Real-Life Story:
Lynn is six years old. Her mom noticed her lower jaw was sticking out a bit, and she had trouble biting food properly. The dentist recommended early orthodontic treatment—even though Lynn still had her baby teeth. Her mom was puzzled: “Shouldn’t we wait until all the adult teeth are in?”
This is a common question many parents have. Should we start braces early, or wait until all permanent teeth come in? What’s the difference between treatment during the baby teeth stage and the mixed dentition stage?
1. What Is Early Orthodontic Treatment in the Baby Teeth Stage?
This stage typically refers to ages 3 to 6, when kids still have all their baby teeth. At this point, braces aren’t about straightening teeth, but about guiding proper jaw and bite development and correcting harmful oral habits.
Best for issues like:
- Underbite (lower teeth in front of upper teeth)
- Noticeably forward or backward jaw
- Open bite or trouble biting down
- Thumb-sucking, tongue thrusting, lip biting
Main goal:
- Help jaws grow in the right direction
- Stop habits that cause long-term problems
- Prevent more serious orthodontic issues later
2. What Is Orthodontic Treatment in the Mixed Dentition Stage?
This stage happens around ages 6 to 12, when baby teeth and adult teeth are both present. At this stage, orthodontic devices help guide adult teeth into the correct position and address bite problems early.
Best for issues like:
- Crooked or crowded permanent teeth
- Misaligned or sideways growing adult teeth
- Bite problems like deep bite or open bite
Main goal:
- Help adult teeth grow into better positions
- Improve bite alignment early
- Possibly avoid full braces later
3. Baby Teeth vs. Mixed Dentition Braces: What’s the Difference?
| Aspect | Baby Teeth Stage | Mixed Dentition Stage |
|---|---|---|
| Age Range | 3–6 years | 6–12 years |
| Focus | Jaw growth, bite guidance | Tooth position, bite correction |
| Treatment Type | Habit correctors, jaw guides | Partial braces or expanders |
| Urgency | Only if issues are present | Often needed as teeth come in |
| Outcome | Prevent future problems | Straighten teeth, align bite |
In short: Baby teeth treatment helps prevent problems; mixed dentition treatment helps fix them.
4. Can We Just Wait Until All Adult Teeth Come In?
This is a very common question—and the answer is: It depends.
Some issues should NOT wait, like:
- Underbites
- Jaw growth issues
- Crossbites
If left untreated, these problems may get worse and require surgery or tooth extractions later.
Other mild problems, like small gaps or slightly crooked teeth, may be okay to monitor and treat later in the teenage years.
Bottom line: The right time for braces depends on your child’s unique dental development. A pediatric orthodontist can help assess the situation early and guide the best timing.
5. What Should Parents Do?
Tips for Parents:
- Bring your child for their first orthodontic screening by age 4–5, especially if you see bite or jaw issues
- By age 6–7, schedule an early orthodontic check-up
- Visit the dentist regularly to monitor tooth and jaw development
Final Thoughts
Orthodontic treatment isn’t “one size fits all.” Some kids benefit from early action, while others can wait. The key is knowing what’s happening under the surface. Don’t wait until all the adult teeth are in if there are signs of jaw problems, underbite, or harmful habits. Early checks could save your child from years of complicated treatment later.
