Growth & Guidance Program

Drs. Harris & Arkle: Charlotte Orthodontists Providing Early Orthodontic Treatment for Children

You want the best for your child, and so do we. At Arkle & Harris Orthodontics, we understand the unique orthodontic needs of children and provide treatments to prevent and remedy problems with the teeth and jaws. Early intervention is often necessary to correct the following conditions and may prevent your child from needing orthodontic treatment at a later stage of development:

Inadequate space for permanent teeth to emerge
Bite misalignment
Improper jaw growth
Teeth that are widely spaced or crowded
Problems caused by thumb sucking and other habits
Early or late tooth loss
Oral damage from injury

Orthodontic Assessment

Dr. Arkle and Dr. Harris are leading Charlotte orthodontists who deliver personalized, patient-focused care. They concur with the recommendation by the American Association of Orthodontists that children receive an orthodontic evaluation as early as age 7.

Your child's orthodontic assessment will include a gentle, yet thorough, examination to assess current dental development. The doctor will check to see if tooth eruption is on track and evaluate occlusion, which is the way top and bottom teeth fit together. Crossbite, underbite, and overbite can be corrected with proven, conservative therapy. If space isn't available for permanent teeth to erupt into their proper positioning, the doctor will develop a customized course of action to comfortably and efficiently create space for adult teeth.

Treatment Phases

Typically, early treatment (also called Phase One) begins when kids reach age 8 or 9. Phase Two treatment, if needed, occurs when kids are around age 11 or older. The goal of early intervention of orthodontic problems – what we call our Growth & Guidance Program – is to treat them once and treat them right. Dr. Harris and Dr. Arkle strive to remedy problems in the most conservative manner possible and in a way that limits the time a child undergoes orthodontic treatment.

Does Your Child Need Early Orthodontic Treatment?

An evaluation by Charlotte orthodontist Dr. Arkle or Dr. Harris will identify potential or existing issues. The following conditions may be signs that your child would benefit from the Growth & Guidance Program created by the doctors at Arkle & Harris Orthodontics:

Premature or late loss of baby teeth (kids typically begin losing teeth around age 5 and receive all of their permanent teeth by age 13)
Difficulty biting or chewing
Mouth breathing
Thumb sucking that continues after age 5
Speech impediments
Protruding front teeth
Crossbite, underbite, or overbite
Crowded front teeth at around age 7 or 8

Why Treat Kids at an Early Age?

By the time children reach their teen years, jawbone tissue begins to harden. At this point, it's more difficult, uncomfortable, and time-consuming to implement therapies to change jawbone structure and move teeth. Orthodontic treatment on adult jaws may require tooth extraction or oral surgery. Treating certain problems in the early stage minimizes treatment time, contributes to more comfortable treatment, and may prevent your child from needing orthodontic care as an adult.

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