Early Orthodontic Treatment

Early orthodontic treatment, also known as interceptive orthodontic treatment, is used to prevent future orthodontic issues. Between the ages of seven and 14, the teeth and jaw are still developing, making them more malleable for effective interceptive orthodontic treatment. Sometimes patients as young as seven years old are able to begin orthodontic treatment, though their candidacy depends on specific conditions of their mouths.

Is your child a candidate for early orthodontic treatment?

To determine if your child is eligible for early orthodontic treatment, we recommend visiting the orthodontist at age seven. The earlier problems are caught, the better your child’s oral health will be in the future.

Your child must have at least one of the following conditions in order to be considered for early orthodontic treatment:

  • Crowded teeth: When a child’s jaw is too small, the result is severe dental crowding, where some or all of their teeth overlap.
  • Gapped teeth: Excessively spaced teeth. A gap in the upper front teeth is the most common type an orthodontist sees.
  • Underbite: The lower front teeth overlap the upper teeth as a result of the lower jaw being pushed forward.
  • Jaw irregularities: An unusual jaw size or narrow dental arch.
  • Crossbites: When the jaw shifts to one side.
  • Thumb or pacifier sucking: Long-term thumb or pacifier sucking has affected the teeth or jaw growth.
  • Mouth breathing: If your child only breathes through their mouth, it can cause crooked teeth, facial deformities, or poor growth.
  • Extra or missing teeth: Orthodontic treatment will need to be adjusted accordingly. For extra teeth, extractions may be necessary.

Types of Early Orthodontic Treatment

Palatal Expanders

When the jaw has formed abnormally and is not wide enough for permanent teeth to erupt, this device expands the jaw over time to create more space. A wider jaw allows your child to receive more effective and quicker orthodontic treatment, by means of clear aligners or traditional metal braces. This device is also useful for children with a narrow palate; it helps align the upper teeth and jaw. Other common conditions where a palatal expander may be needed include impacted teeth, crossbites, dental crowding, and breathing problems. Palatal expanders can only be used on younger children since their jaws are still developing.

Traditional Braces

An orthodontist’s go-to for orthodontic treatment, traditional braces are commonly used in instances of misaligned teeth, crooked teeth, or other bite problems. While this equipment is reserved for patients between ten and 14, some children younger than ten might need traditional braces if they have severely overcrowded teeth, an underbite, gapped teeth, or missing teeth.

Headgear

This device may be necessary if your child’s jaw is severely misaligned. It is used together with braces and is secured around the head and face with a neck strap. It’s important to note that braces are only capable of correcting teeth positioning. Headgear encourages proper jaw growth. There are three common types of headgear:

  • Cervical pull for overbites and underbites
  • Reverse-pull for underbites and crossbites
  • High pull for open bites

Clear Aligners

Also known as invisible braces, clear aligners have steadily grown in popularity over the years because they are removable, hard to see, and comfortable to wear. While usually meant for adults, some younger children can use them if they still have baby teeth.

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Hours of Operation

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

8:00 am-7:00 pm

Tuesday:

7:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

Closed

Thursday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

Closed

Saturday:

8:00 am-1:00 pm | Every 2nd and 3rd Saturday of the month

Sunday:

Closed

Testimonials

What Our Clients Say About Us

  • "Thank you! You truly are a magician! My teeth look and feel great! You and your staff were kind, competent, and understanding. Thank you!"
    Thelma W.
  • "My family and I have been going to Hobson Dental and Dr. DeWeirdt for many, many years. The service is always amazing, and the staff treat us like family!! I highly recommend Hobson Dental!!"
    Lara K.
  • "My whole family comes here and we love it! The staff are all so nice and caring. I love that it feels like a small town dental office; they remember you each and every time. Dr Deweirdt is an excellent dentist. He’s thorough and doesn’t rush into rash decisions about procedures."
    Allison C.
  • "Excellent service from the moment I walked in the door!! My family and I found our new dentist. Dr. Deweirdt is awesome!! He answered all my questions and provided remarkable feedback. Most importantly I was pleased with his work!"
    Margaret J.
  • "I have been going to Hobson Dental for almost 30 years. Pleasant, professional and courteous staff. Dr. Deweirdt knows his patients and families. I highly recommend Hobson Dental if you’re looking for a dentist."
    Melissa A.
  • "Dr. DeWeirdt is hilarious, which makes you look forward to each visit. But he’s also very good at what he does, so you know you will be treated right. Staff is friendly, good hours to fit your schedule. Have referred family and friends there, many times."
    Zach G.
  • "Dr. D and his staff are incredible. I can honestly say I Love ❤️ going to my dentist. He and his staff make you feel at home. Dr. D eliminates the stress and anxiety that can come with visiting the dentist. THEY ARE SUPERB!!!"
  • "I have been going to Hobson Dental since I was in college, 25 plus years. Dr Dewierdt is the BEST, great bedside manner and just a really good guy! He also knows his stuff. The staff at Hobson Dental has also been wonderful throughout the years from the Dental assistants, dental hygienists to the front desk. Highly recommend if you are looking for a new Dentist."
    Anne S.
  • "Entire office is friendly. Hygenist Heidi was gentle and thorough. Always make me feel comfortable.
    I have been a patient for several years."
    Robyn
  • "Can't say enough great things about Hobson Dental. Great dentistry, they listen and truly understand their patients needs. Dr Glen DeWeirdt is fantastic and so personable. 100 star rating from me!!"
    Sue C.
  • "Great dentist. Dr Glen deweirdt is wonderful. They are all so caring and understanding. They make you feel comfortable and relaxed. My experience was nothing but the best. Would highly recommend Hobson dental to everyone."
    David M.
  • "Great dental care provider. Been coming here for years. Hygienists are nice and careful. Dr D is the best and does awesome work!! You will be well cared for."
    Mike G.