Early Orthodontic Treatment

Early orthodontic treatment, also called interceptive orthodontic treatment, is used to prevent future orthodontic issues. Between the ages of seven and 14, children's teeth and jaws are still developing, making this an ideal window for effective treatment. Some children as young as seven can begin treatment, depending on the specific conditions present.

Is Your Child a Candidate?

We recommend an orthodontic evaluation around age seven. The earlier issues are caught, the better the long-term outcome. A child may be a candidate for early treatment if they have one or more of the following: crowded teeth, gapped teeth, an underbite, jaw irregularities, crossbites, long-term thumb or pacifier sucking, mouth breathing, or extra or missing teeth.

Types of Early Orthodontic Treatment

Palatal Expanders: Widens a narrow jaw over time to create more room for permanent teeth and supports more effective future treatment with braces or aligners.

Traditional Braces: Typically used for ages 10 to 14, though younger children with severe crowding, underbites, or missing teeth may need them sooner.

Headgear: Used with braces to correct severe jaw misalignment by encouraging proper jaw growth, available in cervical pull, reverse-pull, and high pull styles depending on the bite issue.

Clear Aligners: A removable, discreet option that some younger children can use if they still have baby teeth.