Orthodontics for Children
Although there is no exact age for children to begin orthodontic treatment, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends a visit to the orthodontist around age seven.
By this age, most children have a mix of baby teeth and adult teeth, making it easier for us to diagnose and correct tooth and jaw problems sooner and without surgery.
Early treatment allows our team to:
- Correct and guide the growth of your child's jaw to help the permanent teeth come in straight
- Regulate the width of the upper and lower arches
- Create more space for crowded teeth
- Avoid the need for permanent tooth extractions later in life
- Correct thumb sucking and help improve minor speech problems
For parents, it’s not always easy to know if your son or daughter may need orthodontic treatment.
Here are a few things to look for that may mean your child needs to see an orthodontist
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- A hard time chewing or biting food
- Mouth breathing
- Finger or thumb sucking
- Crowded, misplaced, or blocked teeth
- Jaws that pop or make sounds when opening and closing
- Teeth that come together abnormally, or do not come together at all
- Jaws and teeth that are not proportionate to the rest of the face
- Crowded front teeth around age seven or eight
Please contact our practice to schedule an appointment for an orthodontic evaluation. Early treatment now will give your little one a healthy, beautiful smile for the future.
Children’s Orthodontics FAQ
At what age should my child first see an orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation around age 7. At this age, children usually have a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth, allowing orthodontists to identify developing bite and jaw problems early.
Does my child need braces at age 7?
Not necessarily. Most children do not start full braces at age 7. Early orthodontic visits are primarily used to evaluate jaw growth, tooth eruption, crowding, and bite development so problems can be monitored or treated at the ideal time.
Why is early orthodontic evaluation important?
Early evaluation allows problems to be identified while the jaws are still developing. In some cases, early treatment can:
- Guide jaw growth
- Improve bite alignment
- Create space for crowded teeth
- Help impacted teeth erupt properly
- Reduce the risk of tooth extractions later
- Improve facial balance and smile development
- Address harmful habits like thumb sucking
Early treatment can sometimes help avoid more complicated treatment later in life.
What are signs my child may need orthodontic treatment?
Some common signs include:
- Crowded or overlapping teeth
- Early or delayed loss of baby teeth
- Difficulty chewing or biting
- Mouth breathing
- Thumb or finger sucking
- Crossbites or underbites
- Teeth that do not come together properly
- Jaws that shift, pop, or make noises
- Protruding front teeth
- Blocked or impacted teeth
If you notice any of these issues, an orthodontic evaluation is recommended.
What is Phase 1 orthodontic treatment?
Phase 1 treatment, also called early interceptive orthodontics, is orthodontic treatment performed while some baby teeth are still present. The goal is to guide jaw growth and address developing problems before they become more severe.
Not every child needs Phase 1 treatment, but certain bite and jaw issues benefit significantly from early intervention.
Can early orthodontic treatment prevent permanent tooth extractions?
In some cases, yes. Early treatment can help create space for developing teeth and improve jaw relationships, which may reduce the likelihood of needing permanent teeth removed later. However, every case is different.
What happens if we wait too long for orthodontic treatment?
Some orthodontic problems become more difficult to treat with age. Certain jaw discrepancies, crossbites, and impacted teeth may require more complex treatment or even jaw surgery later if early growth opportunities are missed.
Are braces the only option for children?
No. Depending on the child’s needs, treatment may involve:
- Braces
- Expanders
- Space maintainers
- Habit appliances
- Partial braces
- Clear aligners in select cases
Treatment is customized based on the child’s growth, bite, and dental development.
What is a palate expander and why might my child need one?
A palate expander is an orthodontic appliance used to widen the upper jaw. Expansion may help correct crossbites, create space for crowded teeth, improve jaw development, and support better airway function in certain patients.
Does thumb sucking affect my child’s teeth?
Yes. Prolonged thumb or finger sucking can affect jaw growth and tooth alignment, potentially causing open bites, protruding front teeth, or narrowing of the upper jaw.
Will my child need teeth removed for braces?
Not always. Modern orthodontic treatment often focuses on proper diagnosis, jaw development, and space management to reduce unnecessary extractions when appropriate. However, extractions may still be the best option in some cases depending on the severity of crowding and bite issues.
How long does orthodontic treatment for children take?
Treatment time varies depending on the complexity of the case and the type of treatment needed. Some children may only require observation, while others may need early treatment followed by comprehensive braces during the teen years.
What if my child still has baby teeth?
That is completely normal during an early orthodontic evaluation. In fact, orthodontists often prefer evaluating children while baby teeth are still present because it provides valuable information about jaw growth and eruption patterns.
How do I know if my child needs an orthodontist or just a dentist?
General dentists help maintain oral health, but orthodontists are dental specialists who complete additional years of training focused specifically on tooth movement, bite correction, jaw development, and facial growth.
An orthodontic evaluation can identify problems that may not always be obvious during routine dental visits.
What can parents expect during the first orthodontic consultation?
At Strouse Orthodontics, your child’s first orthodontic visit includes an evaluation of the teeth, bite, jaw growth, facial balance, and eruption patterns. Dr. Strouse will discuss whether treatment is needed now, should be monitored over time, or may be best delayed until additional permanent teeth erupt.