Early Orthodontics
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
Important Care Tips:
- 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
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?
Participation is complimentary, and it ensures your child receives expert guidance during these important growing years.
Not every child is ready for braces at their first visit, but monitoring growth and development is an important part of successful orthodontic care. That’s why we created the Dr. B Observation Club. During this stage, Dr. Bonavoglia sees patients every six months to track jaw growth, tooth eruption, and bite development.
These check-ins help us identify the best time to begin treatment and address small concerns before they become bigger issues. And because orthodontic care should be fun, Observation 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
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?
Frequently Asked Questions
Choosing early orthodontic care can bring up many questions for parents. Here are answers to some of the most common concerns about early evaluations and Phase I treatment.
Is An Early Orthodontic Evaluation Really Necessary If My Child’s Teeth Look Straight?
Yes. Even if teeth appear straight, bite problems or jaw growth concerns may not be visible without a professional evaluation. Early screening helps detect issues that may not be obvious.
What Happens If We Wait Until The Teen Years?
Some problems are easier to correct while a child is still growing. Waiting may limit certain growth-guidance options and could lead to more complex treatment later.
How Long Does Phase I Treatment Usually Last?
Early treatment typically lasts 9 to 12 months, depending on the specific goals and growth stage of your child.
Is Early Treatment More Expensive Than Waiting?
Not necessarily. Early intervention can sometimes prevent more complicated procedures in the future, potentially reducing overall treatment time and cost.
Will Early Treatment Be Uncomfortable For My Child?
Modern orthodontic appliances are designed to be comfortable. Some mild soreness may occur after adjustments, but it is temporary and manageable.