As a parent, you want to see your child smile with confidence. Sometimes, that means helping them achieve a straight, healthy bite. But the world of orthodontics can feel complex. You might wonder: When is the right time to think about braces? Is there anything you should do even before all their adult teeth are in?
This guide is for parents in Nairobi who want to understand the options. We’ll explore the difference between traditional braces and early orthodontic intervention, helping you make informed decisions for your child’s long-term dental health. At Tooth Fairy Dental Surgery, our goal is to provide clear, expert guidance so you can feel confident in your child’s care.
Early orthodontic treatment, also known as interceptive orthodontics, is a proactive approach to addressing potential bite and alignment issues while a child still has some of their baby teeth. This treatment typically happens between the ages of six and ten.
What is Early Orthodontic Intervention?
It’s not about achieving a perfect smile right away. Instead, the goal is to guide the growth of the jaw and create a better environment for permanent teeth to erupt correctly. By “intercepting” a developing problem, we can often make future orthodontic treatment (like braces) shorter, simpler, or in some cases, unnecessary.
Traditional Braces vs. Early Intervention
It’s helpful to think of orthodontic care in two phases:
- Phase 1: Early Intervention: This phase focuses on the underlying structure of the jaw and teeth. The aim is to correct issues like severe crowding, crossbites, or significant protrusions before they become more complex. Treatment is done while the jaw is still growing and easier to influence.
- Phase 2: Comprehensive Treatment (Braces/Aligners): This is what most people think of as traditional orthodontics. It usually happens when most or all of the permanent teeth have come in, typically between the ages of 11 and 14. This phase focuses on straightening the individual teeth and achieving the final, ideal alignment and bite.
A child who undergoes Phase 1 treatment may or may not need Phase 2. If they do, the second phase is often much quicker and less complicated.
When Should My Child Have an Orthodontic Screening?
The standard recommendation is for children to have their first orthodontic screening around age seven. This might seem early, but it’s the perfect time for a dentist or orthodontist to spot subtle problems with jaw growth and emerging teeth while some baby teeth are still present. An early screening doesn’t mean your child will get braces immediately. For most children, the conclusion is simply to “watch and wait.” However, for those who do need it, an early orthodontic screening in Parklands (our office) can be the key to preventing more serious issues down the road.
Signs Your Child Might Benefit from Early Intervention
During your child’s regular checkups, our dentists look for developing issues. You can also watch for these signs at home:
- Difficulty Chewing or Biting: This could indicate a misaligned bite.
- Crowded or Misplaced Teeth: When adult teeth start coming in crooked or overlapping.
- Jaws That Shift or Make Sounds: This may signal a problem with the jaw joint or alignment.
- Mouth Breathing: Chronic mouth breathing can affect facial and jaw development.
- Thumb Sucking or Other Oral Habits: Habits that continue past age five can push teeth out of alignment.
- Crossbite: When some upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth when biting down.
- Underbite: When the lower jaw and teeth protrude in front of the upper teeth.
- Overbite/Protruding Teeth: When the upper front teeth stick out too far.
Common Treatments in Early Orthodontics
If our team determines your child could benefit from Phase 1 treatment, several gentle and effective appliances can be used.
- Palatal Expanders: These appliances slowly widen the upper jaw. This is an effective way to correct a crossbite and create more space for crowded teeth to erupt.
- Space Maintainers: If a baby tooth is lost too early, a space maintainer can be placed to hold that spot open, preventing other teeth from drifting into the gap and causing crowding.
- Habit Appliances: For persistent thumb or finger sucking, a small, fixed appliance can be used to help a child break the habit and prevent it from affecting their teeth.
- Limited Braces or Aligners: In some cases, a few braces may be placed on specific teeth (often the front ones) to correct a localized issue like severe crowding or an aesthetic concern.
Pros and Cons of Early Orthodontic Treatment
Deciding on early intervention is a partnership between you, your child, and your dental team.
Advantages
- Can guide jaw growth and create a more balanced facial profile.
- Lowers the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth.
- Corrects harmful oral habits like thumb sucking.
- Often simplifies and shortens Phase 2 treatment (full braces).
- Can improve self-esteem by addressing noticeable cosmetic issues early.
Considerations
- Requires excellent cooperation from the child for oral hygiene and appliance care.
- Represents an investment in time and cost for an initial phase of treatment.
- Most children will still require a second phase of treatment with braces or aligners later on.
What to Expect at Your First Orthodontic Screening
At Tooth Fairy Dental Surgery, we make your child’s first screening a positive and informative experience. Here’s what it involves:
- A Friendly Conversation: We’ll talk to you and your child about any concerns you may have.
- A Gentle Examination: The dentist will examine your child’s teeth, bite, and jaw alignment.
- Diagnostic Records: We may take low-dose digital X-rays and photos to get a clear picture of what’s happening with their teeth and jawbone.
- A Clear Plan: The dentist will explain their findings in simple terms. We’ll let you know if treatment is recommended now, or if it’s best to monitor your child’s development. You will have plenty of time to ask questions.
Our team, including our skilled children’s dentists in Nairobi, works closely with orthodontic specialists to ensure your child receives seamless, coordinated care.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does early treatment guarantee my child won’t need braces later?
Not always. The goal is to solve significant structural problems early. Many children will still need braces or aligners as teenagers to fine-tune the alignment of their permanent teeth, but this second phase is usually shorter and less complex.
2. What is the cost of early orthodontic treatment in Nairobi?
The cost varies depending on the type of appliance needed and the complexity of the case. During your consultation, we will provide a clear breakdown of the costs and discuss flexible payment options.
3. Will the treatment be painful for my child?
It’s normal to have some minor discomfort or soreness when an appliance is first placed or adjusted, but this is temporary. We use gentle techniques and modern appliances designed for comfort.
4. How long does early treatment take?
Phase 1 treatment typically lasts between 9 to 18 months. Afterwards, your child may wear a retainer while we wait for their remaining permanent teeth to come in.
5. My child is 12, is it too late for early intervention?
By age 12, most children have their permanent teeth, so they would likely be candidates for comprehensive Phase 2 treatment (braces or aligners) rather than interceptive orthodontics. However, a consultation is the best way to determine their specific needs.
6. What’s the difference between a paediatric dentist and an orthodontist?
A paediatric dentist is a specialist in the overall oral health of children. An orthodontist is a dental specialist who focuses on diagnosing, preventing, and correcting misaligned teeth and jaws. Our paediatric dentists are trained to identify when a child should see an orthodontist and we work together to create the best plan.
Give Your Child the Gift of a Healthy, Confident Smile
Understanding your child’s orthodontic options is the first step toward a lifetime of good oral health. Whether it’s time to simply monitor their growth or begin early intervention, our team at Tooth Fairy Dental Surgery is here to guide you.
If you have concerns about your child’s teeth or bite, schedule an assessment at our clinic in Parklands.
Book an orthodontic screening online today or call us at +254 737 423 533 to speak with our friendly team.