Early Orthodontic Treatment for Children

One of the most common questions parents ask is:

When Should My Child First See a Pediatric Orthodontist?

According to the American Association of Orthodontists, children should have an orthodontic evaluation by age 7. At this visit, Drs. Kyint and Evan Chwa can evaluate whether your child may need orthodontic treatment and determine the best timing to start care.

Many local dentists are trained to recognize orthodontic issues and may recommend a visit before age 7 if they notice something unusual in your child’s bite or tooth development.

Why Evaluate at Such a Young Age?

Early orthodontic evaluations can make a big difference in your child’s dental health and future smile. Starting early (also known as Phase One treatment) can:

• Guide erupting teeth into better positions

• Preserve space for permanent teeth and reduce the chance of extractions later

• Correct harmful oral habits such as thumb sucking

• Reduce the risk of injury to protruding front teeth

• Support proper speech development and swallowing patterns

• Address jaw growth problems, underbites, and other bite issues

By addressing these issues early, treatment in the teen years (Phase Two, usually age 11 or older) is often simpler and shorter.

Will Early Treatment Eliminate the Need for Braces for Kids Later?

Early treatment can prevent severe problems, but it doesn’t always replace braces in the teen years. Phase Two treatment may still be needed, but it is usually shorter and less complex thanks to early intervention.

How to Tell if Your Child May Need Early Orthodontics

Signs that your child might benefit from early treatment include:

• Early or late loss of baby teeth (typically starts around age 5, with all permanent teeth by age 13)

• Difficulty chewing or biting

• Mouth-breathing

• Thumb-sucking habits continuing after age 5

• Speech impediments

• Protruding teeth

• Teeth that don’t come together properly

• Shifting of the jaw when opening or closing (crossbites)

• Crowded front teeth around age 7–8

What Can Early Orthodontics Accomplish?

Early treatment can help our doctors to:

• Influence jaw growth and improve facial balance

• Expand the upper or lower dental arches

• Create room for incoming permanent teeth

• Prevent impacted or crowded teeth

• Reduce or eliminate the need for tooth extractions later

• Simplify future orthodontic treatment

Does Every Child Benefit from Early Treatment?

Not all children require early orthodontics. Some conditions are best addressed in the teen years once all permanent teeth have erupted. If immediate treatment isn’t needed, your child may join our Orthodontic Supervisory Program, which includes:

• Regular check-ins every 6–8 months to monitor growth and tooth eruption

• Guidance on removing baby teeth to help permanent teeth come in properly

• Coordination with your family dentist for the best results

There’s no fee for this program; it ensures your child begins treatment at the right time for long-lasting results.

Health Benefits Beyond a Beautiful Smile

While a straight smile is a wonderful outcome, early orthodontic care also:

• Improves how teeth fit together (bite function)

• Makes teeth easier to clean and maintain

• Reduces premature enamel wear

• Helps protect natural teeth for life

Should My Child Still See Their Dentist During Orthodontic Care?

Yes! Regular checkups with your family dentist every six months are essential during orthodontic treatment. Your dentist helps maintain overall oral health while braces or appliances align your child’s smile.

If your child is between the ages of 7 and 8 and shows signs of needing orthodontic care, or your dentist has recommended a visit, contact us to schedule an initial exam. Our team will discuss the best next steps for a healthy, confident smile.