Early Prevention
Early Orthodontic Treatment for Children
What’s the difference between early orthodontic treatment (also called Phase I) and regular treatment (Phase II), and why might your child benefit from starting early? How does early intervention create better, often simpler outcomes later on?
These are common questions for parents, and we’re here to help clarify. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child have an orthodontic evaluation by age 7. At this early check-up, Dr. Menker can spot developing issues—such as crowding, jaw growth problems, or harmful habits—while your child still has a mix of baby and permanent teeth.
Early treatment, when needed, can guide jaw growth, create more space for incoming teeth, reduce the risk of trauma to protruding teeth, and often make future full treatment shorter and less complex. Many children who receive timely early care avoid more invasive procedures down the road and enjoy healthier, more confident smiles for life.
Signs Your Child May Benefit from Early Orthodontic Treatment:
Watch for these common indicators that your child could need an early evaluation:
- Early or delayed loss of baby teeth (most children begin losing teeth around age 5 and have all permanent teeth by about age 13)
- Trouble chewing or biting food comfortably
- Frequent mouth breathing
- Thumb-sucking that continues past age 5
- Speech difficulties or lisps
- Protruding front teeth (top or bottom teeth stick out noticeably)
- Teeth that don’t meet properly or don’t touch at all when biting
- Jaw shifting or sliding when opening or closing the mouth (often a sign of crossbite)
- Crowding or overlapping of front teeth by age 7 or 8
If you notice any of these signs, an early orthodontic check-up (ideally by age 7) can help identify and address issues before they become more complex. Contact our office to schedule a gentle evaluation—we’re here to guide you and your child toward a healthy, confident smile.
What causes orthodontic problems, and how will early treatment benefit my child?
Orthodontic issues—like crowded teeth, gaps, jaw growth discrepancies, protruding teeth, or improper bites—can be inherited or triggered by factors such as mouth injuries, premature or delayed loss of baby teeth, or prolonged habits like thumb-sucking.
Most children lose all their baby teeth by around age 12, and jaw growth typically stops by the end of the teen years. Once the jaws harden, orthodontic treatment in adults often takes longer and may require tooth extractions or even oral surgery.
Early intervention during childhood can guide proper jaw development, create space for incoming teeth, correct harmful habits, and reduce the severity of problems before they worsen. This often leads to shorter, simpler treatment later on, with little to no need for extractions or surgery—helping your child achieve a healthier, more confident smile with greater ease.
If your child is between 7 and 8 years old and shows signs of orthodontic concerns—or if your family dentist has recommended an evaluation—contact our practice today to schedule a consultation. Dr. Menker and our team will perform a gentle initial exam and discuss the best path forward for your child’s smile.