Early Orthodontic Treatment for Children
Early orthodontic treatment gives your child a strong foundation for a healthy, confident smile. By guiding jaw growth and tooth development at the right stage, Dr. Katherine Moynihan can often prevent more complex issues later and make future treatment simpler and shorter. At Troy City Orthodontics in Fall River, MA, we focus on gentle, kid-friendly care designed to support growing smiles.
Why Does Early Orthodontic Treatment Matter?
Early orthodontics—also known as Phase One treatment—allows us to identify and address concerns while your child is still developing. Treating issues early can:
- Guide erupting teeth into better positions
- Reduce the need for extractions later
- Support proper jaw growth and facial balance
- Improve chewing, speech, and breathing
- Make future orthodontic treatment faster and more efficient
By intervening at the right time, we can often prevent more complicated treatment during the teen years.
When Should My Child First See an Orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. At this stage, Dr. Moynihan can assess your child’s growth and determine if treatment is needed, or simply monitor development over time.
Your family dentist may also recommend an earlier visit if they notice concerns with your child’s bite or tooth alignment.
What Can Early Orthodontic Treatment Help With?
Phase One treatment can address a wide range of developing concerns, including:
- Guiding teeth into proper alignment as they come in
- Creating space for permanent teeth
- Reducing the likelihood of extractions
- Correcting habits like thumb sucking
- Lowering the risk of injury to protruding front teeth
- Supporting healthy speech and swallowing patterns
- Improving jaw alignment and bite issues such as underbites or crossbites
Addressing these concerns early often makes Phase Two treatment (typically during the teen years) more straightforward.
Signs Your Child May Need Early Orthodontic Care
You may want to schedule an evaluation if your child shows any of the following:
- Early or delayed loss of baby teeth
- Difficulty chewing or biting
- Mouth breathing
- Thumb sucking beyond age 5
- Speech difficulties
- Protruding front teeth
- Teeth that don’t come together properly
- Jaw shifting when opening or closing
- Crowded or overlapping teeth around ages 7–8
If you notice any of these signs, an early evaluation can help determine the best next steps.
Does Every Child Need Early Treatment?
Not every child requires Phase One treatment. In many cases, the best approach is to monitor growth until the right time.
If immediate treatment isn’t necessary, your child may be enrolled in our Orthodontic Supervisory Program, which includes:
- Regular checkups every 6–8 months
- Monitoring tooth eruption and jaw development
- Guidance on timing for future treatment
- Coordination with your family dentist
This program helps ensure treatment begins at the ideal time for the best results—and there is no cost to participate.
Benefits Beyond a Straight Smile
Early orthodontic care does more than improve appearance. It can also:
- Improve bite function
- Make brushing and flossing easier
- Reduce the risk of tooth wear and damage
- Support long-term oral health
A well-aligned smile sets the stage for healthier teeth and gums for years to come.
Do Dental Visits Still Matter During Treatment?
Yes. Regular dental checkups every six months are essential, even during orthodontic care. Maintaining good oral hygiene is especially important when wearing braces or appliances. Your dentist and orthodontist work together to keep your child’s smile healthy throughout treatment.
Schedule Your Child’s Evaluation
If your child is around age 7 or showing signs of orthodontic concerns, we’re here to help. Contact Troy City Orthodontics in Fall River, MA to schedule an evaluation with Dr. Katherine Moynihan. We’ll guide you through every step and help your child build a confident, healthy smile for the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Choosing the right time for your child’s orthodontic care can bring up a lot of questions. Below are answers to some of the most common concerns parents have when considering early treatment at Troy City Orthodontics.
Is early orthodontic treatment painful for children?
Early orthodontic treatment is generally very gentle. Some children may feel mild soreness for a few days after appliances are placed or adjusted, but this is temporary and manageable. Our goal is always to keep your child as comfortable as possible throughout treatment.
How long does Phase One treatment usually last?
Phase One treatment typically lasts between 9 to 18 months, depending on your child’s specific needs. After this phase, we monitor growth and determine if further treatment is needed during the teen years.
Will my child need braces again after early treatment?
In many cases, yes. Early treatment addresses developmental concerns, but a second phase (Phase Two) is often needed once all permanent teeth have come in. The benefit is that this second phase is usually shorter and less complex.
Are there foods my child should avoid during treatment?
Yes, certain foods like sticky candies, hard snacks, and chewing ice should be avoided to prevent damage to appliances. We’ll provide clear, easy-to-follow guidelines to help protect your child’s progress.
Can early orthodontic treatment be financed?
Yes. We offer flexible, in-house financing options to make early treatment affordable. With low down payments and interest-free plans, we can create a payment option that works comfortably for your family.