Early Orthodontics
Smiles that move you™
Early Orthodontics Treatment
When Should a Child First See a Pediatric Orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children receive their first orthodontic screening by age seven. This early visit helps evaluate your child’s dental development, identify potential concerns, and determine if and when treatment may be needed. In some cases, local dentists may notice early orthodontic issues and refer children to our office even before age seven.
Why Are Children Evaluated So Early?
An early evaluation helps identify developing problems before they become more complex. Early diagnosis can guide erupting teeth into better positions, preserve space for permanent teeth, and reduce the risk of injury to protruding front teeth.
When early treatment is recommended, orthodontic care can help guide jaw growth and the development of incoming permanent teeth.
Early intervention may also:
Balance the width of the upper and lower dental arches
Create space for permanent teeth
Reduce or eliminate the need for permanent tooth extractions
Lower the risk of impacted permanent teeth
Correct thumb-sucking habits
Address abnormal swallowing or speech concerns
Overall, early treatment can simplify future orthodontic care once all permanent teeth have erupted and support healthy dental growth.
Does Early Treatment Benefit Every Child?
Not all children require early orthodontic treatment. Some orthodontic concerns are more effectively addressed during the teenage years, once all permanent teeth have fully erupted. Certain skeletal issues may also need to wait until growth is further developed or complete.
A personalized treatment plan will be recommended based on your child’s specific needs. If treatment is not yet necessary, your child may be placed in our Orthodontic Supervisory Program. Even so, an evaluation around age seven is still recommended to ensure the best long-term outcome.
What Is the Orthodontic Supervisory Program?
The Orthodontic Supervisory Program is designed for children who are not ready to begin treatment but need periodic monitoring. This program allows us to:
Track the eruption of permanent teeth
Address eruption issues early, including removing baby teeth when needed
Potentially reduce the overall time spent in braces
Children in the program are typically seen every 6–8 months to monitor growth and development. This service is provided at no cost and helps determine the ideal time to begin treatment for optimal results.
Beyond a Straighter Smile, What Are the Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment?
Orthodontic treatment improves more than appearance. Braces can enhance bite function, make teeth easier to clean, reduce uneven wear, and help preserve natural teeth for a lifetime.
Does Early Treatment Eliminate the Need for Braces Later?
Early treatment can address significant concerns, prevent more serious problems, and simplify future orthodontic care. However, because not all permanent teeth have erupted during early treatment, final alignment may not be achieved at that stage.
Most children will still require a shorter comprehensive phase of treatment during their teenage years. In some cases, additional treatment may not be necessary.
Should My Child Still See a Family Dentist During Orthodontic Treatment?
Yes. Orthodontic appliances require extra care to keep teeth and gums healthy. We strongly recommend regular dental check-ups and cleanings every six months with your family dentist throughout orthodontic treatment to maintain optimal oral health.