Early Treatment

Early Treatment

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic evaluation by age seven. Most children do not need orthodontic treatment at this age, but in some cases early intervention can avoid more complex issues in the future. Our orthodontists will help guide the proper growth and development of your child’s teeth and jaws.

We will continue to see your child at no charge in our growth guidance program helping you to determine the appropriate treatment at the appropriate time. Most children do not need orthodontic treatment at this age, but in some cases early intervention can avoid more complex issues in the future. Our orthodontists will help guide the proper growth and development of your child’s teeth and jaws.

We will continue to see your child at no charge in our growth guidance program helping you to determine the appropriate treatment at the appropriate time. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic evaluation by age seven. Most children do not need orthodontic treatment at this age, but in some cases early intervention can avoid more complex issues in the future. Our orthodontists will help guide the proper growth and development of your child’s teeth and jaws. 

We will continue to see your child at no charge in our growth guidance program helping you to determine the appropriate treatment at the appropriate time.

What issues should I look out for?

  • Crowded or crooked teeth
  • Speech difficulties
  • Difficulty chewing 
  • Front teeth do not overlap/unable to bite into food
  • Early or late loss of baby teeth
  • Mouth breathing
  • Thumb, finger or pacifier habit beyond age 4
  • Jaws or teeth that aren’t proportionate

What is phase I orthodontic treatment?

Often referred to as early or interceptive orthodontic treatment, this type of preventative treatment is designed to correct developing issues at an early stage. Patient’s will typically have a mixture of baby and permanent teeth, and common treatments include limited braces, expanders and other oral appliances. 

Not all children need this type of early intervention. Our experienced team will help you understand which issues should be addressed immediately, and which can wait for full treatment in the future.

What are the benefits of early treatment?

  • When early treatment is recommended, it will give our orthodontists an opportunity to:
  • Improve the eruption pattern of teeth
  • Positively influence jaw growth
  • Reduce the need for extractions
  • Correct harmful habits
  • Decrease the length and difficulty of future treatment
  • Improve self esteem
Teen girl with braces smiling