Early Treatment

Orthodontic problems are often easiest to correct when identified early. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an initial evaluation by age 7. At this stage, enough permanent teeth have developed to detect potential concerns with jaw growth, bite alignment, and spacing.

While not every child will need early treatment, evaluating growth early allows us to intervene at the ideal time—often preventing more complex issues later on.

Why Early Treatment Matters

Early (interceptive) orthodontic treatment focuses on guiding the development of the jaws and teeth while a child is still growing. This can:

• Guide proper jaw growth and facial development
• Create space for permanent teeth and reduce crowding
• Lower the likelihood of permanent tooth extractions
• Improve bite function and overall oral health
• Reduce risk of trauma to protruding front teeth
• Simplify or shorten future orthodontic treatment

In many cases, early intervention allows us to work with natural growth rather than against it.

Common Issues We Address

Early evaluations help us identify and treat a variety of developing concerns, including:

• Crowding & spacing: Limited room for incoming permanent teeth
• Harmful habits: Thumb sucking or tongue thrusting that affect tooth position and jaw growth
• Crossbites: Misalignment where upper and lower teeth do not fit together properly
• Overbites & underbites: Bite discrepancies that can impact function and facial balance

Our Approach

Our goal is always to provide the right treatment at the right time. Many children benefit from a “watch and guide” approach, where we monitor development until treatment is truly necessary.

If early treatment is recommended, we customize a plan that balances function, esthetics, and long-term stability—treating every patient with the same care we would our own family.

What to Expect

When needed, orthodontic care is typically completed in two phases:

Phase One (Early Treatment):
Focuses on jaw development, bite correction, and creating space for permanent teeth.

Phase Two (Comprehensive Treatment):
Occurs after most permanent teeth have erupted and focuses on final alignment and bite refinement with braces or clear aligners.

When Should You Schedule a Visit?

We recommend scheduling your child’s first orthodontic evaluation around age 7. Even if no treatment is needed right away, early monitoring ensures we don’t miss the ideal window for the best results.

Schedule your complimentary consultation today to learn more about your child’s orthodontic development and whether early treatment may be beneficial.