Orthodontic work at age 7?

[USAmma]

My dd went to the dentist yesterday and her jaw is very small, and the teeth are super crowded (the ones that have not emerged yet). Some are turned to 90 degree angles just to fit and are pushing other ones out of the way. The dentist gave me a referral to an orthodontist and said she may need some teeth pulled as soon as they emerge, and he would recommend we start orthodontics with her because of her small jaw.

Dh needed to get some teeth pulled for the same reason but he didn't get braces until he was a teen. He doesn't see the point of doing it earlier than that. I also had braces as a teen, and I was so glad to get them. I hated my super crooked teeth and wish I'd been able to fix them sooner (some of my teeth were fully in front of other teeth, and it was beyond just crooked).

Any thoughts on this? Is it necessary or good to get this taken care of sooner rather than later? I am hoping to be done with nursing school in about 3- 3.5 years and can afford it more after that. But if it's an advantage to do it now, we will come up with the money somehow.

Also, she has Celiac's (just diagnosed) and her emerging teeth have some bad pigment problems that will also have to get take care of eventually!) Kids are so expensive!!

[Mirzam]

Have you read this article. I am not sure if it anwers your questions as I haven't read it in a while.

[shelbean91]

Katlyn had braces put on this past December. I could tell there would be crowding (the dentist mentioned it as well). We went in for an ortho consult and he said he doesn't usually do them that young, but kids are generally getting them put on earlier than years past b/c they've realized that with younger kids come faster growing bodies and the overall time in braces is reduced. (And for us, we're hoping to have fewer, if any, permanent teeth needed to be removed.)

With Katlyn, the plan is to do a 2phase treatment. Phase 1 is braces for about a year. Then a retainer for a year or 2 until the rest of her permanent teeth come in, then Phase 2 in braces for another 10 mos or so, depending on how she responds.

I'm amazed at how quickly I'm already seeing results.

PM or email me if you need more details. Most orthos do free consults, so you're not out anything while talking to them.

[smeta]

My dd is 7 too and she is getting 3 teeth pulled this afternoon (yikes!). I think it is a good idea to get started now. Our ortho is suggesting getting the teeth pulled so the permenant teeth can come in straight (they are doing the same things you mentioned). He said it is much more work for him to turn or straighten them later on. My dd is complaing of her teeth hurting alot since they are pushing on each other so much, so she is fine with getting the teeth pulled.

She also has an underbite, so when she is about 9 she will get braces (only on upper and bottom front 4 teeth) and wear head gear to pull her upper jaw forward. He also thinks she may need to have one or two of her permanent teeth pulled since her mouth is so crowded, but this wouldn't be until at least age 12.

If you can afford it now, I would consult an orthodontist and get the teeth pulled. Most likely there won't be any ortho work for a couple of years.

[karen1968]

OK, I haven't gone through this with my own child yet (he is only 15 months), but here is my experience...

Orthodontists do more - much more - than just braces. As a child, I had a severe overbite - I could put two fingers, stacked, between my front top & bottom teeth. I started going to the ortho when I was 7 or 8 years old, and starting in third grade I wore an appliance to correct the bite. I believe I had the appliance three years (my memory is a bit hazy). It totally worked, as I only have a barely noticable overbite now (my cousin, who did not have ortho work, has severe bite and jaw problems from the same genetic issues). I also had to have braces - top only - in high school, can't remember if it was for more overbite work or for crooked teeth

Both my sisters also had early ortho. My older sister (now 45) had a spreader to help spread her upper jaw. My twin had teeth removed, braces, retainers, etc.

My nephew, now 12, didn't see an orthodontist until he was 10 or 11. His first few permanent teeth came in crooked and it affects his bite and his speech. I wish my sister had been able to take him in earlier.

I believe it really helped all of us to have the early orthodontic work. At the very least, I beleive it would be worth getting an evaluation and estimate of the work they would like to do. And a second opinion if you have concerns with the initial recommendations. Then you can make a fully informed decision on the course of action that is right for your child.

[alegna]

I would not allow teeth pulled this early. Early work CAN help with things like palate expanders and the like to help the jaw grow into a better form.

-Angela

[smeta]

Originally Posted by alegna

I would not allow teeth pulled this early.

Why??


Edited to add that my dd had baby teeth pulled. I would not have permanant teeth pulled at such a young age.

[alegna]

Originally Posted by smeta

Why??


Edited to add that my dd had baby teeth pulled. I would not have permanant teeth pulled at such a young age.

Trauma without benefit.

-Angela

[wannabe]

I am HUGELY in favour of early orthodontics. It's far more effective and less painful than later work.

I had braces as soon as my front 8 teeth were through, and it took four months for them to bring my front teeth in, then they were taken off. FOUR MONTHS. The younger you are, the softer your bones.

I was offered to have two teeth pulled to allow more room for bottom teeth, but I was too scared. I should have had it done, crowded teeth are hard to clean well.

[smeta]

I am HUGELY in favour of early orthodontics. It's far more effective and less painful than later work.

I agree. My dd had her teeth pulled on Tuesday. Today (Friday) she could already feel aches from one of her permanant teeth trying to move into the correct position.

crowded teeth are hard to clean well

I agree with that too. My mouth is also very crowded and I am always getting cavities inbetween teeth, even with daily flossing. My dd has the same problem.

I don't think the teeth pulling was traumatic for her. My children are fine with dental work. She handled it very well. If your child doesn't like going to the dentist, then I would consider it more carefully.

[_betsy_]

I didn't have any say in the matter, and I don't know how much research my parents did, but I had teeth pulled and spacers put in around 7 years old. I wore braces until I was 17. I had a severe overbite, overcrowding, the works.

And had I worn my retainers well into adulthood, I probably wouldn't be contemplating going back for braces/retainers as an adult... sigh...