Early Treatment
Early orthodontic care can play an important role in how your child’s smile and bite develop over time. At Orthodontics by Bradford, Dr. Stephen Bradford and Dr. Colby Bradford focus on monitoring growth, guiding erupting teeth, and addressing concerns early to help prevent more complex orthodontic problems later.
At What Age Should a Child First Visit the Orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. By this age, most children have a mix of baby and permanent teeth, which allows Dr. Stephen Bradford and Dr. Colby Bradford to evaluate how the bite and jaws are developing.
An early visit helps our doctors:
- Identify developing bite, spacing, or alignment issues
- Determine whether treatment is needed now or should be delayed
- Plan the ideal timing for future orthodontic care
Many family dentists are trained to recognize early orthodontic concerns and may recommend an evaluation even before age 7 if something unusual is observed.
Why Are Children Evaluated for Orthodontics So Early?
Early orthodontic evaluations are proactive, not rushed. Identifying concerns early allows orthodontists to guide growth while the jaws and teeth are still developing.
Early evaluation can help:
- Guide erupting teeth into healthier positions
- Preserve space for incoming permanent teeth
- Reduce the risk of injury to protruding front teeth
When early treatment is recommended, Dr. Stephen Bradford and Dr. Colby Bradford may also:
- 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 impacted permanent teeth
- Address thumb-sucking habits
- Help correct abnormal swallowing or speech patterns
In many cases, addressing concerns early simplifies later orthodontic treatment.
Does Early Orthodontic Treatment Benefit Every Child?
Not every child needs early orthodontic treatment. Some orthodontic issues are best treated during the teen years, once all permanent teeth have erupted.
Certain jaw-related concerns may also benefit from waiting until growth is further along. Every child’s development is unique, which is why treatment timing is carefully evaluated on an individual basis.
If treatment is not recommended right away, your child may be placed in our monitoring program so we can continue to track growth and tooth eruption.
What Is the Orthodontic Supervisory Program?
The Orthodontic Supervisory Program is designed for children who are not yet ready for braces but still benefit from regular observation. This program allows our doctors to:
- Monitor how permanent teeth are erupting
- Identify poor eruption patterns early
- Recommend removal of baby teeth when necessary to improve spacing
- Help reduce the overall time needed in braces later
Children are typically seen every 6 to 8 months, and recommendations are shared with your family dentist. There is no charge for this monitoring program.
If My Child Has Early Treatment, Will They Still Need Braces as a Teen?
Early orthodontic treatment often addresses significant concerns and helps prevent more serious problems, but it does not always eliminate the need for braces later.
In most cases:
- Phase I treatment addresses growth or spacing concerns early
- Phase II treatment (full braces) refines alignment once all permanent teeth are present
Because early treatment lays important groundwork, Phase II treatment is often shorter and simpler. In some cases, additional treatment may not be necessary, depending on how the teeth develop.
Do We Still Need to See Our Family Dentist During Orthodontic Treatment?
Yes. Regular dental visits remain essential during orthodontic care. Braces and appliances can make it easier for plaque to collect, increasing the importance of professional cleanings and exams.
We recommend continuing routine dental visits every six months throughout orthodontic treatment to help maintain healthy teeth and gums.
Frequently Asked Questions
Choosing early orthodontic care often brings up thoughtful questions from parents who want to make the best decision for their child’s long-term dental health. Below are answers to common questions we hear that go beyond the basics of early evaluations and treatment timing.
How Long Does Early Orthodontic Treatment Usually Last?
Phase I treatment typically lasts several months to about a year, depending on your child’s specific needs. The goal is to address key developmental concerns efficiently, not to keep children in treatment longer than necessary.
Is Early Orthodontic Treatment Painful for Children?
Early orthodontic appliances are designed to use gentle forces that work with a child’s natural growth. While mild soreness may occur at the beginning or after adjustments, most children adapt quickly and remain comfortable throughout treatment.
Will Early Treatment Affect My Child’s Appearance at School?
Many early orthodontic appliances are small and discreet, and children often adjust socially very quickly. Our team also takes time to explain treatment in a positive, age-appropriate way to help children feel confident and comfortable.
Can Early Orthodontic Treatment Improve Breathing or Speech?
In some cases, early orthodontic care can support healthier jaw development, which may positively influence breathing patterns or speech-related concerns. If these issues are present, Dr. Stephen Bradford or Dr. Colby Bradford will discuss how orthodontic care may help as part of a comprehensive plan.
How Can Parents Support Successful Early Orthodontic Care at Home?
Encouraging good oral hygiene habits, following appliance instructions, and attending scheduled checkups all play an important role. Parental support helps ensure early treatment progresses smoothly and delivers the best possible results.