Braces for Kids
(Early Orthodontic Treatment)
We can help your little one smile confidently for a lifetime!
With interceptive orthodontics, or early orthodontic treatment, we detect, treat and prevent issues before they progress to a severe state.
We offer free checkups for children, starting at age 7!
When is the best age to get braces?
The AAO (American Association of Orthodontists) recommends that children receive their first orthodontic evaluation at age 7.
Age 7 sounds young, we know, but this doesn’t mean that orthodontic treatment will begin at this age. Your highly-experienced children’s orthodontist is here to listen to your concerns and help you choose the right path for your child.
Not every child needs orthodontic treatment, but those who do will benefit for a lifetime.
Early Orthodontics (Braces for Kids)
Is early orthodontic treatment necessary?
Orthodontic treatment isn’t just about ‘straightening teeth’. It’s about intercepting problematic conditions before they worsen, preventing discomfort or difficulties associated with untreated conditions, and establishing a healthy foundation for a beautiful set of permanent teeth.
The goal of early treatment is to develop the jaws to allow for ideal dental development. By supporting proper growth of the jaw and correcting certain bite issues early on, we can eliminate the need for more complex, lengthy forms of treatment (such as jaw surgery) in the future.
Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment
Phase 1
Phase 1 orthodontic treatment is typically completed between the ages of 7 and 10 and is aimed to prepare the mouth for permanent teeth to emerge in a healthy alignment with a sufficient amount of space.
During this phase, your child may be treated with a palatal expander appliance, or another appliance, to widen the upper jaw and create enough room for permanent teeth to grow. (We make our own custom appliances in-house!)
Phase 2
This phase generally begins in the early teen years, when all of the permanent teeth have erupted. Phase 2 treatment focuses on aligning the teeth and jaws to create a harmonious appearance. During this phase, a full treatment of braces is often completed.
Every child develops at a different rate, and your child’s treatment plan will be 100% personalized to his or her needs. At your first visit, we’ll give you all of the information you need to make the right choice for your little one!
Does my little one
need braces?
If any of these symptoms sound familiar, we encourage you to request a complimentary consultation with us!
An early assessment of your child’s growth gives you the peace of mind that your child is thriving.
Teeth growing in crowded, crooked or overlapping
Too much space between the teeth
Jaw growth inconsistencies or disproportions
Protruding teeth
Early or late loss of baby teeth
Thumb sucking habits or tongue-thrusting habits
