Early Orthodontic Treatment
A Healthier Smile Starts with the Right Bite
Orthodontic treatment helps create a balanced, functional bite by aligning the teeth and jaws properly. When everything is in harmony, your child can chew, speak, and smile with confidence—and with a reduced risk of tooth decay, gum disease, or dental injury. Proper alignment also enhances facial symmetry, making for a naturally attractive smile and better long-term oral health.
When Should My Child See an Orthodontist?
At SoCo Dental Specialty Group, we follow the American Association of Orthodontists’ recommendation that children should visit an orthodontist by age 7, or earlier if any issues are noticed. By this age, most children have a mix of baby and permanent teeth, which allows us to evaluate how their smile and jaws are developing.
An early orthodontic evaluation doesn’t always lead to immediate treatment—but it’s a crucial step in identifying any concerns before they become more complex. In many cases, early monitoring can help avoid more invasive procedures later.
What Is Early (Phase One) Orthodontic Treatment?
Early treatment, also known as Phase One treatment, focuses on correcting jaw growth and certain bite problems while a child is still growing. It can also help ensure there’s enough space for permanent teeth to erupt properly, potentially preventing the need for extractions down the line.
Examples of orthodontic concerns sometimes addressed with early treatment include:
Severe crowding
Open bite or deep bite
Crossbite
Underbite or large overbite
Narrow dental arches
Jaw growth issues
Thumb-sucking or oral habits
Protruding front teeth
By guiding growth during these formative years, we can often use gentler, more efficient treatment methods compared to when the face and jaws are fully developed.
Not All Children Need Early Treatment
In many cases, no immediate action is needed. Instead, we’ll simply keep an eye on your child’s development through our Growth Observation Program.
This program includes no-cost checkups every 6 to 12 months, where our orthodontist monitors jaw growth, tooth eruption, and bite changes. These visits help ensure we intervene only when it’s truly beneficial—and allow your child to grow confidently, with professional support along the way.
Why Early Orthodontics Matters
Certain orthodontic issues, if left untreated at a young age, can have long-lasting effects. Early intervention can reduce treatment time in the future, minimize the need for surgery, and improve outcomes. Plus, it sets the foundation for better oral health habits and higher self-esteem during a child’s most important developmental years.
Schedule a Complimentary Exam
The easiest way to find out what your child needs is to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with our experienced team. If treatment isn’t necessary, we’ll simply continue to monitor development at no cost to you. If early intervention is beneficial, we’ll walk you through your child’s personalized treatment plan and timeline.
Give your child the best start for a confident, healthy smile. Contact SoCo Dental Specialty Group via text or phone call at 707.978.2077 today to book your complimentary new patient exam.