Laying the Foundation for a Healthy, Beautiful Smile

At Pristine Dental and Orthodontics, we believe that early orthodontic care can make a lasting difference in your child’s oral health and confidence. By evaluating developing smiles at a young age, we can identify and address issues before they become more complex—setting the stage for a healthier, more efficient orthodontic journey in the future.

Why Consider Orthodontics for Young Children?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. At this stage, the jaw is still growing, and a mix of baby and adult teeth allows our team to detect subtle concerns that may not be obvious yet.

Early treatment, also known as Phase I orthodontics, can:

• Guide proper jaw growth and development
• Create space for crowded or incoming permanent teeth
• Help correct harmful habits like thumb sucking or tongue thrusting
• Reduce the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth
• Minimize or eliminate the need for extractions or surgery later

What Happens During an Early Orthodontic Evaluation?

Our team uses digital X-rays, photographs, and a thorough clinical exam to assess:

• Tooth alignment and spacing
• Bite relationships (overbite, underbite, crossbite)
• Jaw growth patterns
• Eruption sequence of permanent teeth

If early treatment is beneficial, we may recommend a short-term orthodontic plan tailored to your child's specific needs.

Common Phase I Treatment Options

• Palatal Expanders: Used to widen the upper jaw and create more space.
• Space Maintainers: Preserve room for permanent teeth when baby teeth are lost prematurely.
• Partial Braces or Aligners: Address specific alignment or bite issues.
• Habit Appliances: Help stop thumb sucking or other habits that affect oral development.

Treatment typically lasts 6 to 12 months, followed by a monitoring period before beginning Phase II (full orthodontics, if needed).

Benefits That Last a Lifetime

Early orthodontic treatment offers more than aesthetic improvements. It supports:

• Balanced facial growth
• Improved speech development
• Better chewing and oral hygiene habits
• Increased self-esteem and confidence

By addressing orthodontic concerns early, we help children enjoy healthier, more functional smiles well into adulthood.

Give Your Child the Best Start

The best orthodontic outcomes start with timely care. If your child is approaching age 7, schedule a complimentary orthodontic evaluation at Pristine Dental and Orthodontics. Let’s work together to give your child the lifelong gift of a confident, healthy smile.