Early Orthodontic Treatment for Growing Smiles
Early orthodontic treatment helps identify developing bite and jaw concerns while your child's smile is still growing. At Braces Doc, we carefully evaluate growth and development to determine whether early treatment can help guide healthier, more predictable outcomes.
EARLY GUIDANCE FOR HEALTHY SMILE DEVELOPMENT
Not Every Child Needs Early Treatment
THE RIGHT TREATMENT AT THE RIGHT TIME
One of the most important parts of an early orthodontic evaluation is determining whether treatment should begin now or whether the best approach is simply to monitor growth. Our goal is to recommend treatment only when it can provide a meaningful long-term benefit.
Early Evaluation Can Make a Difference
GUIDING GROWTH AT THE RIGHT TIME
Not every child needs orthodontic treatment at an early age, but identifying concerns early allows us to monitor growth and recommend treatment when it can provide the greatest benefit. Also known as Phase 1 Orthodontic Treatment, early treatment may begin before all permanent teeth have erupted if developing bite or jaw problems are affecting your child's oral development.
By taking advantage of natural growth, early orthodontic treatment can help improve jaw alignment, create space for incoming permanent teeth, and reduce the likelihood of more extensive treatment later. During your child's consultation,
Dr. Timothy Agapas will determine whether treatment should begin immediately or whether regular observation is the most appropriate approach.
Depending on your child's orthodontic needs, early treatment may involve one or more devices designed to guide jaw development and improve tooth alignment during growth.
Early Treatment Options
PERSONALIZED TREATMENTS FOR GROWING SMILES
Early Treatment Options
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Palatal ExpanderLearn More List Item 1
A palatal expander is used when the upper jaw has not developed wide enough to fit properly with the lower jaw. The appliance gently widens the upper jaw over time, creating additional space for permanent teeth and improving the overall bite. Early expansion can also help reduce crowding and support healthier jaw development as your child grows.
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Limited BracesLearn More
Limited braces may be placed on selected teeth to correct specific orthodontic concerns, such as crossbites, traumatic bites, or impacted teeth. Rather than treating the entire smile, this targeted approach addresses developing problems early, helping guide proper tooth eruption and jaw development while your child continues to grow.
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Facemask TherapyLearn More
Facemask therapy may be recommended for children with an underbite caused by the upper jaw developing behind the lower jaw. Worn for a prescribed number of hours each day, the appliance encourages forward growth of the upper jaw during key stages of development. Beginning treatment at the appropriate age can help improve jaw alignment and create a healthier bite.
Early Treatment Options
-
Palatal ExpanderLearn More List Item 1
A palatal expander is used when the upper jaw has not developed wide enough to fit properly with the lower jaw. The device gently widens the upper jaw over time, creating additional space for permanent teeth and improving the overall bite. Early expansion can also help reduce crowding and support healthier jaw development as your child grows.
-
Limited BracesLearn More
Limited braces may be placed on selected teeth to correct specific orthodontic concerns, such as crossbites, traumatic bites, or impacted teeth. Rather than treating the entire smile, this targeted approach addresses developing problems early, helping guide proper tooth eruption and jaw development while your child continues to grow.
-
Facemask TherapyLearn More
Facemask therapy may be recommended for children with an underbite caused by the upper jaw developing behind the lower jaw. Worn for a prescribed number of hours each day, the device encourages forward growth of the upper jaw during key stages of development. Beginning treatment at the appropriate age can help improve jaw alignment and create a healthier bite.
Frequently Asked Questions
ANSWERS TO COMMON ORTHODONTIC QUESTIONS
At what age should my child have their first orthodontic evaluation?
The Canadian Association of Orthodontists recommends that children receive their first orthodontic evaluation around the age of seven. Most children should have an orthodontic evaluation by age 8 to 9. At this stage, enough permanent teeth have usually erupted for Dr. Agapas to evaluate how the teeth and jaws are developing and determine whether treatment or simply continued observation is appropriate. Some children benefit from an earlier evaluation if their family dentist identifies concerns such as an anterior crossbite, abnormal tooth eruption, or other developing bite problems.
Does every child need early orthodontic treatment?
No. Many children do not require Phase 1 treatment and may simply benefit from periodic monitoring as they grow. If no immediate concerns are present, your child may return for regular growth assessments until the appropriate time for comprehensive orthodontic treatment. Treatment is only recommended when it provides a clear benefit to your child's oral development.
What problems can early treatment help correct?
Early orthodontic treatment may help address developing concerns such as crossbites, underbites, excessive overjet, narrow upper jaws, crowding caused by jaw development, and certain eruption problems. Treating these concerns during growth can improve jaw development, support healthier tooth eruption, and sometimes reduce the complexity of future orthodontic treatment.
How long does Phase 1 orthodontic treatment usually last?
Treatment length depends on the appliance being used and your child's individual orthodontic needs. Many Phase 1 treatments last between six and twelve months, although some may continue longer depending on growth and treatment goals. After Phase 1 is complete, your child may be monitored until all permanent teeth have erupted before considering additional orthodontic treatment.
Will my child still need braces after early treatment?
In many cases, yes. Early orthodontic treatment is designed to guide jaw growth and correct specific developmental concerns, but it does not always eliminate the need for comprehensive braces or Invisalign later. Phase 2 treatment often begins once most or all permanent teeth have erupted, allowing the final alignment of the teeth and bite to be completed.
Support Your Child's Growing Smile
An early orthodontic evaluation can help identify developing concerns and determine the best time for treatment. Schedule a consultation with Braces Doc to learn more.
