Early orthodontic treatment, often referred to as interceptive treatment, begins while some of your child’s baby teeth are still present. The goal of early care at Professional Dental is not to rush every child into treatment. Instead, it allows our expert team to identify developing issues early and, when necessary, guide jaw and facial growth to improve your child’s bite function and oral health for years to come.
If you are looking for expert pediatric orthodontic guidance in Utah, call Professional Dental today at (801) 785 – 8000 to schedule a consultation.
Why Does the AAO Recommend an Orthodontic Check-Up by Age 7? 🦷
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that a child’s first orthodontic evaluation take place as soon as an issue is detected, or no later than age 7. By this age, children usually have enough permanent teeth for an orthodontist to evaluate the development of their teeth and jaws.
This early screening allows us to detect subtle issues—such as crowding, spacing, or bite irregularities—that might not be obvious to parents at home. Early evaluation at our Utah offices helps families understand what is happening now, what might happen in the future, and whether proactive steps today can prevent more complicated dental situations tomorrow.
What Happens at the First Orthodontic Visit at Professional Dental?
An early check-up at Professional Dental is primarily about gathering information rather than immediate treatment. Generally, there are three possible outcomes following your child’s initial exam:
No treatment is necessary: Your child’s development is on the right track.
Monitoring: Treatment may be needed in the future, so we will follow your child periodically as their face and jaws grow. This “follow and monitor” approach is beneficial because it ensures treatment is recommended only if and when it becomes truly effective.
Early intervention: There is a developing problem that lends itself to early treatment to achieve the best possible result.
When Is Early Orthodontic Treatment Helpful?
While many orthodontic problems are best treated once all permanent teeth have erupted, early treatment is in a child’s best interest if the problem could become more serious over time.
The purpose of early intervention is to intercept developing issues, eliminate causes where possible, guide the growth of facial and jaw bones, and create adequate space for incoming permanent teeth. In some instances, a second course of treatment may still be recommended later, once all permanent teeth have erupted, to fine-tune the final positions of the teeth.
Common Orthodontic Problems We Treat
Every child’s development is unique. However, our orthodontists at Professional Dental may recommend early treatment if we detect concerns such as:
- Underbites or Crossbites: Misaligned jaw positions that can affect function and growth.
- Significant Crowding or Spacing: Issues that may prevent teeth from erupting in their proper locations.
- Extra or Missing Teeth: Congenital issues that require management.
- Abnormal Teeth Meeting: Teeth that meet abnormally or do not meet at all.
- Habits: Thumb, finger, or pacifier habits that negatively impact teeth or jaw growth.
These problems can be inherited, or they may result from accidents, dental disease, or developmental patterns like abnormal swallowing.
Types of Early Orthodontic Treatments
At Professional Dental, we tailor our approach to your child’s specific needs—there is no one-size-fits-all plan. Depending on the diagnosis, we may use:
Strategic Extraction: In some cases, we might recommend removing specific baby teeth at the precise time to help permanent teeth erupt into a better position, taking full advantage of your child’s natural growth.
Fixed or Removable Devices: These are used to gently move teeth, change jaw position, or hold teeth in place to create healthy, lasting changes. A common example is a palatal expander, which helps adjust the jaw into the correct position as it grows.
Schedule Your Child’s Orthodontic Check-Up in Utah
Timing really is everything when it comes to orthodontics. Catching issues early is often easier and more effective than waiting until facial growth is nearly complete. At Professional Dental, we have the skills and experience to guide your child toward a healthier, more beautiful smile.
No referral is needed to visit us. Our team is dedicated to providing personalized care at our multiple Utah locations to ensure your child has the best possible start to their orthodontic journey.
📞 Contact Professional Dental today! Call us at (801) 785 – 8000 to find an office near you and schedule your child’s initial orthodontic consultation.
