At what age should a child first visit the orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have an orthodontic screening by age 7. This helps Drs. Richard and Gretter Hannah determine if orthodontic treatment is necessary and the best time to begin. Some local dentists may refer your child to our office even earlier if they identify potential orthodontic issues.
Why are children evaluated at such an early age?
Early diagnosis and treatment can help in multiple ways, such as:
- Bite problems such as crossbites or underbites
- Severely crowded teeth
- Guiding erupting teeth into more favorable positions
- Preserving space for permanent teeth
- Reducing the risk of fracturing protruding front teeth
- Regulating the width of dental arches (upper and lower)
- Creating space for permanent teeth
- Preventing permanent tooth extractions
- Correcting thumb-sucking or abnormal swallowing/speech issues
- Improving any esthetic concerns demonstrated by the patient or parent
Early treatment can often simplify or shorten the need for later orthodontic care.
Does early treatment benefit all children?
Not all children need early treatment. Some orthodontic problems are more easily corrected in the teenage years, while other skeletal issues may need to wait until growth is further advanced. Approximately 20% of children that we see between the ages of 7 to 10 benefit from an early phase of treatment.
However, all children benefit from an orthodontic consultation, and the majority are better served to be treated when they have erupted most of their permanent teeth, typically around ages 11 to 12 or older. The doctors create individualized treatment plans based on each child’s unique needs. If treatment is not immediately required, your child will be placed on our Orthodontic Supervisory Program for regular monitoring.
What is the Orthodontic Supervisory Program?
This program is designed for children who aren’t ready for treatment but need periodic check-ups to monitor the growth of their teeth and jaws. Key benefits include:
- Monitoring the eruption patterns of permanent teeth
- Identifying issues that may benefit from early removal of baby teeth
- Reducing the time needed for future braces
Patients in the program typically visit us every 6 - 8 months, and there is no fee for this monitoring service. We also update your general dentist with any recommendations made during these visits.
If a child receives early treatment, will they still need braces as adolescents?
Early treatment addresses significant problems and prevents more severe issues from developing. However, since not all permanent teeth have erupted during early treatment, final alignment may still need to be corrected. Typically, a shorter phase of comprehensive treatment (Phase II - full braces) is required during the teen years to complete the correction.
Resting Period
In this phase, the remaining permanent teeth are allowed to erupt. Retainers to hold the front teeth in place and maintain dental arch expansion are worn during the resting period, mainly at night.
It is best to allow the existing permanent teeth some freedom of movement while the final eruption occurs. A successful first phase will have created room for teeth to find an eruption path. Otherwise, they may become impacted or severely displaced.
Monitoring Your Teeth’s Progress
At the end of the first phase of treatment, all adult teeth are not in their final positions. This will be determined and accomplished during comprehensive treatment. Selective removal of certain primary (baby) teeth may be in the best interest of enhancing eruption during this resting phase. Therefore, periodic recall appointments for observation are necessary, usually on a six-month basis.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Phase I and Phase II treatment?
Phase I (early treatment) happens while a child still has most of their baby teeth and addresses growth or bite problems that are easier to correct early. Phase II is a later, usually shorter course of full braces once most permanent teeth are in, to finish aligning the smile. Not every child needs both.
What actually happens at that first visit?
It is short and low-key - a look at how the teeth and jaws are developing, usually a few photos or a quick scan, and a straight conversation about whether anything needs doing. Most of the time the answer is “not yet,” and your child is simply placed on our no-fee monitoring program. There is nothing for a child to be nervous about.
Is the first orthodontic exam really free?
Yes. Your child’s first evaluation is a complimentary, no-obligation exam, and you will get a straight answer about whether treatment is needed now, later, or at all. Request an appointment at any of our five offices.
Does starting early cost more overall?
Early treatment is a separate, shorter phase with its own fee - but by simplifying the treatment a child needs later, it does not necessarily raise the total, and can lower it. We explain the full picture before anything begins; see payments and insurance for how fees work.
