Every child’s smile deserves the best start possible. That’s why Dr. Wiesemann and our team at Wiesemann Orthodontics offer early orthodontic treatment, also known as interceptive orthodontics, which tackles small orthodontic issues and prevents them from becoming major ones. For families in White House, Portland, Bowling Green, Russellville, and South Warren, early orthodontic treatment can make a huge impact.
What Is Early Orthodontic Treatment?
Early orthodontic treatment focuses on identifying and addressing potential problems while your child still has a mix of baby and permanent teeth, usually around ages 7 to 10. Instead of waiting until all adult teeth have erupted, Dr. Wiesemann can guide jaw growth and tooth movement as your child develops, making later treatment easier and more effective.
The Purpose of Early Orthodontic Treatment
The goal of early treatment is to establish a solid foundation for your child’s smile. Dr. Wiesemann uses gentle, proven techniques to:
- Guide jaw and facial growth.
- Create room for incoming permanent teeth.
- Correct bite issues such as overbites, underbites, or crossbites.
- Address thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting habits.
- Reduce the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth.
- Improve overall facial balance and oral function.
Many of these improvements are much easier to achieve while the jaw is still growing. Once growth stops, these same corrections could require more complex or invasive procedures.
When to Begin Early Orthodontic Treatment
Dr. Wiesemann recommends that kids have an orthodontic check-up by age 7. This doesn’t always mean treatment will begin right away; often, he will simply monitor your child’s growth until the time is right. However, early evaluations allow us to detect and address potential issues before they worsen.
Common Signs Your Child Might Need Early Orthodontic Care
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- Difficulty chewing or biting
- Mouth breathing or thumb-sucking
- Crowded or misplaced teeth
- Teeth that don’t meet properly or meet abnormally
- Jaws that shift, pop, or appear uneven
Even if your child’s teeth appear straight, early orthodontic evaluations help ensure that hidden developmental issues aren’t overlooked.
Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment: Laying the Groundwork for a Lifetime of Smiles
One of the most common approaches to early orthodontic treatment is the two-phase treatment plan, which strategically guides your child’s smile from early growth to full maturity.
Phase One: Building a Healthy Foundation
The first phase, often started between ages 7 and 10, focuses on influencing jaw development and correcting growth-related concerns. This stage may involve:
- Expanders to widen the upper jaw and create room for permanent teeth.
- Partial Braces to align developing teeth.
- Functional Appliances to encourage proper jaw movement.
- Habit Appliances to correct thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting.
- Space Maintainers are used to preserve space for permanent teeth after early tooth loss.
The goal of this phase is to guide the growth of the jaws and improve alignment so your child’s permanent teeth can emerge in a healthier position. Many children only need this first phase, while others may later benefit from a second, shorter phase once all adult teeth come in.
Resting Period: Growth and Monitoring
After the first phase, your child enters a resting stage. During this time, Dr. Wiesemann monitors growth and development with periodic checkups. This allows him to track progress and determine the best time to begin Phase Two if needed.
Phase Two: Perfecting the Smile
Phase Two begins once all permanent teeth have erupted, usually during the teen years. This stage fine-tunes alignment, bite balance, and aesthetics. Treatment may include:
- Traditional Braces (metal or clear ceramic)
- Clear Aligners (Invisalign or other removable systems)
By combining both phases, Dr. Wiesemann sees that your child’s smile not only looks great but also functions beautifully for life.
Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment
Starting personalized orthodontic care early has several long-term advantages:
- Reduces the need for tooth extractions later.
- Lowers the likelihood of impacted teeth.
- Corrects jaw imbalances and bite issues.
- Simplifies and shortens future orthodontic treatment.
- Encourages proper speech, chewing, and breathing patterns.
- Improves self-esteem and confidence during key developmental years.
Even if your child doesn’t need immediate treatment, an early evaluation offers valuable reassurance and guidance for their dental development.
Answers for Parents About Early Orthodontic Treatment
Q. What age should my child visit the orthodontist?
Dr. Wiesemann recommends scheduling your child’s first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. At this age, your child’s mix of baby and permanent teeth makes it easier to spot developing concerns.
Q. Does early treatment mean my child will need braces twice?
Not necessarily. Many children only need early guidance or minor appliances. For others, early treatment sets the foundation for shorter and simpler braces or aligner treatment later.
Q. Is early orthodontic treatment uncomfortable?
No, treatment for young patients is gentle and designed to be pain-free. Some appliances may create light pressure, but children typically adjust quickly.
Q. How long does early treatment take?
Phase One treatment usually lasts 6–12 months. After that, your child enters a resting period before any additional treatment begins during adolescence.
Q. What are the biggest benefits of early orthodontic treatment?
Early intervention helps your child develop balanced facial growth, a proper bite, and space for permanent teeth to erupt naturally—often preventing more serious orthodontic problems later.
Start Your Child’s Smile Transformation Early
At Wiesemann Orthodontics, we take pride in helping children throughout White House, Portland, Bowling Green, Russellville, and South Warren develop healthy, confident smiles through early orthodontic treatment. Dr. Wiesemann treats every child like his own, providing compassionate, customized care that puts comfort and long-term results first.
If you think your child may benefit from early orthodontic care, contact us today to schedule a free consultation. Together, we’ll build a plan that helps your child’s smile grow beautifully from the start.