[Hinews 하이뉴스] Many people begin orthodontic treatment only after reaching adulthood. Some consider braces for cosmetic reasons, while others seek treatment later due to TMJ discomfort or functional issues. However, orthodontic specialists worldwide increasingly emphasize that “the later orthodontic treatment begins, the more difficult it becomes—and the earlier it begins, the greater the effectiveness and long-term stability.”

In particular, early orthodontic treatment for children goes beyond simply straightening teeth; it plays a crucial role in guiding the healthy, harmonious growth of the facial structure itself.

A child’s jawbone is far softer and more adaptable than that of an adult. During this period, orthodontists can influence not only tooth alignment but also jaw growth direction, upper–lower jaw balance, and overall facial proportions. Once growth is complete, achieving the same results becomes far more challenging, often requiring tooth extraction or even surgery.

Thus, early-stage orthodontics is not merely “cosmetic dental care,” but a treatment that determines a child’s lifelong facial structure and functional foundation.

Major benefits of early treatment include the development of an attractive facial profile, securing space for permanent teeth, functional improvement of the TMJ and chewing, and enhanced breathing and speech. These points are strongly supported by international orthodontic societies.

The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends the first orthodontic evaluation around age seven, noting that early detection enables simpler and less invasive treatment.

In Korea, many parents assume, “We can start braces in middle school.” But once skeletal growth is nearly complete, it becomes extremely difficult to redirect jaw development. Orthodontists must then rely solely on forced tooth movement, which leads to longer treatment periods and greater discomfort.

In contrast, early orthodontics during the mixed dentition stage—when baby and permanent teeth coexist—leverages the child’s natural growth for significantly higher treatment efficiency.

For example, early correction of underbite (Class III tendency) in the lower grades of elementary school can often be managed with simple devices. If discovered only in adolescence, however, treatment may require complex options including surgery.

Issues such as speech problems, mouth breathing, and jaw asymmetry also tend to worsen if left unaddressed, making early diagnosis the most powerful form of prevention.

Specialized orthodontic clinics strongly recommend “the first orthodontic checkup at age seven” for this reason. Not every child needs treatment at this age, but missing this window means losing a critical, non-repeatable period of growth.

Growing awareness of mouth breathing, sleep-disordered breathing, facial asymmetry, and early-stage malocclusion has gradually pushed the recommended age for initial orthodontic evaluation earlier. Early assessment allows clinicians to systematically determine whether treatment is needed, the optimal timing, and the expected duration.

Although Korea’s national health screening for children includes basic oral examinations, specialized evaluations—such as jaw growth analysis and occlusal assessment—are often missing. Orthodontic and pediatric dentistry experts cite three key reasons early orthodontic diagnosis should be institutionalized:

1. Public health value through early detection

Malocclusion affects speech, chewing, and craniofacial development, impacting a child’s overall health. Early detection significantly reduces treatment time and cost, producing substantial societal benefits.

2. Reducing disparities

Access to orthodontic consultation varies by household environment. Including early orthodontic evaluation in national screenings would provide equal opportunities for all children.

3. Growing medical necessity for early intervention

Increased mouth breathing, chewing imbalance, and posture issues such as forward-head posture due to excessive smartphone use are leading to more orofacial developmental problems in today’s children. This raises the need for growth-focused dental evaluations that go beyond simple tooth checks and assess jaw and facial development at a national level.

Early-stage orthodontics is not merely “starting braces early.” It is a comprehensive approach to managing growth—shaping a child’s facial profile, function, confidence, and emotional development.

Once growth is complete, achieving desired results becomes more difficult, more expensive, and less predictable. In contrast, early orthodontic treatment allows for greater effectiveness with less invasive, non-extraction methods.

For children, early orthodontics is not just an option—it is their first meaningful health investment and a lifelong gift of confidence. To protect the one-time opportunity of growth, wise decision-making from parents is essential.

Early Orthodontic Red Flags Parents Should Remember

Consider an early consultation if your child shows any of the following signs:

• Crooked or misaligned front teeth, or underbite

• Difficulty keeping lips closed; mouth remains open frequently

• Jaw appears tilted to one side

• Trouble breathing through the nose; habitual mouth breathing

• Imprecise pronunciation or abnormal swallowing patterns

• Crowded teeth that make brushing difficult

Even one of these signs may require professional evaluation, as treatment strategies differ greatly depending on the child’s growth stage.

(By Dr. Hongbeom Moon, Director, Smile Blossom Dental Clinic)