Setting Your Child Up for a Lifetime of Healthy Smiles
Early orthodontic treatment is one of the most proactive steps parents can take to protect their child's long-term oral health. At McIntosh Orthodontics, Dr. McIntosh works with children across Maitland, Winter Park, and the greater Orlando area to identify developing issues early and create a plan that sets them up for a lifetime of healthy smiles. Starting treatment at the right time can simplify future care, reduce overall treatment time, and help your child avoid more serious orthodontic problems as they grow.
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When Should Your Child See an Orthodontist?
While an orthodontist can enhance a smile at any age, there is an optimal time to start treatment. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that the initial orthodontic evaluation should happen at the first sign of orthodontic problems, around seven years old.
By this age, the first adult molars come through and establish the back bite. Your child may not need braces at this time, but monitoring their development can anticipate the most beneficial time to begin future treatment.
Early Signs Your Child May Need Orthodontic Treatment
Braces are not merely for improving the aesthetics of the smile. Orthodontics is also used to correct several functional issues that can affect the way we chew, breathe, speak, and clean our teeth. Fortunately, there are many symptoms that parents can look for to help determine if their child should see an orthodontist.
Some early signs that a child may need orthodontic intervention:
- Difficulty chewing or biting food
- Protruding front teeth
- Crowded teeth
- Difficulty brushing or flossing teeth properly
- Uneven tooth wear
- Tongue-thrusting habits or speech impediments
- Jaw misalignment
- Bad bite
Parents, be sure to visit an orthodontist if your child is displaying any of the signs listed above, or before their seventh birthday. Malocclusions, or bad bites, are the result of tooth or jaw misalignment. According to the AAO, untreated malocclusions can lead to a variety of health conditions, such as tooth decay or gum disease. Early orthodontic treatment can detect and correct issues like this, preventing serious problems later.
What to Expect at Your Child's First Visit
For your child's first visit, our highly experienced orthodontic team will do a full oral exam. We look for any abnormalities that could affect your child's smile, bite, and overall health. We can then begin preventative treatment to correct these issues and avoid future complications.
If orthodontic intervention isn't immediately necessary, Dr. McIntosh will continue to carefully monitor your child's growth and development and begin treatment when it is ideal. Early treatment ensures the greatest results and the least amount of time and expense later.
During your child's first visit, Dr. McIntosh will assess:
- The alignment of incoming and existing teeth
- Jaw development and symmetry
- The relationship between the upper and lower bite
- Any habits, such as thumb sucking or tongue thrusting, that may affect development
- The timing and sequence of adult tooth eruption
Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment
- Creating room for crowded teeth that are coming in
- Creating facial symmetry through influencing jaw growth
- Reducing the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth
- Preserving space for adult teeth
- Eliminating excessive need for tooth removal
- Reducing treatment time with braces
Start Your Child's Orthodontic Journey at McIntosh Orthodontics
Early treatment can help ensure a beautiful smile and create a healthier future for your child. The sooner we can evaluate your child's smile and oral health, the better. To make an appointment with Dr. McIntosh at one of our offices, visit our scheduling page. We are proud to serve patients in the Orlando area, including Maitland and Winter Park.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the AAO recommend an orthodontic evaluation by age 7?
By age 7, the first adult molars have typically come in, establishing the back bite. This allows Dr. McIntosh to evaluate the bite from front to back and side to side, identify any developing concerns, and determine whether early intervention would be beneficial. Many children will not need treatment at this stage, but early evaluation ensures nothing is missed.
Does my child need braces at age 7?
Not necessarily. Most children who come in for an early evaluation do not require immediate treatment. However, early monitoring allows Dr. McIntosh to identify issues as they develop and begin treatment at exactly the right time for the best outcome.
What is Phase One orthodontic treatment?
Phase One, or early interceptive treatment, typically occurs between ages 7 and 10 and is designed to address developing orthodontic problems before all the adult teeth have come in. This may involve appliances to guide jaw growth, create space for incoming teeth, or correct harmful habits. A second phase of treatment with braces or aligners often follows once all adult teeth are present.
How long does early orthodontic treatment take?
Phase One treatment typically lasts 9 to 18 months, depending on the specific issues being addressed. Dr. McIntosh will provide a clear timeline during your child's evaluation at our Maitland or Winter Park office.
What happens after early treatment is complete?
After Phase One, Dr. McIntosh will continue to monitor your child's growth and development until all adult teeth have erupted. A second phase of treatment, typically with braces or Invisalign, is often recommended to finalize tooth alignment and bite correction.
Does McIntosh Orthodontics offer a free evaluation for children?
Yes. We offer complimentary orthodontic evaluations for children at both our Maitland and Winter Park locations. Dr. McIntosh will assess your child's teeth, bite, and jaw development and walk you through any findings and recommended next steps.