Why do some kids need early orthodontic treatment?

Some children need early orthodontic treatment because certain problems are easier to correct while the jaws are still growing and some baby teeth are still present. Early treatment is also called interceptive orthodontics or Phase 1 treatment.

Not every child needs early treatment. In fact, many children are best monitored until more permanent teeth come in. Early orthodontic treatment should be recommended only when there is a clear reason to intervene.

Early treatment may be helpful for crossbites, severe crowding, underbites, impacted teeth, severe protrusion of the front teeth, harmful oral habits, early or late loss of baby teeth, or jaw growth concerns.

A crossbite, for example, may cause the lower jaw to shift to one side or may affect how the upper jaw develops. Severe crowding may prevent permanent teeth from erupting properly. An underbite may require early monitoring because it can be related to jaw growth. Protrusive front teeth may be more vulnerable to injury.

The goal of early treatment is not necessarily to finish everything early. Sometimes the goal is to reduce the severity of a problem, create space for permanent teeth, improve jaw relationships, reduce trauma risk, or make future treatment more successful.

Some children who have early treatment still need a second phase of treatment later, once more permanent teeth have erupted. Learn about how long braces typically last.

At Orthodontics on Queen in The Beaches, Toronto, early orthodontic treatment is approached thoughtfully and conservatively. The purpose of an early consultation is to determine whether treatment is needed now, whether monitoring is better, or whether treatment should wait.

Sometimes the best treatment is active treatment. Sometimes the best treatment is careful observation. Learn more about the benefits of orthodontics and whether orthodontics is considered safe.