Early Orthodontic Treatment: Building a Foundation for Healthy Growth and Development

At Foote Orthodontics, serving families in Bryn Mawr and Wayne, PA, we take an advanced approach to early orthodontic treatment that goes beyond just aligning teeth. Early intervention, known as orthopedic treatment, is crucial in guiding the growth and development of facial bones, airways, and underlying structures. This approach helps prevent more complex issues down the road and positively impacts facial growth, breathing, and airway health.

According to the American Association of Orthodontics, children should have an orthodontic evaluation by age 7. Yet, many children benefit from an even earlier consultation. By identifying early childhood malocclusions (ECM) or sleep-related breathing disorders (SRBD) while children are still in their primary dentition, we can intervene to promote healthy facial growth and address breathing or airway-related concerns before they become more challenging to treat.

Why is early treatment so important? Issues such as mouth breathing, snoring, teeth grinding, clenching, speech impediments, bedwetting, and daytime fatigue often signal developmental problems in the jaw, tongue, and airway. Research shows that these problems can affect more than just dental health – they can influence overall well-being. For example, studies indicate that mouth breathing can alter the structure of the jaw, lead to a narrower airway, and increase the likelihood of obstructive sleep apnea later in life. Similarly, conditions like tongue tie, misaligned jaws, and enlarged adenoids or tonsils are linked with symptoms affecting sleep quality, attention span, and behavior. Children who experience restless sleep or struggle with breathing difficulties are often misdiagnosed with conditions like ADHD when the real underlying issue is often related to their poor sleep due to an airway or alignment concern.