One of the most common questions we're asked during an orthodontic consult is "Why do I see so many 8 year olds with braces these days?".   An excellent article published by the Wall Street Journal discusses the pros and cons of early treatment.

In summary, early or "two phase" treatment is orthodontic treatment before all the permanent teeth have erupted. This approach is used when waiting to treat would create a significantly more difficult treatment plan or less stable outcome.   The American Association of Orthodontics recommends that all children be evaluated at the age of 7.  With that being said, only a relatively small percentage of those children will need early treatment.   Lysle Johnston, one of the most prominent orthodontic educators of our day, has argued that a lot of early treatment is a "practice management decision" rather than a biologic imperative.  It was his way of kindly stating much of it is done unnecessarily. 

The fundamental questions we ask when evaluating a patient for early treatment are as follows:

• "If I don't treat this patient now, will I miss a window of opportunity that will affect his/her outcome?"
• "If I do 2 phases on this patient, will I achieve a better and/or more stable outcome than treating with one phase?"
• "Will the patient look/function any differently at 18 if I treat in 1 phase versus 2 phases?"

If the answer to any of the above questions is "yes", early treatment may be indicated.  Typical orthodontic problems treated early include cross bites or narrow palates, open bites, and under bites.  Early treatment usually requires a second phase of orthodontic treatment when all the permanent teeth have erupted. 

Drs Battistoni and Beam offer a complimentary new patient exam to assess your child's orthodontic needs.  If treatment is indicated, we'll discuss why and what specifically is needed.  If orthodontic problems are evident but no early treatment is indicated, we will continue to periodically monitor your child’s teeth and jaw development at no fee until the time is appropriate for treatment.

If you have a child seven years or older that has not been evaluated by an orthodontist, feel free to contact our office.  We look to working together with you and your family, creating smiles that last a lifetime.

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