Highpoint Orthodontics (Chalfont)
215-997-0599

Orthodontics of the Main Line (Bala Cynwyd)
610-667-5789

Harleysville Orthodontics
215-256-6444

     Treatment Timing and Phases
     Who Needs Braces?
     Cost of Braces
     Your First Visit
     Frequently Asked Questions
     Benefits of Early Ortho Treatment
     Foods to Avoid While in Ortho Treatment

Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment

When most people think of orthodontics, they think of teenagers. The fact is, most orthodontic treatment begins between the ages of 9 and 14, however, by age 7, most children have a mix of adult and baby teeth. Orthodontists can spot subtle problems with jaw growth and emerging teeth while some baby teeth are still present. That's because some orthodontic problems are easier to correct if they are found early.

For these reasons the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that your child get an orthodontic check-up no later than age 7. While your child's teeth may appear to be straight, there could be a problem that only an orthodontist can detect. Of course, the check-up may reveal that your child's bite is fine, and that can be comforting news.

Even if a problem is detected, your orthodontist may not recommend immediate treatment. Chances are, Dr. Kadan will take a "wait and see" approach, checking on your child from time to time as the permanent teeth come in and the jaws and face continue to grow. For each patient who needs treatment, there's an ideal time for treatment to begin in order to achieve the best results. The orthodontist is the specialist who has the knowledge to determine when the time is just right.

In some cases, Dr. Kadan might find a problem that can benefit from early treatment. Early treatment may prevent more serious problems from developing, and may make treatment at a later age shorter and less complicated.

Early treatment gives the orthodontist the chance to:
• Guide Jaw growth
• Lower the risk of trauma to protruded front teeth
• Correct harmful oral habits such as thumb sucking
• Improves the appearance and self-esteem
• Guide the permanent teeth into a more favorable position
• Improves the way lips meet

Signs that the bite is not right
Here are some clues that may indicate the need for orthodontic attention:
• Early or late loss of baby teeth
• Difficulty in chewing or biting
• Breathing through the mouth
• Thumb sucking
• Crowded, misplaced or blocked-out teeth
• Jaws that are too far forward or back
• Biting the cheek or biting into the roof of the mouth
• Protruding teeth
• Upper and lower teeth that don't meet, or meet in an abnormal way
• An unbalanced facial appearance
• Grinding or clenching of the teeth


Copyright ©2008 Officite