In the Know for You to Know

The 2 questions parents ask most often about their children’s teeth are about braces and cavities.

When asking about braces, we’ll often hear one of two types of questions. Many parents ask if “now” is the time to see the Orthodontist. While many more parents will ask “Isn’t my child too young to start braces?”

The answer is, there is a lot that goes into recommending when to first see the Orthodontist.

What Does The Orthodontist Say?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child have an orthodontic evaluation by the age of 7.

Does This Mean We’re Ready To Start Braces?

An evaluation does not mean that your child will start braces immediately. Depending on your child’s growth and development, braces may or may not be indicated for several years.

The evaluation gives the Orthodontist a chance to examine your child, and discuss with you their growth pattern, the next steps and when to begin treatment.

What is Early Treatment?

Early treatment is also called Interceptive Orthodontics or Phase 1 treatment.

In this phase, the emphasis is on growth; specifically your child’s growth pattern.

The Orthodontist is interested in the position and symmetry of the jaws, future growth, spacing of the baby teeth, breathing and other oral habits which can, over a period of time affect your child’s dental and facial development.

When Is Early Treatment Recommended?

Early treatment may be recommended for —

• Habits such as tongue thrusting or thumb sucking
• A constricted airway due to enlarged adenoids or tonsils
• Mouth breathing or snoring problems
• A bad bite
• Narrow or underdeveloped jaws
• Space maintenance (if there are any missing teeth)

Treatment in this phase of development does not necessitate or eliminate the need for future orthodontic treatment.

Remember this phase is all about how your child grows.

If There is Phase 1, Is There A Phase 2?

In the second phase, the Orthodontist will be looking at how your child’s teeth and jaws fit and come together.

Teeth will be straightened and their bite (aka occlusion) is properly aligned. Attention is given to their jaw joint (TMJ), their facial profile and gum tissues.

What To Remember

You want your child to have their best smile. While some children may need braces sooner than others, there is no exact age on when to start; and each child needs their own distinct treatment protocol.

An evaluation by an Orthodontist is valuable because it helps identify and address dentofacial issues early, putting your child on the path to their healthy beautiful smile.

Did you have braces? Does your child have braces? or, Are you about to start braces? What questions do you have? Tell us, We’d really like to know! Send us an email to kidstoothhotline@protonmail.me Like Us or Chat with us on
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