The timing of orthodontic treatment is vital in achieving optimal results for children with dental alignment issues. This timing is primarily influenced by the natural growth patterns of a child’s jaw and facial structure. Smile Buds Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics evaluates these growth patterns to determine when intervention will be most effective.
Growth spurts
Facial growth doesn’t occur at a steady pace throughout childhood. Instead, it follows distinct phases:
- Ages 0-6: Rapid craniofacial growth occurs to accommodate brain development and primary teeth
- Ages 6-12: Steady growth continues during the mixed dentition phase as permanent teeth begin replacing baby teeth
- Puberty (typically 10-12 in girls, 12-14 in boys): A significant growth spurt occurs, with jawbones growing up to 2-4mm per year
- Post-puberty: Growth gradually slows but continues into early adulthood
This variability creates specific windows of opportunity for orthodontic intervention. During active growth phases, particularly the pubertal growth spurt, specific orthodontic issues can be addressed more effectively than during periods of slower growth.
During puberty, the mandible (lower jaw) often grows more rapidly than the maxilla (upper jaw). This differential growth can improve or worsen bite relationships, making timing considerations essential for treatment planning.
Act early or wait?
While many orthodontic issues can wait until adolescence, some conditions benefit from earlier treatment around ages 7-10. This early approach, called Phase 1 treatment, takes advantage of a child’s growth potential to guide jaw development.
Conditions that often benefit from early intervention include:
- Crossbites, cause asymmetric jaw growth if left untreated. Early correction prevents this asymmetry from worsening.
- Severely protruding front teeth face a higher risk of trauma. Repositioning these teeth earlier protects them during active childhood years.
- Significant crowding might benefit from arch expansion during growth rather than permanent tooth extractions later.
- Harmful oral habits like prolonged thumb-sucking or tongue thrusting can create orthodontic problems that are easier to correct when addressed early.
Not all children need early intervention. Professional evaluation around age 7-8 allows orthodontists to identify which specific issues would benefit from early treatment and which can wait for comprehensive care during adolescence.
Guiding growth
During active growth periods, orthodontists can employ several effective techniques to influence jaw development:
- Functional appliances harness natural muscle forces to guide proper jaw relationships. These specialised devices can stimulate growth in underdeveloped jaws, particularly the lower jaw. A child wearing these appliances during their growth spurt may avoid more invasive corrections later.
- Palatal expanders address width problems in the upper jaw with remarkable efficiency. The roof of the mouth contains a growth site that remains flexible until early adolescence. Orthodontists can gradually activate this natural growth centre to widen the upper arch, creating space for crowded teeth and correcting crossbites.
- Headgear provides external forces to guide upper jaw growth in specific directions. This approach proves especially valuable for children with significantly protruding upper teeth or jaws.
The timing of these interventions directly impacts their effectiveness. When initiated during active growth phases, these techniques can create substantial skeletal changes that might otherwise require surgery after growth completion. Each child’s ideal treatment window varies based on their unique development pattern, not just age.
Identifying this optimal timing window requires professional evaluation using specialised growth assessments. X-rays of hand bones or neck vertebrae reveal a child’s actual growth status much more accurately than age alone. The specific orthodontic condition and the child’s ability to cooperate with treatment refine this timing decision. Parents should seek professional evaluation to determine when intervention will be most effective for their child’s needs.
Name: Smile Buds Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
Address: 3342 Verdugo Rd suite b, Los Angeles, CA 90065
Website: https://www.smilebuds.com/
Phone: (323) 825-8558