When permanent teeth are beginning to erupt, that is usually the best time to begin orthodontic intervention, says Derek M. Busciglio, D.M.D., who runs Busciglio Orthodontics, which serves the Brandon, Florida, and Plant City, Florida areas. Here he talks about why age seven is generally considered the optimal time to begin.
The first orthodontic exam typically takes place when the patient is around age seven. The reason we choose age seven is because that is when the first several permanent teeth are erupting. As a rule, we often see that the anterior incisors and the posterior six-year molars are erupting at that time. Based on their position, we can oftentimes dictate whether treatment is needed at this time, or whether it should be postponed until later.
So as a rule, we believe that parents should bring their children in for their first appointment with us when their child is seven for an initial orthodontic consultation. The position of the teeth and the relationship of the upper jaw to the lower jaw at that time is the basis upon which we decide whether or not to begin orthodontic treatment or not.
When a child is age seven, we are in the position to determine whether or not he has a possible overbite, openbite, gummy smile or upper front teeth protrusion. We can also make room to reduce crowding of teeth in the mouth, and prevent more intervention later. We can even reduce the time needed for treatment with braces, if we start early enough.
Lost Teeth
Many times in children the baby teeth will be lost prematurely, either because there may be cavities or teeth may need to be pulled, or because of an injury. Under those circumstances, we sometimes need to put in a space maintainer so that we preserve all the space that’s there for the other permanent teeth to come in when they are ready.
A space maintainer is a common treatment for a young child at age seven or eight. But, this happens only when a tooth is already missing or is such bad shape that we end up pulling it, instead of just filling it. Whenever we can, we choose to fill and preserve the tooth, if at all possible.
No Retainers
Typically children at that age do not wear retainers. They are usually for treating corrections, so that will come later. Space maintainers are different than retainers, as retainers comes after braces while space maintainers come before.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
