Early Orthodontic TreatmentA Healthy Start for a Growing Smile
Early orthodontic care allows an orthodontist to assess how a child’s teeth, bite and jaws are developing.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children receive their first orthodontic evaluation by age seven. At this stage, children typically have a combination of primary and permanent teeth, which can help an orthodontist recognize developing concerns. An early assessment does not necessarily mean that treatment will begin right away. (American Association of Orthodontists)
At Oakville Orthodontics, we monitor each child’s growth and recommend treatment only when it can provide a meaningful benefit.
What Is Early Orthodontic Treatment?
Guidance During an Important Stage of Development
Early orthodontic treatment, sometimes called interceptive or Phase One treatment, begins while a child still has some primary teeth.
Its purpose is not to place every child in braces at an early age. When treatment is appropriate, it may be used to address a developing bite concern, guide jaw growth or create space for permanent teeth. (American Association of Orthodontists)
Some children benefit from early treatment, while others are best monitored until more permanent teeth have emerged.
When Should My Child See an Orthodontist?
An Assessment Is Recommended by Age Seven
By age seven, enough permanent teeth have usually emerged for an orthodontist to evaluate the developing bite and identify concerns that may not be obvious to parents.
Your child may benefit from an earlier assessment when you or your dentist notice:
- Crowded, misplaced or overlapping teeth
- Early or late loss of primary teeth
- Difficulty biting or chewing
- Teeth that do not meet properly
- Protruding front teeth
- Mouth breathing
- Thumb or finger habits that continue as the child grows
- Jaws that appear uneven or shift during biting
- Teeth that are not emerging as expected
These signs do not always indicate that immediate treatment is required. An orthodontic assessment can determine whether care, observation or future follow-up is appropriate.
Benefits Of Early Assessment
The Right Care at the Right Time
An early orthodontic visit gives our team an opportunity to understand how your child’s smile is developing.
Identify Developing Concerns
An orthodontist can recognize crowding, bite irregularities, tooth eruption concerns and jaw growth patterns at an early stage. (American Association of Orthodontists)
Determine the Best Timing
Some orthodontic concerns are better addressed while a child is still growing, while others can be monitored until later.
Guide Growth When Appropriate
In selected cases, early treatment may help guide jaw or facial growth into a more favourable pattern. (American Association of Orthodontists)
Create Space for Permanent Teeth
Treatment may help manage crowding or create room for permanent teeth that have not yet emerged.
Monitor Development
When treatment is not needed, scheduled observation appointments allow us to follow your child’s growth and recommend care at the most appropriate time.
Customized Care for Developing Smiles
The treatment recommended will depend on the child’s teeth, bite, growth and individual orthodontic concerns.
Early treatment may involve:
- A palatal expansion appliance
- Partial braces on selected teeth
- Space-maintaining or space-guiding appliances
- Appliances designed to support bite correction
- Removal of selected primary teeth in coordination with the child’s dentist
- Regular observation without immediate treatment
Palatal expanders and partial braces are examples of interceptive treatments that may be used in younger patients when clinically appropriate. (American Association of Orthodontists)
Our orthodontists will explain why a particular approach is being recommended, what it is intended to accomplish and what may be required later.
Early Guidance Followed by Comprehensive Care
Some children receive orthodontic care in two stages.
Phase One
Phase One treatment occurs while a child has a combination of primary and permanent teeth. It focuses on a specific developing concern that may benefit from earlier attention.
Observation Period
After Phase One, the child’s remaining permanent teeth are allowed to emerge while our team monitors development.
Phase Two
Phase Two generally begins once most or all permanent teeth are present. It may involve braces or clear aligners to complete tooth alignment and bite correction.
Not every child requires two phases of treatment. The recommendation depends on the child’s individual development and orthodontic needs. (American Association of Orthodontists)
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every child need early orthodontic treatment?
No. Many children only need an early assessment followed by periodic monitoring. Treatment is recommended when addressing a concern at an earlier stage is expected to provide a meaningful benefit.
Why is age seven recommended for an orthodontic assessment?
At approximately age seven, children usually have a mix of primary and permanent teeth. This allows an orthodontist to evaluate tooth eruption, jaw growth and the developing bite. (American Association of Orthodontists)
Will early treatment prevent the need for braces later?
Not always. Early treatment may address a specific developmental concern, but many children still require comprehensive treatment once more permanent teeth have emerged.
What is the difference between Phase One and Phase Two treatment?
Phase One addresses selected concerns during a child’s early development. Phase Two generally occurs later and focuses on comprehensive alignment of the permanent teeth and bite.
How long does early treatment take?
Treatment time varies according to the concern being addressed, the appliance used and the child’s response. Our team will provide a personalized estimate after assessment.
What happens if my child does not need treatment yet?
We may recommend observation appointments so we can monitor growth, tooth eruption and bite development. Treatment will only be discussed if and when it becomes appropriate.
Do we need a dentist’s referral?
No. Families can contact Oakville Orthodontics directly or submit an online self-referral.
Give Your Child’s Smile a Confident Start
An early assessment can provide helpful information and peace of mind, even when treatment is not yet required.
Meet with our orthodontic team to learn how your child’s teeth and bite are developing and whether monitoring or treatment is recommended.
