Orthodontic treatment plays a vital role in ensuring the long-term health and appearance of your child’s smile. At Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics of Chattanooga, we are committed to providing high-quality care to children of all ages in Chattanooga, Signal Mountain, Cleveland, Jasper and Ooltewah TN, and Dalton, Ringgold, Fort Oglethorpe, Trenton and Athens, GA, helping them achieve proper teeth alignment and jaw function. If your child is experiencing issues like crowding, misaligned bites, or protruding teeth, orthodontic intervention may be necessary. Understanding the different stages of orthodontic treatment can help you and your child feel more prepared for the process.
Why Orthodontic Treatment Matters for Children
Orthodontic treatment isn’t just about creating a beautiful smile—it’s about ensuring proper function of the teeth and jaws. Misaligned teeth or an improper bite can lead to problems with chewing, speaking and oral hygiene. Left untreated, these issues may worsen over time, potentially leading to tooth decay, gum disease and even difficulty breathing or speaking.
By starting treatment at the right time, we can guide your child’s dental development and address any issues before they become more serious. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, children should have their first orthodontic assessment by the age of 7. This early check-up allows us to identify any problems that may require attention and determine the best course of treatment.
The Three Phases of Orthodontic Treatment for Children
Orthodontic treatment is typically divided into phases, depending on your child’s age, dental development and specific needs. Each phase serves a unique purpose in correcting dental issues and ensuring optimal results.
Phase 1: Early Intervention (Ages 6-10)
Phase 1 treatment, also known as interceptive orthodontics, is designed for younger children who still have a mix of baby and permanent teeth. This stage focuses on preventing or minimizing future orthodontic problems by addressing issues while the child’s jaw and teeth are still developing.
Common reasons for early intervention include:
- Crowded teeth: When the mouth is too small to accommodate all of the teeth properly.
- Crossbite: When the upper and lower teeth don’t line up correctly, which can cause uneven wear on the teeth and lead to jaw problems.
- Protruding teeth: Teeth that stick out too far, making them more vulnerable to injury.
- Underbite or overbite: Issues with the alignment of the jaws that can affect chewing and speaking.
During Phase 1, your child may be fitted with expanders, partial braces, or other appliances to create space for the permanent teeth and guide jaw growth. The goal is to lay the groundwork for Phase 2 treatment, often reducing the complexity and duration of later treatment.
Phase 2: Comprehensive Treatment (Ages 11-14)
Once most of the permanent teeth have erupted, Phase 2 can begin. This is the stage most people think of when they imagine orthodontic treatment. The goal is to correct the alignment of the teeth and jaws, ensuring a functional and aesthetically pleasing bite.
During this phase, your child will likely wear:
- Braces or clear aligners: These appliances will move the teeth into their ideal positions. Braces are commonly used, but clear aligners like Invisalign may also be an option, depending on the case.
- Rubber bands or other devices: These may be used to correct the alignment of the upper and lower jaws.
Phase 2 treatment typically lasts between 18 and 24 months, depending on the severity of the dental issues. Once the braces or aligners come off, your child’s teeth should be properly aligned, and their bite should be corrected.
Phase 3: Retention
After the active phase of orthodontic treatment concludes, the retention phase starts. This is a critical step to ensure that the teeth stay in their new positions. Without proper retention, the teeth can shift back into misalignment.
Your child will be fitted with a retainer, which may be either removable or fixed. The orthodontist will provide instructions on how long the retainer should be worn each day, which will typically decrease over time. Wearing the retainer as directed is essential for maintaining the results achieved during treatment.
Why Early Intervention Can Be Essential
Early intervention can be key to preventing more severe orthodontic issues down the road. Here are a few reasons why it may be necessary:
- Guiding Jaw Growth: In young children, the bones are still growing. By intervening early, we can guide the development of the jaws to ensure that the upper and lower teeth fit together properly. This can prevent the need for more invasive treatments like surgery later in life.
- Creating Space for Permanent Teeth: If the mouth is crowded, early treatment can create space for the permanent teeth to come in properly. This reduces the need for extractions and simplifies later treatment.
- Reducing the Risk of Trauma: Protruding front teeth are more likely to be injured during sports or other activities. By correcting this issue early, we can help protect your child’s teeth from damage.
- Improving Self-Esteem: Orthodontic issues can affect a child’s confidence. Early treatment can improve their smile and boost their self-esteem, making them feel more comfortable and happy with their appearance.
Orthodontic Treatment for Children: Request Your Consultation in Tennessee or Georgia Today
At Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics of Chattanooga, we proudly serve the Hamilton, Bradley and McMinn counties in Tennessee and Whitfield, Catoosa, Marion and Dade Counties in Georgia. We are dedicated to providing exceptional orthodontic treatment for children at every stage of development. Understanding the different phases of treatment and the importance of early intervention can help ensure the best possible outcomes for your child’s oral health. If you have any concerns about your child’s teeth or bite, we encourage you to request a consultation with our experienced team.
