Early Treatment
Early orthodontic evaluations help us understand how your child’s teeth and jaws are developing — and determine whether treatment may be helpful now or simply monitored as they grow.
Why Start Around Age 7?
Around age seven, children typically have a mix of baby and permanent teeth, giving an orthodontist an opportunity to evaluate how their smile and bite are developing.
An early evaluation doesn’t necessarily mean early treatment. For many children, the best approach is simply to monitor their growth and recommend treatment at the right time.
Signs Your Child May Benefit From an Evaluation
It may be time for a closer look
Early or late loss of baby teeth
Crowded or misplaced teeth
Difficulty biting or chewing
Teeth that don't meet properly
Protruding front teeth
Mouth breathing
Thumb or finger sucking that continues as your child grows
A jaw that shifts when opening or closing
What Is Early Orthodontic Treatment?
Early orthodontic treatment — sometimes called Phase One treatment — may be recommended while a child is still growing to address certain developing bite, alignment, or jaw concerns.
Depending on your child's needs, early treatment may help create space for developing permanent teeth, guide jaw growth, or address certain bite concerns before they become more difficult to manage.
Not every child needs Phase One treatment. We'll recommend it only when we believe there is a meaningful benefit to treating earlier.
Creating Room for Growing Smiles
In some cases, early treatment may include a palatal expander, an orthodontic appliance designed to gently widen the upper jaw while your child is still growing. This can help create more room for developing teeth and improve the way the upper and lower jaws fit together. Not every child needs an expander. We’ll evaluate your child’s growth and bite to determine whether it may be beneficial — and guide you through what to expect if treatment is recommended.
What Happens After an Early Evaluation?
Sometimes no treatment is needed yet. We'll monitor your child's development and let you know when — or if — it's time to take the next step.
Monitor & Grow
If there's an issue that would benefit from intervention while your child is growing, we may recommend Phase One treatment.
Early Treatment
As permanent teeth come in, we'll continue evaluating your child's smile and determine whether additional orthodontic treatment may be beneficial later.
Future Orthodontic Care
FAQs
Does my 7-year-old need braces?
Not necessarily. An evaluation around age seven allows us to see how your child's teeth and jaws are developing. Many children won't need treatment at that age and will simply be monitored as they grow.
What is Phase One orthodontic treatment?
Phase One is orthodontic treatment performed while a child still has a mix of baby and permanent teeth. It's recommended in certain cases where addressing a developing issue earlier may be beneficial.
Will my child need braces again later?
Some children who receive early treatment may benefit from another phase of orthodontic treatment once more permanent teeth have come in. We'll monitor your child's development and explain what to expect along the way.
What if my child's dentist hasn't referred us?
You don't need to wait for a referral to schedule an orthodontic evaluation. If you have questions about your child's teeth, bite, or jaw development, you're welcome to schedule a consultation.