Early Orthodontics

Early orthodontic care can make a significant difference in how your child’s smile and bite develop. At Dr. B Smiles Orthodontics, early evaluations allow us to monitor jaw growth, guide erupting teeth, and help prevent small concerns from becoming more complex issues later.

At What Age Should a Child First Visit the Orthodontist?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7.

By this age, most children have a mix of baby and permanent teeth, which allows us to:

• Identify developing bite or alignment issues
• Determine whether treatment is needed now or best delayed
• Plan the ideal timing for future orthodontic care

Many general dentists are trained to recognize early orthodontic concerns and may recommend a visit even before age 7 if something unusual is observed.

Why Are Children Evaluated for Orthodontics So Early?

An early orthodontic evaluation is about being proactive, not aggressive. Early diagnosis can help:

Guide erupting teeth into healthier positions
Preserve space for permanent teeth
Reduce the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth

When early treatment is recommended, it may also:

• Gently guide jaw growth
• Regulate the width of the upper and lower dental arches
• Create space for permanent teeth and reduce the chance of extractions
• Lower the risk of impacted teeth
• Correct thumb-sucking habits
• Improve abnormal swallowing or speech patterns

In many cases, early care simplifies and shortens future treatment once all permanent teeth have erupted.

Does Early Orthodontic Treatment Benefit Every Child?

Not every child requires Phase I (early) treatment. Some orthodontic concerns are more efficiently treated during the teen years when all permanent teeth are in place.

Certain jaw-related issues may also require additional growth before treatment begins.

Each child receives a personalized plan. If treatment is not recommended right away, your child may be placed in our Observation Club so we can continue monitoring growth and development.

What Is Dr. B’s Observation Club?

Not every child is ready for braces at their first visit, but monitoring growth and development is a critical part of successful orthodontic treatment. That’s why we created the Dr. B Observation Club.

During this stage, Dr. Bonavoglia sees patients every six months to monitor jaw growth, tooth eruption, and bite development. These visits help us determine the ideal time to begin treatment and prevent small concerns from becoming bigger issues.

And we make it fun.

Obs Club members receive:

• An official Obs Club t-shirt
• Points on their Super Smiles Rewards card
• Points for good hygiene, on-time visits, and wearing their shirt
• Automatic entry into quarterly prize drawings
• Invitations to special Obs Club events
• A graduation gift when it’s time for braces

Participation is complimentary, and it ensures your child receives expert guidance during these important growing years.

If My Child Has Early Treatment, Will They Still Need Braces Later?

Early treatment often addresses significant growth or spacing issues, but it does not always eliminate the need for braces during adolescence.

Typically:

• Phase I treatment corrects growth or structural concerns early
• Phase II treatment (full braces) refines final alignment once all permanent teeth have erupted

Because early concerns are already addressed, Phase II treatment is often shorter and more efficient. In some cases, additional treatment may not be necessary, depending on how development progresses.

Do We Still Need to See Our Family Dentist During Orthodontic Treatment?

Yes. Routine dental checkups remain essential during orthodontic care. Appliances can make oral hygiene more challenging, so professional cleanings every six months help maintain healthy teeth and gums throughout treatment.