Orthodontics for Children

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child receive an initial orthodontic screening by age 7. At this developmental stage, the first permanent molars have emerged, allowing us to evaluate the structural relationship of the jaw and intercept developing bite issues early with specialized orthodontics for children.

Not at all. Most young children who receive an early screening do not require immediate treatment. Instead, they enter a observation program where we monitor their dental growth and jaw development over time, ensuring treatment is only started at the most optimal biological window.

Phase 1 treatment is a preventative approach utilized for young children who exhibit severe developmental discrepancies, such as crossbites, severe jaw mismatches, or extreme crowding. This early intervention guides jaw growth and makes room for permanent teeth, often preventing the need for future tooth extractions or corrective jaw surgery.

Parents should look out for signs such as early or late loss of baby teeth, difficulty chewing or biting, chronic thumb-sucking habits, mouth breathing, or teeth that do not meet properly when the mouth is closed.

Baby teeth act as natural space maintainers for the permanent teeth developing beneath the gums. If a baby tooth is lost too early due to decay or injury, surrounding teeth can drift into the open gap, blocking the permanent tooth from erupting properly and creating severe crowding.