Early Intervention
Timing Is Everything
Early treatment, or what Dr. Chris calls “pre-orthodontic guidance,” means treatment that is performed while some baby teeth are still present.
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that your child’s first check-up be performed when an orthodontic problem is first recognized, around age seven or eight. Why so early?
At this point, your child has enough permanent teeth for Dr. Chris to evaluate the developing teeth and jaw, which in turn, can provide a wealth of information. Our orthodontist in Attleboro, MA is trained to spot subtle problems even in young children.
There are generally three outcomes of an initial check-up:
While most orthodontic problems are best treated after all permanent teeth have come in, early treatment can be in a patient’s best interests if their problem is one that could become more serious over time if left untreated.
Pre-Orthodontic Guidance
Interception
The goal of pre-orthodontic guidance is to intercept the developing problem, eliminate the cause, guide the growth of facial and jaw bones, and provide adequate space for incoming permanent teeth. In most instances, the patient will require a second course of treatment when all permanent teeth have erupted.
Treatment
The small handful of problems Dr. Chris may recommend treating while a child still has some baby teeth include:
Some of these orthodontic problems are inherited, while others may result from accidents, dental disease, or airway obstruction.
Monitoring
Whether treatment has been taken or not, Dr. Chris will continue to monitor any concerns or potential risks. As your child grows, he may recommend interceptive care or plan for future orthodontic treatment.
Regardless, your family is not alone. We partner with you during your child’s development so we can make any adjustments when needed.
This is an amazing family business! My family has always been given the best care and service with a smile. I would recommend Dr. Chris and his team to everyone I know!
Lerin P. (Peluso Patient)
It Only Takes a Check-Up
Schedule your child in for a consultation with Dr. Peluso.
There is no need to feel apprehensive about bringing your child to our office. Dr. Chris and our team are specialists in this area of dentistry and have amassed years of experience working with kids. If there is something to be addressed, we’ll explain it clearly and identify the best plan to move forward.
Early orthodontic treatment can take many forms. Dr. Chris may recommend a short course of braces, a motion 3D appliance, or expansion appliances. Sometimes no appliances are necessary at all. Instead, removal of some baby teeth may help with permanent tooth eruption. The extractions will be timed to take the best advantage of a patient’s growth and development.
Regardless of how treatment goals are reached, the bottom line is that some orthodontic problems may be easier to correct if they are found and treated early. Waiting until all the permanent teeth have come in, or until facial growth is nearly complete, may make some corrections more difficult.