If your child’s orthodontist is recommending braces for their baby teeth, you might be a tad bit confused. After all, aren’t the baby teeth going to fall out anyway? Why waste time (and money) straightening them out?
This type of early orthodontic treatment is sometimes called “interceptive orthodontics.” As the name implies, it can “intercept” issues related to crooked pearly whites, reducing the need for a more complex treatment later in your child’s life. For more details about why baby teeth sometimes need braces, you’ll have to keep reading!
Baby Teeth Pave the Way for Permanent Pearly Whites
Think of baby teeth like a sort of “trial run.” As they grow, they leave a path for future adult teeth to follow. If a child’s first set of pearly whites take up crooked positions, it’s more likely for their permanent teeth to follow similar angles and require orthodontic treatment. Of course, the reverse is also true – straighter baby teeth can lead to more upright adult teeth.
So that’s how your child’s orthodontist is able to determine whether they need interceptive braces. It’s also likely why they’re recommending this form of early-age orthodontics; proactively correcting baby teeth can shorten your child’s braces treatment further down the line – or even eliminate the problem entirely!
What to Expect
Your next question is probably something along the lines of “how do braces work for young children?” The answer is fortunately fairly simple: almost the same way they work for teenagers and adults. Your orthodontist will attach brackets to your child’s baby teeth and connect each one with a metal wire. The tightness of the appliance will gently apply pressure to the teeth, nudging them into more ideal alignments.
A key difference to keep in mind, though, is that the goal of interceptive orthodontics isn’t necessarily to perfect your child’s baby teeth. It’s more so to help the adult teeth be more receptive to treatment later (or to help them grow more properly so that future treatment isn’t necessary). Thus, your child’s pearly whites may not be completely straight by the end of their interceptive orthodontics, but that doesn’t mean they didn’t benefit from the process.
Schedule a Consultation
Remember that if you’re not sure about a specific treatment for your child, you can always ask their orthodontist for more information. Scheduling a consultation with them will give you the opportunity to ask questions, and enable them to address any concerns you might have. With honest communication, you can work together to promote your child’s oral health!
About the Author
Dr. Payam Ishani completed his specialty training in orthodontics at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, and is Invisalign certified. If you’re concerned about the alignment of your child’s teeth, he’d be happy to examine their smile, as well as provide treatment and recommendations. To contact Dr. Ishani’s office with questions about interceptive orthodontics or other matters, call 405-254-5094.