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Orthodontic care isn’t just for teens. In fact, starting early can sometimes make a big difference in your child’s long-term dental health. Many parents begin to hear about children braces when their child is still in elementary school. That can feel early—but there’s a reason orthodontists recommend evaluations by age 7. Early intervention can help guide jaw development, prevent future complications, and even reduce the amount of time your child may need to wear braces down the line.
Let’s take a closer look at why early orthodontic treatment matters and what it could mean for your child’s smile.
Why Early Orthodontic Treatment Matters
Early orthodontic care—often called Phase I treatment—is about identifying and correcting potential problems while your child’s jaw is still developing. The goal isn’t just to straighten teeth but to support better function and alignment as their mouth grows.
Developmental Timing Matters
Between the ages of 6 and 10, a child’s mouth is going through major changes. Adult teeth are starting to come in. The jaw is growing and shaping the space for those teeth. If there are issues like crowding, bite problems, or jaw misalignment, orthodontists can often address them more effectively at this stage.
Long-Term Benefits of Early Evaluation
Bringing your child in for an orthodontic evaluation around age 7 doesn’t mean they’ll automatically need treatment. But it gives the orthodontist a chance to:
- Spot developing issues early
- Recommend a treatment plan if needed
- Monitor growth and development over time
Early treatment may reduce the need for more complex or invasive care later. It can also minimize the time your child might spend wearing children’s braces as a teen.
Supporting Overall Health and Function
Orthodontic problems can go beyond appearance. An incorrect bite can lead to problems with chewing, speaking, and even breathing. Addressing those concerns early can improve your child’s daily comfort and long-term oral health.
Signs Your Child Might Need Children Braces
It’s not always obvious when a child needs orthodontic attention. Some issues may be easy to spot, while others require a professional eye. Knowing what to look for can help you feel more confident about when to seek a consultation.
Common Signs to Watch For
These early signs may indicate that your child’s teeth or jaw aren’t developing properly:
- Crowded or overlapping teeth
- Large gaps between teeth
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- Trouble chewing or biting
- Jaw shifting or clicking sounds
- Mouth breathing
- Thumb-sucking or pacifier use past age 5
- Speech difficulties
If your child shows one or more of these, it doesn’t automatically mean they’ll need children braces. But it may be worth a visit to the orthodontist for a closer look.
What an Orthodontist Looks For
Orthodontists are trained to assess more than just crooked teeth. During an early screening, they’ll check:
- Bite alignment (overbite, underbite, crossbite)
- Jaw growth patterns
- Space available for incoming permanent teeth
- Harmful oral habits affecting development
They may also take X-rays or digital scans to see what’s happening below the surface.
Why Age 7 Matters
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children get their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. At this age:
- Enough adult teeth have come in to spot potential issues
- The jaw is still flexible, making early treatment more effective
- Timely planning can help avoid more invasive procedures later
If your child is approaching this age and showing any signs of concern, it’s a smart time to schedule an evaluation. Early insight can make a big difference—not just for cosmetic results, but for comfort and function too.
What to Expect During Early Orthodontic Treatment
If your child is a good candidate for early intervention, the process usually begins with what’s known as Phase I treatment. This phase focuses on correcting developmental issues before all the permanent teeth have come in. It’s often a shorter and more targeted phase than full braces during the teen years.
The First Visit
The initial consultation involves a detailed examination. The orthodontist will:
- Review your child’s dental and medical history
- Perform a visual exam of teeth and bite
- Take digital X-rays or 3D scans if needed
- Evaluate jaw growth and space for incoming teeth
They’ll explain any findings and go over recommended next steps. If treatment is needed, they’ll walk you through options and timing.
Types of Phase I Treatments
Early orthodontic treatment doesn’t always mean full braces. In many cases, other devices or techniques are used first. These may include:
- Palatal expanders – to widen the upper jaw
- Space maintainers – to preserve room for permanent teeth
- Partial braces – to correct specific teeth or issues
- Habit appliances – to discourage thumb-sucking or tongue thrusting
- Retainers – to hold teeth in place during growth
Some children may use these for several months, while others may need them longer, depending on the problem being addressed.
What Happens After Phase I
Once this early phase is complete, there’s usually a break in treatment. This is called the observation phase, where your orthodontist continues to monitor growth and tooth development. Your child may visit every 6–12 months for quick check-ins.
Eventually, once most or all of the permanent teeth have come in, a second phase of treatment—often full children braces—may be recommended. The benefit is that early corrections can often shorten or simplify this second phase.
Orthodontic care during childhood isn’t always about solving everything at once. It’s often a step-by-step process designed to support your child’s growth at the right times.
Pros and Cons of Early Orthodontics
Deciding on early orthodontic treatment can bring up a lot of questions for parents. It’s important to weigh the advantages with the possible drawbacks, especially if your child may still need braces later on. Here’s a balanced look at what early treatment can offer—and what to consider before starting.
Advantages of Early Orthodontic Care
- Improved jaw development
Early treatment can guide the growth of the jaw and help permanent teeth come in more naturally. - Reduces risk of serious issues later
Addressing bite problems, crowding, or spacing issues early may prevent the need for extractions or surgery in the future. - May shorten time in braces
Some children who receive Phase I treatment need less time wearing full children braces during adolescence. - Helps break harmful habits
Appliances can discourage thumb-sucking, tongue thrusting, or other habits that can impact growth. - Boosts self-esteem
Improving the look of the smile early on can make kids feel more confident at school and in social settings.
Things to Consider
- Not all children need early treatment
Many kids can wait until their early teens for braces without any problems. Some issues naturally resolve on their own. - Two phases may increase cost
When treatment is split into two stages (Phase I and then children braces later), the overall cost may be higher than a single phase. - Requires time and follow-up
Phase I typically lasts several months to a year, followed by monitoring. It’s a longer commitment over time.
Smart Questions to Ask Your Orthodontist
Before starting any early treatment, ask:
- What specific problem are you treating now?
- How will this help my child long-term?
- Is it possible to wait and start treatment later instead?
- What happens after this first phase is complete?
- Will my child still need braces as a teen?
These questions can help you make a more informed decision and feel confident about the path forward.
Take the First Step Toward a Healthier Smile
Early orthodontic care can make a lifelong difference for your child’s smile—and it starts with the right provider. At Scantlebury Orthodontics, we offer expert evaluations and honest guidance to help you make confident decisions about treatment. From early monitoring to children braces and beyond, we’ll help create a plan that supports lasting results.
Dr. Scantlebury and our team focus on comfort, communication, and personalized care at every visit. Whether you’re scheduling an in-person appointment or exploring our virtual consultation options, we’re here to make the process simple and supportive.
Book your consultation with Scantlebury Orthodontics today, and let’s shape the future of your child’s smile—together.