Early Tooth OverCrowding
When should crooked teeth be straightened? As soon as they're detected! The old adage about an ounce of protection is especially true in orthodontics, where crooked teeth can be prevented by early treatment.
Diagnosed at a sufficiently early age, an unusual trend can often be stopped in its tracks - and its effects completely erased. To ensure early detection, a child should have a checkup by the family dentist at intervals of about six months, beginning at 2 to 3 years of age. Overcrowded and crooked teeth are most likely to make their entrance with the arrival of the four permanent incisors and the four permanent molars at around age six or even earlier in some cases.
Prompt treatment is recommended when teeth are overcrowded. Some baby teeth may be removed ahead of their normal shedding time to allow nature to do a certain amount of tooth straightening. Known as interceptive orthodontics, it can involve a one-by-one extraction in a well-planned sequence to make room for a better bite.
An even better method of care may be to increase the available room for these baby teeth by assisting in bone growth. There are several orthopedic appliances that dentists make which will expand the bone and allow for all of the baby and permanent teeth to be kept. Special tooth guidance appliances worn only at night are one way to correct budding problems. Check with your dentist about early orthodontic and orthopedic treatment if your child has early crowding.