What Are the Benefits of Early Orthodontics?

At McGuire Orthodontics and Facial Orthopedics, we agree with the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) that starting treatment in the mid to late childhood years offers many advantage over waiting until your child is a teenager. Keep reading to learn why we fully support early orthodontics in Solon, OH and Shaker Heights, OH.

Dr. McGuire’s Approach

As an expert in pediatric facial growth, Dr. Lucas McGuire recommends that parents schedule a facial growth and airway evaluation for their children by age two. The evaluation gives Dr. McGuire an opportunity to ensure that each of his pediatric patients is developing properly in this area. Evaluating facial growth is especially critical when you consider that facial development is 60 percent complete by age six and 90 percent complete by age 12.

Children who show potential problems with facial growth and tooth alignment when they are two years old can start orthodontic treatment later in childhood. Waiting until the teenage years, as most orthodontists did until the past few years, is no longer necessary.

Common Types of Orthodontic Problems in Growing Children

Your child could have one or more typical malocclusion problems, which is the correct dental term for a bad bite. These include:

• Crossbite of back teeth
• Crossbite of front teeth
• Crowding
• Deep bite
• Protrusion
• Open bite
• Oral habits, such as prolonged thumb sucking or pacifier use
• Underbite

Below are some signs to look for that indicate your child could benefit from an orthodontic evaluation as soon as possible.

• Breathing only through the mouth
• Clenching or grinding of teeth
• Difficulty with speech
• Face appears unbalanced
• Frequently biting the roof of the mouth or sides of the cheeks
• Losing baby teeth much earlier or later than expected
• Problems with biting or chewing
• Shifting jaws that produce unusual sounds

Starting orthodontic treatment during childhood eliminates these issues and sets your child up for a lifetime of oral health success. Please schedule an appointment to learn more about early orthodontics in Solon, OH or Shaker Heights, OH today.