[Jayang Station Orthodontics] Children’s Orthodontics: When Is the Best Time to Start?

Hello, this is S Leader Dental Hospital, Jayang Station orthodontics.

If a child’s teeth do not grow in evenly, or if crooked front teeth stand out when they smile, parents may at least once wonder, “When should orthodontic treatment start?” However, if the timing of orthodontic treatment is missed, the treatment period may become longer, and on the other hand, starting too early may lead to unnecessary treatment.

So when is the most appropriate time? Today, at S Leader Dental Hospital, Jayang Station orthodontics, we will take a detailed look at the timing of orthodontic treatment for children in their growth period.

Why is timing important for children’s orthodontics? Children, unlike adults, are in a period when not only the teeth but also the jawbones and facial skeleton are growing together. In other words, orthodontic treatment can do more than simply align the teeth; it can also guide the direction of growth itself correctly. If the reason for crooked teeth comes from jaw imbalance or habitual issues (such as thumb sucking or tongue thrusting), addressing it early through orthodontic treatment during this period can have a positive effect on facial balance, speech, and chewing function later on.

On the other hand, if the problem is discovered after growth has already ended, the shape of the jaw is already fixed, so orthodontic treatment alone may have limitations. In such cases, surgery or combined treatment may also be necessary. Therefore, how the growth period is used is the key factor that determines the efficiency and outcome of orthodontic treatment.

When is “Phase 1 treatment” needed, before permanent teeth come in? Usually, Phase 1 treatment is performed during the mixed dentition period, when baby teeth and permanent teeth are both present (around ages 7 to 9). Orthodontic treatment during this period is not so much about full-scale “tooth alignment” as it is about guiding jaw growth in the right direction or securing space so that permanent teeth can later come in evenly. Examples include cases where the front teeth are severely crowded, where the lower jaw is overly developed and a reverse bite (protruding chin) pattern appears, or where there are habits such as thumb sucking or pushing the teeth with the tongue.

At this stage, treatment is often done not with long bracket-based orthodontics like in adults, but with simple appliances or removable orthodontic devices. As a result, there is little pain, and if the child cooperates well, treatment can proceed relatively easily. However, not every child needs Phase 1 treatment, and it is important to distinguish through a detailed examination whether it is okay to observe or whether intervention is needed now.

The time for “Phase 2 treatment” after all permanent teeth have erupted After age 12 to 13, when most of a child’s permanent teeth have settled in, treatment moves into the Phase 2 orthodontic period. At this stage, similar to adult orthodontics, the teeth are refined in detail and the bite relationship is adjusted. Although jaw growth has mostly ended, it is not yet completely fixed, so tooth movement is relatively fast and orthodontic response tends to be good. Starting orthodontic treatment at this stage can reduce the likelihood of extractions and make it possible to achieve satisfying results in a relatively short period.

Phase 2 treatment is usually done with fixed brackets, and it fine-tunes the overall harmony through precise tooth movement. If Phase 1 treatment has already been completed, this stage may be shorter and simpler. On the other hand, if the problem has been left untreated without early diagnosis, the treatment period may become longer, or the likelihood of needing extraction-based orthodontic treatment may increase.

When do signs that orthodontic treatment is needed appear? There are several signs that parents can check themselves.

• The front teeth are severely crowded, pushed inward, or protruding outward

• The upper and lower teeth bite in reverse (reverse bite)

• The jaw appears to jut forward when the mouth is closed

• It is difficult to keep the lips closed, or the mouth is always open

• A “clicking” sound occurs when moving the jaw, or the left and right sides are not symmetrical

If you see these signs, rather than simply thinking, “We can just get orthodontic treatment later,” the wisest choice is to have an orthodontic specialist examine the child according to their stage of growth. Early diagnosis can also help reduce treatment cost and duration.

Could starting orthodontic treatment too early also be a problem? Yes. Orthodontic treatment is not a case where “the earlier, the better.” Because each child’s growth rate and jaw development timing are different, intervening too early may actually become a long-term burden. In particular, during the period when only baby teeth are present and permanent teeth have not yet erupted, the effect of orthodontic treatment is limited, so in most cases it is ideal to determine the proper timing through regular observation and growth monitoring.

Experts generally recommend around age 7, when the first permanent teeth (molars and front teeth) begin to erupt, as the “first orthodontic consultation” time. At this point, a detailed examination can be used to predict the direction of future growth and, if necessary, establish a Phase 1 treatment plan.

[The key is a customized approach that considers the growth stage] In the end, the core of children’s orthodontics is a “customized plan that matches the growth stage.” Even at the same age, the state of tooth replacement, the speed of jawbone growth, and the degree of facial asymmetry can vary greatly from child to child. Therefore, deciding the timing of orthodontic treatment based only on age can be risky.

An orthodontic specialist assesses the child’s growth curve through X-ray analysis, oral scans, and frontal and side facial analysis, and determines whether intervention is needed now or whether continued observation is better. Through this process, unnecessary treatment can be reduced, and more efficient results can be achieved by naturally using the flow of growth.

Grow together with your child, and keep their teeth healthy too Visit S Leader Dental Hospital, Jayang Station orthodontics Children’s orthodontics is not simply a process of creating a pretty set of teeth. Orthodontic treatment during the growth period is a comprehensive treatment process that balances the jaw and improves facial harmony, speech, and chewing function as well. Therefore, it is important not to miss the timing and to start at the right time. Even if a child is not yet old enough to want orthodontic treatment on their own, parents taking an interest and getting an early examination can be the best choice for their child’s future.

S Leader Dental Hospital, Jayang Station orthodontics, precisely analyzes the dental development and jawbone growth of children in their growth period, minimizes unnecessary orthodontic treatment, and provides customized treatment at the time it is truly needed.

If you want to accurately determine whether your child’s current condition is simply a dental issue or a growth balance issue, please consider a regular growth-period orthodontic checkup.

Jayang Station orthodontics :: S Leader Dental Hospital