Did you know orthodontic issues can begin long before all permanent teeth come in? At Shelly Orthodontics, Dr. Andrew Shelly recommends an early orthodontic evaluation by age 7 to monitor development and determine if braces for kids or early orthodontic treatment may be needed.
Early visits allow us to guide growth, prevent more complex problems, and ensure your child’s smile develops properly from the start.
Why Should My Child See an Orthodontist by Age 7?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic check-up by age 7, even if no obvious issues are present. At this stage, a pediatric orthodontist can evaluate how the teeth and jaws are developing while your child is still growing.
An early evaluation allows us to:
- Detect developing bite or jaw problems
- Monitor growth patterns and dental development
- Identify crowding or spacing concerns early
- Determine the ideal time to begin treatment
In many cases, no immediate treatment is needed, but early monitoring helps prevent bigger issues later.
Does Early Orthodontic Treatment Mean My Child Will Not Need Braces Later?
Not always. Early orthodontic treatment, also known as Phase I treatment, focuses on guiding growth and addressing developing concerns. Because not all permanent teeth have erupted yet, a second phase of treatment may be recommended during the teen years.
However, early treatment can:
- Reduce the complexity of future treatment
- Shorten the time your child may need braces later
- Improve overall treatment results
In some cases, additional treatment may not be necessary at all.
What Are the Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment?
Early intervention can play an important role in your child’s long-term oral health. When recommended, treatment can improve both function and development.
Benefits may include:
- Guiding proper jaw growth and development
- Creating space for incoming permanent teeth
- Reducing crowding and alignment issues
- Lowering the risk of trauma to protruding teeth
- Addressing habits such as thumb-sucking or tongue thrust
- Reducing the likelihood of impacted teeth
- Making future orthodontic treatment more efficient
Early orthodontic care helps create a strong foundation for a healthy, balanced smile.
Is Early Treatment Necessary for Every Child?
Not every child needs early orthodontic treatment. Some concerns are better addressed once more permanent teeth have erupted, and growth is further along.
If treatment is not needed yet, your child will be placed in our orthodontic observation program so we can continue monitoring development and begin care at the right time.
What Is the Orthodontic Supervisory Program?
Our Orthodontic Supervisory Program is a complementary program designed to monitor your child’s growth and development over time.
Through regular visits, we can:
- Track the eruption of permanent teeth
- Monitor jaw growth and bite development
- Recommend early intervention if needed
- Identify the best time to begin treatment
Patients are typically seen every 6 to 8 months, and we coordinate closely with your family dentist throughout the process.
What Are the Long-Term Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment?
Orthodontic treatment does more than improve the appearance of your child’s smile. It also supports long-term oral health and function.
Treatment can help:
- Improve bite alignment and chewing function
- Make brushing and flossing easier
- Reduce the risk of tooth wear and damage
- Support healthy gums and long-term stability
Should My Child Continue Seeing the Dentist During Orthodontic Treatment?
Yes. Regular dental visits are essential, even during orthodontic care. We recommend that patients continue seeing their general dentist every 6 months for cleanings and exams. This helps maintain healthy teeth and gums throughout treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Early orthodontic care is an important step in your child’s development. These common questions can help you better understand what to expect.
How Do I Know If My Child Needs Early Orthodontic Treatment?
Some signs include crowding, early or late loss of baby teeth, difficulty chewing, mouth breathing, or jaws that shift or make sounds. Even if you’re unsure, an orthodontic evaluation can determine whether treatment is needed now or later.
What Types of Appliances Are Used in Early Treatment?
Early treatment may include expanders, partial braces, or other appliances designed to guide jaw growth and create space for permanent teeth. The exact approach depends on your child’s specific needs.
Will Early Treatment Make Future Braces Shorter?
In many cases, yes. Early treatment can reduce the severity of alignment issues, which often makes future orthodontic treatment more efficient and shorter in duration.
How Long Does Early Orthodontic Treatment Last?
Phase I treatment typically lasts between 9 and 12 months, depending on the complexity of your child’s case and how their teeth and jaws respond to treatment.
What Happens After Early Treatment Is Completed?
After Phase I treatment, your child will enter a monitoring phase. We will continue to track growth and development until it is the right time to determine if additional treatment is needed.