Although malocclusion is not entirely predictable, and is not necessarily avoidable, a combination of regular dental checkups and early orthodontic evaluation and treatment can help your child avoid needing treatment in the future.
Regular Dental Check Ups
A dentist should regularly examine your child’s baby and permanent teeth as they grow in. This is important for identifying and avoiding the development of malocclusion problems, because the dentist will be able to monitor your child’s development, and determine if orthodontic intervention is necessary.
In addition to a good hygiene routine at home, regular oral hygiene appointments will help keep primary teeth healthy. Primary teeth act as placeholders and guides for the permanent teeth as they erupt. When primary teeth fall out early as a result of decay, it might cause the permanent teeth to grow into the wrong positions.
In short, it’s important that children attends regular dental checkups and cleanings, so that they can avoid having to go through orthodontic treatment later in life.
Early Orthodontic Intervention
According to the Canadian Association of Orthodontists, children should have their first orthodontic evaluation no later than at the age of 7. Sometimes, children as young as 2 or 3 can benefit from early evaluation.
The orthodontist will be able to identify problems early on while they're still developing, and implement Early Interceptive Treatment (also known as Phase I Treatment).
Early treatment, which typically comes in the form of palatal expanders, space maintainers, TADs, or partial braces can can make a big impact on whether your child will wind up wearing braces, and for how long.