. Our dedicated orthodontist will provide your child with an initial exam and discuss with you the best steps to take toward caring for their smile.

The Benefits of Phase 1 Orthodontics

Child with retainer smiling at reflection in handheld mirror

Orthodontic problems such as crowding of the teeth, too much space between the teeth, jaw growth problems, protruding teeth, and bad bites can be inherited or caused by injury to the mouth, early or late loss of baby teeth, or thumb-sucking habits. Fortunately, early orthodontic treatment can address problems like these before they result in low self-esteem, trouble chewing, and difficulty enunciating clearly.

It's also worth noting that early orthodontic treatment can sometimes prevent the need for tooth extractions and oral surgery down the line. In other words, receiving early orthodontic treatment as a child can help prevent the need for orthodontics as an adult as well as leave little to no chance for extraction or surgery in the future.