Early Orthodontic Treatment on Long Island
Suffolk Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics provides early dental treatment for children in Long Island, NY. Call us at one of our 5 locations in Port Jefferson Station, Wading River, Sayville, Smithtown, and Medford to learn more and schedule your appointment.
Around age 7, the first adult molars typically erupt, helping to define a patient’s back bite and allowing the orthodontist to more effectively evaluate the bite. Treatment at this age may not be necessary, but orthodontic monitoring can help anticipate the ideal timeline for the most effective treatment and also help to prevent more serious problems in the future.
Some results of effective early treatment:
- Reducing the need for tooth removal
- Creating space for crowded, erupting teeth
- Reducing the risk of injury to protruding front teeth
- Preserving needed space for permanent teeth
- Reducing future orthodontic treatment time
Phase I (Early) Treatment
Phase I treatment usually takes places between the ages of 7-11 and can involve appliances that create space in the mouth and correct bite problems while growth is still occurring. This stage is generally completed early, while patients still have mixed dentition (baby teeth and adult teeth). Treatment during this phase can include the use of oral appliances such as palatal expander devices (PED) and space maintainers.
Palatal Expander Devices (PED)
Both removable and fixed PEDs can be used to address crowding and other issues by expanding the upper jaw to make more room to accommodate tooth and/or jaw alignment.
Space Maintenance
Space maintainers are used to keep teeth from drifting into an empty tooth space due to early loss of primary (baby) teeth. Baby teeth act as a guide for the eruption of the permanent teeth. A space maintainer is made of stainless steel and/or plastic. It can be removable or fixed to the teeth.
Phase II (Adolescent) Treatment
Phase II typically occurs during adolescence because around ages 11-13 is when most patients have lost all of their deciduous (baby) teeth and their permanent teeth have, for the most part, come in. Because rapid growth occurs during adolescence, it is easier to treat orthodontic problems.
At our Long Island and Suffolk County locations, receiving early orthodontic treatment offers an early treatment benefit that helps guide your child’s dental development and create a healthy smile. An initial exam allows us to spot orthodontic concerns like protruding teeth, jaw growth problems, early or late loss of all their baby teeth, and too much space between child’s teeth.
Since most children typically start losing teeth around age six, early intervention can ensure incoming permanent teeth grow in a normal manner. We may recommend interceptive orthodontics, orthodontic procedures, other orthodontic appliances, or tooth extraction to support proper jaw growth and alignment of the child’s upper jaw, bottom teeth, and jaw bones.
Alongside dental care, our team works with your family dentist and general dentist to coordinate treatments, including oral surgery, fluoride treatments, and composite fillings. Whether your child needs help straightening teeth or managing teeth extend issues, our approach ensures lasting results well into the teen years.
Contact us to learn how early care in dental medicine can benefit your child’s smile.
