Early Orthodontic Treatment for Kids
When Should My Child First See a Pediatric Orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation around age 7. By this age, enough permanent teeth have come in for Dr. Susan Korch to spot early warning signs that may not be obvious to parents or even a family dentist. Some dentists may even refer children sooner if they see concerns.
Why Early Evaluations and Braces for Kids Matter?
At first glance, age 7 might feel early, but here’s why these visits are important:
Guide growing teeth into better positions
Preserve space for incoming permanent teeth
Reduce the risk of injuries to teeth that stick out too far
Catch habits early (thumb sucking, speech issues, swallowing problems)
Simplify future treatment so braces or clear aligners in the teen years are easier and faster
Early orthodontic care isn’t about putting braces on young kids right away, it’s about timing treatment so your child’s smile and jaw grow in the healthiest way possible.
What Early Treatment Can Do (Phase I)
Early treatment, often called Phase One, usually starts around age 8 or 9. Phase Two treatment typically happens later, around age 11 or older, once most permanent teeth have come in.
Phase I treatment may include appliances or techniques that:
Guide jaw growth and tooth eruption
Create space for permanent teeth to come in properly (reducing the need for extractions later)
Correct narrow dental arches and bite issues like underbites or crossbites
Address harmful habits like thumb sucking
Improve speech and swallowing
Think of early treatment as building the foundation. Just like a strong foundation supports a house, early orthodontics sets your child up for a healthier bite, easier brushing, and a better smile for life.
Signs Your Child May Need Early Orthodontic Care
Every child develops differently, but here are some signs that may signal your child needs an orthodontic check:
Early or late loss of baby teeth (kids usually start losing teeth around age 5 and finish by age 13)
Difficulty chewing or biting food
Mouth breathing
Thumb sucking past age 5
Speech problems
Protruding front teeth
Teeth that don’t meet normally, or don’t touch at all
Shifting of the jaw when opening or closing (crossbite)
Crowded front teeth around ages 7–8
What Causes Orthodontic Problems?
Some orthodontic problems are inherited, like crowding, spacing, or jaw growth issues. Others develop from:
Early or late loss of baby teeth
Thumb-sucking or other habits
Injury to the mouth
Protruding teeth or bad bites left untreated
Most kids lose all their baby teeth by age 13, and by the late teen years, the jaw stops growing. Waiting too long can make treatment harder, sometimes even requiring surgery or tooth extractions. Early treatment can prevent these bigger issues and make later orthodontic care simpler.
Does Every Child Need Pediatric Orthodontist
Treatment?
Not always. Some orthodontic issues are best treated during the teen years. That’s why Dr. Korch create a plan tailored to each child’s unique needs.
If treatment isn’t needed right away, your child may be placed in an Orthodontic Supervisory Program, a free monitoring plan with check-ins every 6–8 months. This allows the orthodontist to track growth, guide permanent teeth into place, and step in at the right time.
The Benefits Go Beyond a Smile
Orthodontic care isn’t just about straight teeth. The benefits include:
A healthier bite for easier chewing
Better brushing and flossing
Reduced wear and tear on teeth
Longer-lasting natural teeth over a lifetime
A boost in confidence and self-esteem
Give Your Child a Head Start
Early orthodontics is about more than straight teeth, it’s about healthy growth, easier treatment later, and protecting your child’s smile for life. If your child is around age 7 and showing signs of orthodontic concerns, now is the perfect time for an evaluation.
Schedule an early orthodontic consultation today to give your child the best start toward a confident, healthy smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Parents often have questions that go beyond the basics of early orthodontics, especially when they’re trying to understand timing, costs, comfort, and what early care really means for their child’s long-term oral health. Below are answers to the most common concerns parents have before scheduling their child’s orthodontic visit.
How do I know if my child’s crowded teeth will fix themselves as they grow?
While baby teeth shift naturally, crowding rarely resolves on its own. Most children who show early crowding at age 7–8 benefit from monitoring or guided growth to avoid complications later.
Do early orthodontic appliances make eating or speaking difficult for kids?
Most children adapt quickly. Appliances used in Phase I (expanders, space maintainers, habit appliances) usually have a short adjustment period and rarely interfere with school, sports, or speech long-term.
How long does Phase I treatment typically last?
Although every child is different, Phase I treatment usually lasts 9–15 months. Many local families appreciate that early intervention is shorter and more focused than full comprehensive treatment.
How do I know if my child’s thumb-sucking is causing orthodontic problems?
If thumb-sucking persists past age 5, especially in the Hershey-area patient population, we often see changes such as flared front teeth, open bites, or narrow arches. These are correctable but easier to manage early.
Can mouth breathing be a sign that my child needs early orthodontic care?
Yes. Chronic mouth breathing may indicate jaw development issues, narrow arches, or airway concerns. Orthodontists often collaborate with pediatric dentists or ENT specialists when this symptom appears.
