Early orthodontic care plays an important role in guiding healthy dental development and identifying potential concerns before they become more complex. At Green-Barr Orthodontics, early evaluations help parents understand how their child’s teeth and jaws are developing and whether orthodontic treatment may be needed now or later.
Our orthodontists, Dr. Patrick Barr and Dr. Bryan Green, take a thoughtful, individualized approach to early orthodontic treatment, focusing on growth, function, and long-term oral health.
At What Age Should a Child First Visit the Orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children receive their first orthodontic evaluation by age seven. At this stage, enough permanent teeth have emerged for an orthodontist to detect early signs of crowding, bite issues, or jaw growth concerns.
Many general dentists are trained to recognize these early indicators and may refer children even before age seven. An early visit does not always mean treatment is needed right away, but it allows for proper monitoring and timely intervention if necessary.
Why Are Children Evaluated at Such an Early Age?
Evaluating children early allows orthodontists to identify developing problems while the jaw is still growing and more responsive to guidance. Early diagnosis can help:
Guide erupting teeth into healthier positions
Preserve space for incoming permanent teeth
Reduce the risk of damage to protruding front teeth
Identify jaw growth imbalances early
When early treatment is recommended, orthodontic care can help regulate jaw growth, widen dental arches, create space for permanent teeth, reduce the likelihood of impacted teeth, and address habits such as thumb sucking or abnormal swallowing. In many cases, early orthodontics simplifies future treatment once all permanent teeth have erupted.
Does Early Orthodontic Treatment Benefit Every Child?
Not every child requires early orthodontic treatment. Some orthodontic concerns are best treated during the teen years when all permanent teeth are present. Certain skeletal issues may also require waiting until growth has progressed further.
Each child’s needs are unique. If early treatment is not recommended, your child may be placed in our Orthodontic Supervisory Program so development can be monitored closely until the ideal time for treatment.
What Is the Orthodontic Supervisory Program?
Our Orthodontic Supervisory Program, sometimes referred to as our Kids Club, is designed for children who are not yet ready for active treatment. This program allows our orthodontists to monitor dental development and jaw growth over time.
Children in the program are typically seen every 6 to 12 months at no charge. During these visits, we track how permanent teeth are erupting, assess bite changes, and determine whether early removal of baby teeth or other preventive steps may help reduce future treatment time. We also communicate any recommendations with your family dentist to support coordinated care.
Will Early Treatment Prevent the Need for Braces Later?
Early orthodontic treatment can correct significant issues, prevent problems from worsening, and make later treatment easier and shorter. However, because not all permanent teeth are present during early treatment, a second phase of treatment, often called Phase II, is commonly needed during the pre-teen or teen years to complete alignment.
In some cases, early treatment alone may be sufficient, but this depends entirely on the child’s individual orthodontic needs.
What Are the Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment Beyond Straight Teeth?
In addition to improving the appearance of a child’s smile, orthodontic treatment can:
Improve bite function and chewing efficiency
Make brushing and flossing easier
Reduce uneven wear on teeth
Support long-term dental health and stability
Early orthodontic care focuses on both function and aesthetics to promote healthy smiles that last a lifetime.
Should Children Continue Seeing Their Family Dentist During Treatment?
Yes. Regular dental checkups remain essential during orthodontic treatment. Braces and other orthodontic appliances require extra attention to oral hygiene, so children should continue visiting their family dentist for cleanings and exams as recommended. Ongoing dental care helps maintain healthy teeth and gums throughout treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Parents often have questions when it comes to early orthodontic care and what to expect for their child. Below are answers to some of the most common questions we receive to help you feel confident and informed when considering early orthodontic treatment.
How Do I Know If My Child Needs an Orthodontic Evaluation?
Signs such as crowded teeth, difficulty biting or chewing, mouth breathing, thumb sucking, or early loss of baby teeth may indicate the need for an orthodontic evaluation. Even without obvious concerns, an early visit helps ensure healthy dental development.
Will Early Orthodontic Treatment Be Uncomfortable for My Child?
Early orthodontic treatment is generally well tolerated by children. Appliances are designed to be gentle and age-appropriate, and any mild soreness usually resolves quickly as the child adjusts.
How Long Does Early Orthodontic Treatment Usually Last?
Early treatment timelines vary based on a child’s needs, but most Phase I treatments last between 9 and 18 months. Your orthodontist will provide a personalized estimate during the consultation.
Can Early Orthodontic Care Help With Speech or Breathing Issues?
In some cases, early orthodontic treatment may help improve issues related to jaw development, tongue posture, or airway space, which can support healthier speech and breathing patterns.
What Happens If My Child Misses an Observation Visit?
Observation visits are important for tracking growth and timing treatment correctly. If a visit is missed, we recommend rescheduling as soon as possible to ensure no changes are overlooked.