Early intervention

The Orthodontic Society of Ireland recommends children see an orthodontist as early as age eight. By the age of eight, the first adult molars erupt, and the back bite forms. During this stage, an orthodontist can examine front-to-back and side-to-side tooth relationships and predict changes. By the end of their teen years, your child’s jaw bones will harden and stop growing.

Does my child need it?

1. SPACING OR GAPS IN TEETH

Wide gaps between primary teeth are common for young children. If the problem persists as your child’s baby teeth fall out, it may suggest a need for orthodontic treatment to direct the teeth together.

2. SPEECH PROBLEMS

Unclear speech or a speech impediment can sometimes indicate that your child’s bite is misaligned. 

3. JAW SHAPE

If your child’s jaw or palate appears slightly dis-proportioned, it may mean problems with their bite later in life. Early intervention encourages corrective growth preventing crossbite, overbites or underbites from developing and removing the need for later corrective jaw surgery.

4. PROBLEMS CHEWING

Ineffective chewing could mean your child’s teeth and jaws are not functioning the way they should. This could be because of a variety of reasons, including a problem with their bite.

5. CROOKED TEETH OR OVERCROWDED TEETH

Crooked teeth can eventually cause gum disease and wear down over time. Crowded teeth can mean that there is not enough room for permanent teeth to come in properly.

6. PROTRUDING TEETH

This can result from an overbite or underbite which not only affects your child’s overall appearance but causes wear on their teeth. We can correct this condition with braces.

7. DELAYED TOOTH LOSS / MISSING ADULT TEETH

Delayed tooth loss can displace the arrival of new permanent teeth, resulting in poor alignment of the developing dentition. A small upper jaw, unable to accommodate the permanent teeth can be responsible. If adult teeth are missing, an early assessment can ensure a plan that is less complicated than a treatment that identifies the problem at a later stage. 

8. SNORING, SLEEP APNEA, OR MOUTH BREATHING

If your child is snoring, chooses to breathe through their mouth instead of their nose, or suffers from teeth grinding, they could have sleep apnea. This can be due to a reduced upper airway volume due to a small upper jaw. Early intervention can encourage the upper jaw to increase in size and significantly reduce these problems. There are a variety of effective treatment options available for this condition in children and teenagers, which includes orthodontic treatment.