Children's Braces

Children's Orthodontic Treatment in Houston

The American Association of Orthodontists and American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommend children are seen by age seven or eight to advise if orthodontic treatment may be necessary. If orthodontic treatment is indicated, the decision can be made whether to begin orthodontic treatment in the mixed dentition period (while there is a mix of primary and permanent teeth), or to wait until most of the permanent teeth have erupted. Dr. Rose and Dr. Pulver refer to treatment in the mixed dentition stage as "Phase I."Most of the dental plans list the equivalent of Phase I as "Limited Orthodontic Treatment of the Mixed Dentition", or "Limited Orthodontic Treatment of the Adolescent Dentition." If orthodontic treatment is not indicated in the mixed dentition stage, the patient is put into the recall program and evaluated on a periodic basis.

The first permanent molars and incisors usually erupt by age seven or eight. At this time, cross bites, crowding, and other problems can be evaluated. Early orthodontic treatment for children can help guide the growth of the jaw and create space for incoming permanent teeth. This type of treatment can also influence the width of the upper and lower dental arches, create space for permanent teeth, possibly avoid the need for permanent tooth extractions, reduce the possibility of impacted permanent teeth, and correct thumb sucking.