Orthodontic treatment is primarily used to prevent and correct “bite” irregularities. Several factors may contribute to such irregularities, including genetic factors, the early loss of primary (baby) teeth, and damaging oral habits (such as thumb sucking and developmental problems).
Orthodontic irregularities may be present at birth or develop during toddlerhood or early childhood. Crooked teeth hamper self-esteem and make good oral homecare difficult, whereas straight teeth help minimize the risk of tooth decay and childhood periodontal disease.
During biannual preventative visits, your pediatric dentist is able to utilize many diagnostic tools to monitor orthodontic irregularities and, if necessary, implement early intervention strategies. Children should have an initial orthodontic evaluation before the age of eight.
Why does early orthodontic treatment make sense?
Some children display early signs of minor orthodontic irregularities. In such cases, your pediatric dentist might choose to monitor the situation over time without providing intervention. However, for children who display severe orthodontic irregularities, early orthodontic treatment can provide many benefits, including:
- Enhanced self-confidence and aesthetic appearance.
- Increased likelihood of proper jaw growth.
- Increased likelihood of properly aligned and spaced adult teeth.
- Reduced risk of bruxing (grinding of teeth).
- Reduced risk of childhood cavities, periodontal disease, and tooth decay.
- Reduced risk of impacted adult teeth.
- Reduced risk of protracted orthodontic treatments in later years.
- Reduced risk of speech problems.
- Reduced risk of tooth, gum, and jawbone injury.
When can my child begin early orthodontic treatment?
Pediatric dentists recognize three age-related stages of orthodontic treatment. These stages are described in detail below.
Stage 1: Early treatment (2-6 years old)
Early orthodontic treatment aims to guide and regulate the width of both dental arches. The main goal of early treatment is to provide enough space for the permanent teeth to erupt correctly. Good candidates for early treatment include: children who have difficulty biting properly, children who lose baby teeth early, children whose jaws click or grind during movement, bruxers, and children who use the mouth (as opposed to the nose AND mouth) to breathe.
During the early treatment phase, your pediatric dentist works with parents and children to eliminate orthodontically harmful habits, like excessive pacifier use and thumb sucking. The dentist may also provide one of a variety of dental appliances to promote jaw growth, hold space for adult teeth (space maintainers), or to prevent the teeth from “shifting” into undesired areas.
Stage 2: Middle dentition (6-12 years old)
The goals of middle dentition treatments are to realign wayward jaws, to start to correct crossbites, and to begin the process of gently straightening misaligned permanent teeth. Middle dentition marks a developmental period when the soft and hard tissues are extremely pliable. In some ways therefore, it marks an optimal time to begin to correct a severe malocclusion.
Again, the dentist may provide the child with a dental appliance. Some appliances (like braces) are fixed and others are removable. Regardless of the appliance, the child will still be able to speak, eat, and chew in a normal fashion. However, children who are fitted with fixed dental appliances should take extra care to clean the entire oral region each day in order to reduce the risk of staining, decay, and later cosmetic damage.
Stage 3: Adolescent dentition (13+ years old)
Adolescent dentition is what springs to most parents’ minds when they think of orthodontic treatment. Some of the main goals of adolescent dentition include straightening the permanent teeth and improving the aesthetic appearance of the smile.
Most commonly during this period, the dentist will provide fixed or removable “braces” to gradually straighten the teeth. Upon completion of the orthodontic treatment, the adolescent may be required to wear a retainer in order to prevent the regression of the teeth to their original alignment.
If you have questions or concerns about orthodontic treatment, please contact our office.
Early Orthodontic Treatment FAQs
What is early orthodontic treatment, and why is it recommended for young children?
Early orthodontic treatment, also known as interceptive orthodontics, focuses on guiding jaw growth, correcting developing bite problems, and creating a healthier environment for the permanent teeth. Treating these issues while a child is still growing often prevents more serious problems later and may reduce or eliminate the need for extensive orthodontic work in adolescence.
How can I determine if my child may need early orthodontic care?
Signs may include difficulty biting or chewing, mouth breathing, thumb sucking beyond the age of four, crowded baby teeth, early or late loss of primary teeth, jaw shifting when biting, or noticeable spacing or alignment issues. Even if symptoms seem mild, an evaluation ensures problems are identified early and monitored appropriately.
What happens during an early orthodontic evaluation?
The dentist or orthodontist will assess your child’s bite, tooth spacing, jaw development, and facial symmetry. Diagnostic tools such as X-rays, photographs, impressions, or digital scans are often used. This information helps determine whether immediate treatment is necessary or if the child should be observed as growth continues.
What types of issues can early orthodontic treatment fix?
Interceptive care can correct crossbites, overbites, underbites, open bites, narrow dental arches, severe crowding, and habits that alter jaw development. It can also help create space for incoming adult teeth, reduce the risk of impaction, and minimize jaw asymmetry. Early intervention supports healthier long-term alignment and bite function.
What orthodontic appliances are used during early treatment?
Depending on your child’s needs, appliances may include expanders, space maintainers, limited braces, habit-correcting devices, or removable aligners. These appliances gently guide the growth of the jaw or help establish proper spacing for permanent teeth. Children can typically eat, speak, and play normally while wearing them.
Is early orthodontic treatment painful for children?
Most treatments involve gentle forces and cause minimal discomfort. Children may feel slight pressure or tightness when appliances are activated or adjusted, but this typically fades within a day or two. Modern orthodontics is far more comfortable than past generations experienced, and most children adapt quickly to the treatment.
How much does early orthodontic treatment cost in Aliso Viejo, California?
Costs vary depending on the type of appliance, the length of treatment, and the severity of the issue being corrected. Interceptive care is often less expensive than waiting until adolescence, when treatment may be more complex. Your dentist will provide a detailed cost estimate and discuss payment or financing options during the consultation.
Does dental insurance cover early orthodontic treatment?
Many insurance plans include orthodontic benefits for children, though coverage differs by policy. Some plans partially cover interceptive appliances or diagnostic evaluations, while others cover only comprehensive adolescent treatment. Advanced Dental can help review your benefits and explain what portion, if any, your insurance may contribute.
What are the long-term benefits of early orthodontic intervention?
Early treatment can reduce the need for future tooth extractions, shorten the length of later orthodontic care, improve facial balance, correct harmful habits, and ensure better eruption paths for adult teeth. It also boosts self-confidence and supports healthier oral development, thereby reducing the risks of cavities, gum issues, and bite problems.
How can I find early orthodontic treatment near me in Aliso Viejo, CA?
Look for a dental practice experienced in monitoring childhood growth and offering interceptive orthodontic services. Advanced Dental in Aliso Viejo offers comprehensive evaluations and personalized early orthodontic plans to help children achieve proper alignment, a functional bite, and healthy long-term oral development.
Dr. Chitra Tiruveedula
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Dr. Chitra Tiruveedula has been practicing dentistry for over 20 years. After advanced training at Case Western Reserve University and Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, she relocated to Orange County, CA in 2015. Dr. Chitra is a member of the American Dental Association and California Dental Association. Committed to continuous education, she provides top-quality dental services using the latest advancements.
Dr. Joseph C. Yang
Dr. Joseph C. Yang has over 30 years of dental practice experience. He earned his B.S. from Washington University in St. Louis, MO, and his D.D.S. from the University of Illinois, Chicago. He then had a distinguished 30-year career as a U.S. Naval Dental Officer, including a residency in Periodontology at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. Dr. Yang is a diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and a member of the American Dental Association and American Academy of Periodontology. As a board-certified Periodontist, he has performed thousands of successful periodontal and implant procedures. He is also a renowned lecturer and trainer in the latest implant and periodontal techniques worldwide.