What does “Orthodontic care for children” mean?
Orthodontic care for children assesses developing teeth, jaws and bite, and provides management or treatment when appropriate during growth. Plans range from observation to space management or early treatment of selected problems, followed when needed by comprehensive alignment later.
Identify problems in relation to the stage of development
Space for permanent teeth and the bite can be assessed while primary teeth remain. Current concerns include whether the jaw shifts sideways or forwards on closure and whether teeth erupt as expected. Chronological age alone does not determine the need for treatment.
Distinguish observation from the goals of early treatment
Assessment may support regular observation or show a need to address a specific problem first. If early treatment is proposed, ask which space, tooth or bite problem it targets. The same appliance or sequence is not appropriate for every child.
Plan care that the child and caregiver can carry out
Ask the team to explain what the child and caregiver need to do for appliance wear, cleaning and reviews. More detailed alignment and bite treatment may be needed once additional permanent teeth erupt, and retention may follow. Clarify whether the early stage is expected to complete the whole treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should assessment wait until all primary teeth have fallen out?
No. Development and the bite can be assessed while primary and permanent teeth are both present. The actual start of treatment depends on the individual findings.
Does early orthodontics remove the need for treatment later?
That cannot be guaranteed. Early treatment and later alignment of permanent teeth may have different goals. Ask about the expected next stages and observation plan.
Checking the timing and stages of a child's orthodontic care
Learn what the term means and how it relates to your dental condition.
- Sufficient understanding
Why is treatment or observation appropriate now?
Explanation and evidenceAsk about findings concerning tooth development, space, the bite and growth, current options and what should be monitored if waiting.
AAPD: Diagnosis and staged management of developing dentition and occlusion (2024 revision) - A choice suited to your condition
How will later stages and care at home fit together?
Explanation and evidenceConfirm appliance wear, cleaning and review plans, the possibility of further treatment after permanent teeth erupt, and the role of retention.
American Association of Orthodontists: FAQs on children's first assessment, early treatment and later stages
Further reading and references
Further reading
References
- AAPD: Diagnosis and staged management of developing dentition and occlusion (2024 revision)aapd.org (opens in a new tab)
- American Association of Orthodontists: FAQs on children's first assessment, early treatment and later stagesaaoinfo.org (opens in a new tab)
- NHS: Orthodontic appliance components, care and retentionnhs.uk (opens in a new tab)
