Early orthodontic care can make a big difference in how your child’s smile and bite develop. At Porter Orthodontics, Dr. Joseph Porter monitors jaw growth, guides erupting teeth, and helps prevent small issues from turning into bigger problems later on.
At What Age Should a Child First Visit the Orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic screening by age 7.
By this age, most kids have a mix of baby and permanent teeth, which allows Dr. Porter to:
- Identify developing bite or alignment issues
- Determine whether treatment is needed now or best delayed
- Plan the ideal timing for future orthodontic care
Many local dentists are trained to spot early orthodontic concerns and may refer your child to us even before age 7 if something unusual is noticed.
Why Are Children Evaluated for Orthodontics So Early?
An early orthodontic evaluation is about being proactive, not pushy. Early diagnosis and treatment can:
- Guide erupting teeth into more ideal positions
- Preserve space for incoming permanent teeth
- Reduce the risk of injury to protruding front teeth
When early treatment is recommended, Dr. Porter can also:
- Gently guide jaw growth and incoming permanent teeth
- Regulate the width of the upper and lower dental arches
- Create space for permanent teeth and reduce the chance of extractions
- Lower the risk of permanent teeth becoming impacted
- Correct thumb-sucking habits
- Help eliminate abnormal swallowing or speech problems
In many cases, early care makes later treatment easier and more efficient once all permanent teeth have erupted.
Does Early Orthodontic Treatment Benefit Every Child?
Not every child needs Phase I (early) treatment. Some orthodontic problems are more efficiently treated in the teen years, once all permanent teeth are in place.
Certain skeletal (jaw-related) concerns are best addressed after more growth has occurred or even once growth is complete.
Dr. Porter develops a personalized plan for each child. If treatment is not recommended right away, your child is placed in our Orthodontic Supervisory Program so we can monitor growth and tooth eruption over time.
What Is the Orthodontic Supervisory Program?
This program is designed for children who aren’t ready for braces yet but still need periodic monitoring. It allows us to:
Track how permanent teeth are erupting
Spot poor eruption patterns early
Recommend removal of baby teeth when needed to improve spacing
Help reduce the overall time needed in braces later
Children in this program are typically seen every 6–8 months, and we share our recommendations with your family dentist. There is no charge for this program.
If My Child Has Early Treatment, Will They Still Need Braces as a Teen?
Early treatment often addresses major problems and prevents them from becoming more severe, but it does not always replace the need for braces later. Typically:
Phase I treatment corrects significant growth or spacing issues early.
Phase II treatment (full braces) in the teen years refines alignment once all permanent teeth have erupted.
The good news is that Phase II is often shorter and simpler thanks to the groundwork laid during early treatment. In some cases, no additional treatment is needed, but this depends on how the teeth develop over time.
Do We Still Need to See Our Family Dentist During Orthodontic Treatment?
Yes. Regular dental visits are just as important during orthodontic care—if not more so. Braces and appliances make it easier for plaque to collect, so professional cleanings and exams are essential.
We recommend seeing your family dentist every six months for checkups and cleanings while your child is in treatment to help keep teeth and gums healthy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have more questions about early orthodontic care? These FAQs offer additional guidance to help you feel confident about your child’s treatment plan.
How Do I Know If My Child Needs Early Orthodontic Treatment?
Some signs include difficulty chewing, mouth breathing, early or late loss of baby teeth, thumb-sucking habits, or visibly crowded teeth. Even if none of these are present, an early evaluation at age 7 is recommended to identify concerns before they develop.
Are Early Orthodontic Visits Painful for Children?
Early evaluations are gentle and noninvasive. They typically involve visual exams, photos, or X-rays, procedures that most children handle easily. If treatment is needed, appliances used in Phase I are designed to be comfortable and kid-friendly.
How Long Does Phase I (Early) Treatment Usually Last?
Most Phase I treatments last 9–18 months, depending on your child’s growth and what issues are being corrected. Afterward, your child enters a resting period until they are ready for Phase II as a teen.
Can My Child Still Play Sports With Early Orthodontic Appliances?
Yes. Most children can continue all activities, including sports and music. If your child wears an appliance, a mouthguard may be recommended for added protection during contact sports.
Will Early Treatment Make Future Orthodontic Visits Easier?
In many cases, yes. Early intervention can simplify later treatment, shorten the time needed in braces during the teen years, and make the adjustment process more comfortable.