Early Orthodontic Care for Children
Many parents wonder when their child should first see an orthodontist.
At What Age Should a Child First Visit the Pediatric Orthodontist?
According to the American Association of Orthodontists, the recommended age for an initial screening is around 7 years old. By this stage, your child has a mix of baby and permanent teeth, making it easier for Dr. Terrence Campbell to spot potential issues early and decide whether treatment should begin now or later. Local dentists are also trained to notice early warning signs and may recommend a visit to our office before age 7 if they see concerns.
Why An Early Evaluations Matter?
Catching orthodontic issues early allows us to:
Guide erupting teeth into healthier positions
Preserve space for permanent teeth
Reduce the risk of injury to protruding front teeth
Support healthy jaw development
When treatment is needed, Dr. Campbell can direct the growth of the jaw and manage the incoming permanent teeth to make later treatment easier and more efficient.
Will Early Treatment Eliminate Braces for Kids Later?
Not always. Early care can correct major issues and prevent more serious problems from developing. However, because all permanent teeth are not yet in place, many children still need a shorter phase of comprehensive treatment (Phase II) in their teen years. In some cases, though, early treatment alone may be all that is needed.
What Early Orthodontic Treatment Can Do?
Early orthodontic care may:
Widen the upper and lower arches
Create space to avoid permanent tooth extractions
Prevent impacted permanent teeth
Correct thumb-sucking habits
Improve swallowing and speech patterns
In short, early treatment can simplify future orthodontic care and set the foundation for long-term dental health.
Does Every Child Need Early Treatment?
Not every child benefits from orthodontic care at a young age. Some orthodontic issues are best treated during the teen years when growth is more advanced. After your child’s evaluation, the doctor may recommend waiting and place your child in our Orthodontic Monitoring Program, Gatherly.
Even if treatment is not needed right away, it’s still important to have an evaluation by age 7.
Gatherly – the Orthodontic Monitoring Program
This no-cost program allows us to monitor your child’s growth and dental development.
Children are typically seen every 6–12 months, or seen virtually with our virtual monitoring technology
We track how permanent teeth are erupting
Early removal of baby teeth may be recommended to improve alignment
Progress updates are shared with your family dentist
This program ensures we begin treatment at the right time for the best results.
Benefits Beyond a Straight Smile
Orthodontics is about more than appearance. Properly aligned teeth and early treatment can:
Improve the function of the bite, jaws, and airway
Make it easier to brush and floss effectively
Prevent uneven wear on teeth
Support a lifetime of healthier, natural teeth
Regular Dental Checkups Still Matter
Even during orthodontic treatment, children should continue seeing their family dentist every 6 months. Regular cleanings and checkups are essential for keeping teeth and gums healthy while braces or other appliances are in place.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my child might need early orthodontic care before age 7?
Signs include crowding, early or late loss of baby teeth, thumb-sucking, mouth breathing, or difficulty chewing. If you notice these, it’s best to schedule an early evaluation to catch potential issues before they progress.
What is Phase I orthodontic treatment, and how is it different from Phase II?
Phase I focuses on guiding jaw growth and creating space for developing teeth, typically between ages 6–10. Phase II, often during the teen years, fine-tunes alignment once all permanent teeth have erupted.
Can early orthodontic treatment help with speech or breathing problems?
Yes. Correcting jaw alignment or crossbites early can improve airflow, speech development, and tongue positioning, benefiting both oral health and overall comfort.
What happens during an early orthodontic evaluation?
Dr. Campbell will examine your child’s teeth, jaws, and bite, take digital images or scans, and discuss whether early treatment or simple monitoring is the best next step.
Is early orthodontic treatment painful for children?
Early orthodontic care is generally gentle and well-tolerated. Appliances used at this stage apply light pressure to guide growth and alignment, and most children adjust within a few days. Our team makes every effort to keep your child comfortable and confident throughout their care.