EARLY ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT

Early Orthodontic Treatment in Lewiston & Clarkston: Setting Your Child Up for a Lifetime Smile

While many people associate orthodontics with teenage years, the truth is, an earlier evaluation can make a significant difference in your child's smile journey. At Swenson Family Orthodontics, serving Lewiston, Idaho, Clarkston, Washington, and the entire Lewiston-Clarkston Valley, we often see patients later in life and realize how much simpler and shorter their braces treatment could have been with early intervention.

The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) strongly recommends that every child have their first check-up with an orthodontic specialist no later than age 7. This initial visit isn't necessarily about getting braces right away, but about proactive assessment and planning.

Why an Orthodontic Check-Up by Age 7 is Crucial for Your Child

• Early Detection of Jaw Growth Issues: Even while baby teeth are still present, Dr. Brendon Swenson can identify subtle problems with jaw development and the eruption of permanent teeth. Addressing these early can prevent more complex issues down the line.
• Beyond Appearances: Your child's teeth might appear straight, but an underlying bite problem may exist that only a trained orthodontist can detect. Early diagnosis is key.
• Peace of Mind or Proactive Planning: The initial check-up may reveal that your child's bite is developing perfectly, offering peace of mind. Alternatively, Dr. Swenson might identify a problem that could greatly benefit from early orthodontic treatment (Phase One).
• Preventing Future Complications: Early treatment can often prevent more serious issues from developing, potentially making later treatment (Phase Two) shorter, less complex, and less costly. This can mean avoiding extractions or more invasive procedures in the future for braces in Lewiston or Clarkston.
• Optimizing Growth Potential: In some cases, Dr. Swenson can achieve results with early intervention that simply aren't possible once the face and jaws have finished growing. We leverage your child's natural growth spurts to guide development.

Key Benefits of Early Treatment with Dr. Swenson

• Guiding Jaw Growth: Correcting imbalances in jaw development to create a more harmonious facial structure.
• Lowering Trauma Risk: Reducing the risk of injury to protruded front teeth, which are more susceptible to chips or fractures.
• Correcting Harmful Oral Habits: Addressing habits like thumb sucking or tongue thrusting that can negatively impact dental alignment.
• Improving Appearance and Confidence: Early corrections can boost your child's confidence.
• Guiding Permanent Teeth: Helping permanent teeth erupt into more favorable positions, reducing crowding or spacing issues.
• Enhancing Lip Closure: Improving the way the lips meet for better oral function and aesthetics.

Early Orthodontic Treatment FAQs for Lewiston & Clarkston Families

Have questions about early orthodontic care for your child? We've got answers!

Q: What is "early orthodontic treatment" or "Phase One" treatment?

A: Early orthodontic treatment, often called Phase One, is a specialized approach that addresses significant orthodontic problems while a child's jawbones are still growing and they still have some primary (baby) teeth. This typically happens between ages 7 and 10. The goal is to correct issues that might become more severe or difficult to treat later, guiding proper jaw development and tooth eruption.

Q: Why is age 7 the recommended age for a first orthodontic visit?

A: The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a check-up by age 7 because by this age, enough permanent teeth have erupted to allow Dr. Brendon Swenson to evaluate your child's developing bite and identify potential problems with jaw growth, crowding, or other concerns that might require early intervention. It doesn't mean your child will get braces in Lewiston immediately, but it allows for proactive planning.

Q: What kinds of problems can be addressed with early treatment?

A: Early treatment can effectively address various issues, including:

• Crossbites: Where upper teeth bite inside lower teeth.
• Underbites: Where lower teeth protrude past upper teeth.
• Severe Crowding: Creating space for permanent teeth to erupt properly.
• Protruding Front Teeth: Reducing the risk of trauma.
• Harmful Oral Habits: Such as prolonged thumb sucking or tongue thrusting.
• Jaw Growth Discrepancies: Guiding the jaws into better alignment.

Q: Will my child still need braces later if they have early treatment?

A: In many cases, early (Phase One) treatment is followed by a resting period, and then a second phase of treatment (Phase Two) after all permanent teeth have erupted. Phase Two often involves traditional braces or Invisalign to fine-tune the bite and align all the permanent teeth. However, early treatment can often make Phase Two shorter and less complex.

Q: How long does early orthodontic treatment typically last?

A: The duration of early treatment varies depending on the specific issues being addressed, but it typically lasts for 6 to 18 months. After this phase, a retainer is usually worn to maintain the results until all permanent teeth come in.

Q: Is early orthodontic treatment painful for children?

A: Most children adapt very well to early orthodontic appliances. While there might be some initial discomfort or soreness for a few days after placement or adjustments, it's usually mild and manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers and a soft diet. Our team at Swenson Family Orthodontics in Lewiston-Clarkston Valley is here to ensure your child's comfort throughout the process.

Q: What's the benefit of early treatment versus waiting until all permanent teeth are in?

A: The main benefit is leveraging your child's natural growth. Early treatment can guide jaw development, create space, and correct significant bite issues that might become much harder, more costly, or even impossible to address once growth is complete. It often reduces the need for extractions or surgery later on. This proactive approach can lead to more stable and aesthetically pleasing results for braces in Lewiston and Clarkston.