6 Advantages of Early Orthodontic Treatment

When it comes to parenting, there’s one universal fact. Most parents want the best for their child’s smile. For this reason, the question often comes up: Is early orthodontic treatment necessary? The short answer is that some children need it, some don’t. An evaluation by an experienced orthodontist like Dr. Raman Samra or Dr. Elise Vincelette at SV Orthodontics in Toronto, Ontario, is the way to find out.

1. The Mixed Dentition Phase: What Parents Need to Know

Because children go through many changes between baby and adult teeth, this stage is called the mixed dentition phase. You can expect your child to go through this stage from the time they’re seven to 11 years old. During the mixed dentition phase, an orthodontist wants to know how your child’s adult teeth are coming in. Early treatment can guide jaw growth and make room for emerging teeth.

2. Identify Anterior Crossbites

If your child’s lower front teeth sit in front of their upper teeth, this is a sign of anterior crossbite. Anterior crossbites can cause uneven wear on their teeth and even affect jaw growth.

How to spot crossbites:

• Looking at your child’s bite from the side, are the lower teeth sitting in front of the top teeth?
• Does their jaw shift when they close their mouth?
• Notice whether or not they have difficulty biting into foods like apples.

3. Address Skeletal Construction and Posterior Crossbites

A narrow upper jaw can lead to a posterior crossbite, in which the back teeth don’t properly line up. In this situation, an orthodontist might recommend an expander to widen the jaw. If left untreated, the lower jaw can shift to one side.

4. Manage Anterior Open Bite

If your child’s front teeth don’t touch when they bite down, an anterior open bite might be the culprit. One common cause is thumb sucking. Here are ways you can help break these habits:

• A reward chart for not sucking their thumb.
• Gentle reminders when you see them doing it.

5. Dealing with Front Teeth that Are Severely Protrusive or Irregular

Because protrusive front teeth stick out, they are more likely to get knocked out or injured during sports or when a child falls. Drs. Samra and Vincelette can examine these teeth to determine if early intervention is recommended. 

6. Using Serial Extractions to Resolve Serious Crowding

If your child has teeth that are too crowded, serial extractions can create space. Some baby teeth and eventually adult teeth can be removed in a specific sequence. This helps the remaining adult teeth come in straighter and can reduce how long braces are needed later.

Is Early Orthodontic Treatment Necessary? Learn More at Our Office!

Call SV Orthodontics today at (416) 213-6646 to set up a consultation with Dr. Elise Vincelette or Dr. Raman Samra to learn more about the advantages of early orthodontic treatment. Their office is at 3016 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M4N 2K4.

Dr. Raman Samra

Dr. Raman Samra, a dual-board certified orthodontist, combines his passion for art and science to transform smiles. He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine, magna cum laude, from Boston University, where he also completed his Master's in Dentistry and specialized in Orthodontics. A published researcher in the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Dr. Samra is a trusted member of the Canadian and Ontario Associations of Orthodontics. Recognized as a Top Dentist in Boston for several years, his dedication extends globally, having served on a dental mission in Panama to support underserved children.

Connect with Dr. Raman Samra on LinkedIn

Dr. Elise Vincelette

Dr. Elise Vincelette is an esteemed orthodontist with over a decade of experience recognized for her expertise and dedication. A magna cum laude graduate from the University of Vermont, she earned her Doctorate of Dental Medicine from the prestigious University of Pennsylvania, where she received the Excellence in Oral Medicine award. Dr. Vincelette is dual-board certified and was recognized as a Top Dentist in Boston for six consecutive years. She served as the team orthodontist for the Boston Celtics for seven years, exemplifying her skill and authority in her field. Passionate and personable, Dr. Vincelette ensures exceptional patient care.

Connect with Dr. Elise Vincelette on LinkedIn

Share this Article