Early Treatment Salem, OR

Every child’s smile develops differently. Some children grow into their teeth without issue, while others show early signs that their bite, jaw, or tooth alignment may need attention. Recognizing those signs sooner rather than later can make a meaningful difference in your child’s long-term dental health. Early orthodontic treatment with Christensen Orthodontics gives children the opportunity to address developing problems while the jaw and teeth are still growing, often reducing the complexity of treatment down the road.

Different Reasons for Orthodontic Care

Children may need orthodontic care for a wide variety of reasons, and not all of them are obvious from a quick glance at a smile.

Some of the most common concerns that prompt early evaluation include:

• Crowding, where there is not enough space for permanent teeth to come in properly
• Spacing issues, such as gaps between teeth that are too wide
• Crossbites, where the upper and lower teeth do not meet correctly
• Overbites or underbites affecting how the jaw aligns
• Open bites, where the front teeth do not touch when the mouth is closed
• Problems caused by thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, or prolonged pacifier use
• Delayed loss of baby teeth or early loss due to decay or injury

Early orthodontic care, sometimes referred to as Phase 1 treatment, typically begins between the ages of 6-10. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children receive their first orthodontic screening by age 7. At this stage, a child has a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth, which gives an orthodontist a clear window into how the bite is developing and whether intervention would be beneficial. Early treatment does not always mean braces right away. In many cases, it involves monitoring growth closely or using specialized appliances to guide the jaw and teeth in the right direction before more complex issues develop.

Habit Orthodontic Appliances

For children who have developed oral habits that are affecting the growth of their teeth or jaw, habit appliances can be an effective solution. These are custom-fitted devices that discourage specific behaviors and help redirect proper development. They are typically fixed in place so that they work continuously without relying on a child to remember to wear a removable device.

Tongue Crib

A tongue crib is designed for children who have a persistent tongue thrusting habit, where the tongue pushes against or between the front teeth during swallowing or rest. Over time, this pressure can push the front teeth forward or prevent the upper and lower teeth from meeting properly. The tongue crib creates a physical barrier that gently redirects the tongue to a more appropriate resting position.

Thumb Crib

A thumb crib, also called a thumb or finger habit appliance, is used to help children break the habit of thumb or finger sucking. While sucking habits are completely normal in infancy, continued thumb sucking past the age of 4 or 5 can begin to alter the shape of the palate and the position of the front teeth, sometimes leading to an open bite. The appliance sits behind the upper front teeth and makes thumb sucking uncomfortable, encouraging the child to stop the habit naturally.

Palate Expander

A palate expander is used to widen the upper jaw when it is too narrow to accommodate the incoming permanent teeth or to correct a crossbite. Because a child’s palate is still forming and has not yet fully fused, expansion at a young age can be accomplished more predictably and comfortably than it would be in a teenager or adult. The expander is gradually adjusted over a period of weeks or months, creating space that allows the teeth to come in more naturally and reduces the likelihood of needing tooth extractions later.

Schedule Your Child’s Early Orthodontic Consultation

If you have noticed any signs of bite problems, crowding, or oral habits in your child, now is a good time to act. Early evaluation gives our team at Christensen Orthodontics the chance to assess your child’s development and determine whether treatment would be beneficial at this stage. Parents in the Salem area are encouraged to contact our office and schedule a consultation. The earlier a concern is identified, the more options are available, and the simpler treatment often becomes. Call 503-967-9887 to set up an appointment for your child today.