Early Orthodontic Treatment for Children

A healthy smile starts early, and so does orthodontic care at Solitaire Orthodontics, Drs. Piyush and Kiran Heda help parents understand when their child may need orthodontic treatment and how early care can make a big difference in long-term oral health.

At What Age Should a Child First Visit the Pediatric Orthodontist?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic screening by age 7. By evaluating kids early, we can detect potential issues and create a plan for the best timing and treatment.

Why Evaluate Kids at Such a Young Age?

You might wonder, why so early? The truth is, an orthodontic exam around age 7 allows us to:

• Guide erupting teeth into better positions

• Preserve space for incoming permanent teeth

• Prevent injuries to protruding front teeth

• Reduce the need for tooth extractions later

Simply put, early orthodontic treatment can make braces or clear aligners in the teen years shorter and easier.

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

Early treatment can correct major problems and prevent them from getting worse. However, since not all permanent teeth are in place yet, a second phase of treatment (Phase II — usually with full braces) may still be needed in the teen years.

The good news? That second phase is often shorter and simpler thanks to early care. In some cases, additional treatment may not be necessary at all.

What Early Treatment Can Do

If early treatment is needed, our doctors can help guide jaw growth and support the healthy development of the permanent teeth. Some benefits include:

• Expanding the dental arches to make room for new teeth

• Preventing impacted permanent teeth

• Correcting harmful habits like thumb sucking

• Improving speech or swallowing problems

• Reducing the complexity of future orthodontic treatment

Does Every Child Need Early Orthodontic Care?

Not all children benefit from early treatment. For many, it’s better to wait until the teenage years when most permanent teeth are in place.

That’s why our doctors develop a customized treatment plan for each child. If your child isn’t ready yet, they’ll be enrolled in our Orthodontic Supervisory Program so we can monitor growth and development until the right time.

What Is the Orthodontic Supervisory Program?

This program is designed for children who don’t need immediate treatment but should be monitored. Here’s how it works:

• Visits every 6–8 months to track tooth eruption

• Early intervention (such as removing baby teeth) if needed

• Updates sent to your child’s general dentist

• No fee for being part of the program

This proactive approach ensures we start treatment at the ideal time for the best results.

Benefits Beyond a Straighter Smile

Orthodontic treatment for kids offers more than just aesthetics. It can also:

• Improve bite function

• Make brushing and flossing easier

• Prevent premature wear on teeth

• Support lifelong oral health

Do Kids Still Need Their Dentist During Orthodontics?

Yes, absolutely! Even with braces or appliances, your child should continue seeing their family dentist every 6 months for checkups and cleanings. Regular dental visits help keep teeth and gums healthy throughout orthodontic treatment.

Wondering If it’s The Right Time for Your Child’s First Orthodontic Visit?

Schedule a free consultation with our doctors today. Early care can set your child up for a lifetime of confident smiles.