When it comes to your child’s smile, timing truly matters. At Moss Wall Orthodontics, we follow the American Association of Orthodontists’ recommendation that children receive their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. At this age, children typically have a mix of baby and permanent teeth, allowing Dr. Moss and Dr. Wall to identify developing concerns early and determine whether treatment is needed now or simply monitored over time. In some cases, children may be referred even earlier if a dentist notices potential jaw growth or bite issues.
Why Should My Child See an Orthodontist Early?
An early orthodontic evaluation helps identify small problems before they become more complex. Early assessments can help:
- Guide emerging teeth into healthier positions
- Preserve space for incoming permanent teeth
- Reduce the risk of injury to protruding front teeth
- Address jaw growth concerns before they worsen
Common early issues such as crowding, crossbites, or bite misalignment are often easier to manage while your child is still growing. Early orthodontic treatment focuses on gently guiding jaw development and tooth eruption, which can reduce the need for more extensive treatment later.
What Happens at an Early Orthodontic Evaluation?
During your child’s visit, Dr. Moss or Dr. Wall will:
- Review dental and medical history
- Examine your child’s teeth, bite, and jaw growth
- Take any necessary X-rays or photographs to evaluate developing teeth
- Discuss whether early treatment, monitoring, or no treatment is recommended at this time
You will leave the appointment with clear information about your child’s orthodontic needs and the ideal timing for any future care.
What Can Early Orthodontic Treatment Accomplish?
If early treatment, often called Phase I orthodontics, is recommended, it may help:
- Guide jaw growth and improve how the upper and lower jaws fit together
- Regulate the width of the dental arches
- Create space for permanent teeth to erupt properly
- Reduce the need for future tooth extractions
- Lower the risk of permanent teeth becoming impacted
- Address thumb-sucking habits or certain speech-related concerns
These treatments are designed to be gentle and child-friendly, allowing kids to continue school, sports, and daily activities with minimal disruption.
Will Early Orthodontic Treatment Prevent Braces Later?
Not always, but it often makes future treatment easier and shorter. Early orthodontic treatment focuses on guiding growth and correcting significant bite issues while your child still has baby teeth. Later, once all permanent teeth have erupted, a shorter Phase II treatment with braces or clear aligners may be recommended to fine-tune alignment.
In some cases, early treatment is sufficient and no further orthodontic care is needed. Every child is different, which is why careful monitoring over time is essential.
Does Every Child Need Early Orthodontic Treatment?
No. Many children are best treated once most or all of their permanent teeth have erupted. Some jaw or bite concerns are more effectively addressed when growth is further along.
If immediate treatment is not needed, your child may be enrolled in our Orthodontic Supervisory Program, a no-cost way to:
- Monitor tooth eruption and jaw growth every 6 to 8 months
- Identify developing concerns early while they are still easy to correct
- Recommend timely interventions, such as removing baby teeth when helpful
This watchful approach ensures treatment begins at the right time, not too early and not too late.
How Does Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment Work?
Two-phase treatment is a planned approach that uses growth to your child’s advantage:
- Phase I (Developmental Phase): Begins while both baby and permanent teeth are present. The focus is on jaw growth, bite relationships, space creation, and correcting significant issues early.
- Resting Period: Active treatment pauses while remaining permanent teeth erupt naturally. Progress continues to be monitored.
- Phase II (Comprehensive Treatment): Once all permanent teeth are in place, braces or clear aligners are used to position each tooth for a healthy bite and confident smile.
Benefits of Early Orthodontics
Early orthodontic treatment can:
- Improve bite function and chewing efficiency
- Make brushing and flossing easier for better long-term oral health
- Reduce uneven tooth wear as your child grows
- Support balanced jaw development and facial harmony
- Boost confidence by improving your child’s smile early in life
- These benefits can last well into adulthood and help protect your child’s oral health long-term.
Do Children Still Need to See Their Dentist?
Yes. Regular dental checkups every six months are essential, even during orthodontic treatment. Routine cleanings and exams help keep teeth and gums healthy, especially when appliances make home care more challenging.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have more questions about early orthodontic treatment? Here are some of the most common questions parents ask when preparing for their child’s first orthodontic evaluation.
What Are the Signs That My Child May Need Early Orthodontic Care?
Signs can include crowded or crooked teeth, difficulty biting or chewing, early or late loss of baby teeth, mouth breathing, or jaws that appear uneven. Even if no obvious issues are present, an early evaluation helps identify developing concerns before they worsen.
How Will Early Treatment Affect My Child’s Daily Routine?
Early orthodontic treatment is designed to fit smoothly into your child’s daily life. Most children can continue school, sports, and activities as usual, with only a short adjustment period at the beginning.
Are Early Orthodontic Appliances Hard for Children to Keep Clean?
Early appliances require consistent brushing and flossing, but they are manageable with proper instruction. Our team will guide your child and family on how to care for teeth and appliances to keep everything clean and healthy.
How Often Will My Child Need Appointments During Early Treatment?
Most early orthodontic patients are seen every 6 to 8 weeks. If your child is being monitored instead of treated, visits are usually scheduled every 6 to 8 months to track growth and tooth development.
What Happens If We Choose to Wait Instead of Starting Early Treatment?
If treatment is not needed right away, your child can be placed in a monitoring program. This allows us to begin treatment at the right time while avoiding unnecessary or premature orthodontic care.