Can You Get Braces With Baby Teeth?

Hello! Dr. Sean Carlson here. I often receive questions from parents wondering if their child can begin orthodontic treatment while still having baby teeth. It’s a great question and one I’m always happy to answer, as it’s important for parents to understand the role of early orthodontic care.

You might be surprised to learn that in many cases, starting treatment early—even while some baby teeth are still present—can be beneficial. This approach, often referred to as Phase 1 orthodontic treatment, allows us to guide the growth of the jaw, correct harmful bite issues, and prevent certain problems from worsening. So, let’s dive in and discuss why early treatment with braces or other orthodontic appliances may sometimes be necessary and how it can positively impact your child’s smile long-term.

Understanding Early Orthodontic Intervention

Phase 1 orthodontic treatment is designed for children between the ages of 6 and 10, a period known as the mixed dentition phase, where they have both baby teeth and permanent teeth. This phase is crucial in a child’s oral development because we can address problems before they fully develop. By intercepting issues while they’re still in the early stages, we can avoid more extensive treatments in the future.

Phase 1 treatment focuses on correcting specific issues that might complicate later orthodontic care or, in some cases, impact a child’s confidence and quality of life. During this stage, we address structural concerns with the jaw, as well as bite and alignment issues that could interfere with a child’s ability to chew, speak, or maintain a healthy oral environment. In my experience, beginning treatment at this stage sets up a stable foundation for the eruption of permanent teeth.

Why Braces or Orthodontic Treatment with Baby Teeth?

Parents often ask, “Why start so young? Can’t we just wait until all the adult teeth come in?” The answer is that, in many cases, waiting can allow minor issues to become more serious, requiring more extensive treatment. By addressing potential problems early, we make later phases of orthodontic treatment easier, faster, and more effective.

There are several scenarios where early intervention is beneficial:

1. Jaw Alignment Issues: If a child has a severe underbite, overbite, or crossbite, starting treatment early can guide the growth of the jaw in a more favorable direction. The bones in a child’s mouth are still developing, making it easier to address these issues at a young age.
2. Crowding or Spacing Problems: If your child’s mouth appears crowded even with baby teeth, this is often a sign of insufficient space for the permanent teeth. Phase 1 treatment can expand the arches to make room for adult teeth, reducing the likelihood of severe crowding later.
3. Protruding Teeth: Teeth that protrude significantly are at a higher risk of injury, especially if your child is active in sports. By bringing these teeth into better alignment early, we reduce the risk of trauma and improve aesthetics.
4. Habits that Impact Dental Development: Thumb-sucking and tongue-thrusting habits can affect dental alignment and jaw growth. Addressing these habits early can prevent the need for more involved treatment later.

The Process of Getting Braces with Baby Teeth

When a child with baby teeth starts orthodontic treatment, the first step is a comprehensive exam and evaluation. This includes taking X-rays, photos, and possibly impressions or digital scans. These records help me assess the development of your child’s jaw and the positioning of both the current baby teeth and the emerging adult teeth.

Once we decide that Phase 1 treatment is beneficial, we may recommend specific appliances tailored to your child’s needs. These could include:

• Braces: Braces for younger children are often limited to specific areas or teeth. Rather than a full set, we might place braces on certain teeth to guide their position and create space for future teeth.
• Expanders: A palatal expander is a common appliance used to widen the upper jaw, which can correct crossbites and make more space for permanent teeth.
• Space Maintainers: These are used to hold space for adult teeth if a baby tooth is lost early. Space maintainers ensure that the surrounding teeth don’t shift and close the gap, which could lead to crowding.
• Habit Appliances: In cases where thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting affects dental development, we may recommend a gentle appliance to help discourage these habits.

How Long Does Phase 1 Treatment Last?

The length of Phase 1 treatment varies, but it typically lasts between 9 and 18 months, depending on the severity of the issue being addressed. During this time, we’ll have regular check-ups to monitor your child’s progress and adjust the treatment as needed.

Once Phase 1 treatment is complete, we enter a “resting period.” During this time, we allow the remaining baby teeth to fall out naturally while permanent teeth come in. We’ll continue to monitor your child’s dental growth through periodic visits to ensure everything is developing on track. Often, children will then undergo Phase 2 treatment during their early teenage years, which involves aligning the permanent teeth and finalizing bite correction.

Benefits of Early Orthodontic Intervention

One of the biggest advantages of early intervention is that it reduces the need for more invasive procedures later. If we catch issues early, we can prevent crowding, improve jaw alignment, and make space for permanent teeth, minimizing or eliminating the need for tooth extractions. Early treatment also:

• Promotes Optimal Jaw Growth: We guide the jaw into a more favorable position, which can even help improve facial aesthetics.
• Reduces Treatment Time: Phase 1 often shortens the overall time spent in braces during Phase 2.
• Improves Oral Function: Addressing bite issues early improves a child’s ability to chew, speak, and maintain proper oral hygiene.

Real Success Stories

In my years of practice, I’ve seen numerous examples of how Phase 1 treatment has made a significant difference. One young patient, Emily, had a crossbite and significant crowding. We started her on Phase 1 treatment with a palatal expander and partial braces. Within 12 months, her arch had expanded, making room for her adult teeth, and her crossbite was corrected. When she came back a few years later for Phase 2 treatment, the process was straightforward, and she was in braces for a much shorter time than if we’d waited.

Another patient, James, had an underbite and an upper jaw that wasn’t growing at the same pace as his lower jaw. Using early braces and a facemask appliance, we encouraged the forward growth of his upper jaw, creating a balanced profile. Today, James has a healthy bite and avoids the jaw surgery that would likely have been needed if treatment had been delayed.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Will my child need braces again in the future?
   • Most likely, yes. Phase 1 treatment sets the stage, but Phase 2 is often needed once all the permanent teeth have erupted to ensure everything is aligned.
2. Is Phase 1 treatment covered by insurance?
   • Many insurance plans cover a portion of Phase 1 treatment, especially if it’s deemed medically necessary. Our team can help you review your policy to understand your benefits.
3. What happens if we skip Phase 1 treatment?
   • Skipping Phase 1 treatment might result in more complex issues that require more intensive treatment later, such as extractions or even jaw surgery.

In conclusion, early orthodontic treatment with baby teeth isn’t about rushing into braces but about giving your child the best possible start toward a healthy, beautiful smile. If you’re curious whether early treatment is right for your child, I encourage you to schedule a consultation. We can assess your child’s unique needs and discuss the best options for their long-term dental health. At Simple Orthodontics, we’re here to make every smile journey positive and successful.