Early orthodontic evaluations help identify developing bite and alignment concerns before they become more serious. At R & R Orthodontics, Dr. Richard Rosenbloom evaluates children’s smiles early to determine whether orthodontic treatment may be recommended and the ideal time to begin care.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children receive an orthodontic screening by age 7. Many children may not need treatment at this age, but an early evaluation allows us to monitor growth and identify concerns as the teeth and jaws develop.
What Happens During an Early Orthodontic Evaluation?
During an early orthodontic evaluation, Dr. Rosenbloom examines how the teeth, jaws, and bite are developing to identify potential orthodontic concerns. Early evaluations help determine whether treatment may be needed in the future and allow us to monitor growth as permanent teeth continue to erupt.
Some children may not require immediate treatment, while others may benefit from early intervention to help guide jaw growth and tooth development.
Why Is Early Orthodontic Evaluation Important?
Early diagnosis and treatment may help guide erupting teeth into more favorable positions, preserve space for permanent teeth, and reduce the likelihood of damage to protruding front teeth.
Early treatment may also help:
- Regulate the width of the upper and lower dental arches
- Gain space for permanent teeth
- Reduce the need for permanent tooth extractions
- Reduce the likelihood of impacted permanent teeth
- Correct thumb sucking habits
- Improve swallowing or speech concerns
In some cases, early treatment can simplify future orthodontic care after all permanent teeth have erupted.
Does Every Child Need Early Orthodontic Treatment?
No. Early treatment is not necessary for every child. Some orthodontic concerns are more effectively treated during the teenage years after all permanent teeth have erupted, while other skeletal concerns may need to wait until growth is more advanced.
Dr. Rosenbloom develops an individualized treatment plan based on each child’s specific orthodontic needs and stage of development.
What Is the Orthodontic Supervisory Program?
Children who are not yet ready for treatment may be placed in our orthodontic supervisory program. This recall program allows Dr. Rosenbloom to monitor dental development and observe how permanent teeth are erupting as your child grows.
Patients in the supervisory program are typically seen every 6–8 months to evaluate growth and determine the ideal time to begin treatment if needed.
In some cases, early removal of baby teeth may help improve eruption patterns and reduce future treatment complexity. We also communicate any recommendations with your family dentist when appropriate.
There is no fee for this program.
Does Early Treatment Prevent the Need for Braces Later?
Early orthodontic treatment can help correct significant developing problems, prevent more severe concerns, and simplify future orthodontic treatment. However, because not all permanent teeth have yet erupted during early treatment, additional orthodontic care may still be recommended during the teen years.
In many cases, a shorter Phase II treatment with full braces is used later to complete alignment after permanent teeth erupt. However, in some situations, additional orthodontic treatment may not be necessary.
What Are the Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment?
In addition to improving smile appearance, orthodontic treatment may also help:
- Improve bite function
- Improve the ability to clean teeth properly
- Reduce wear on teeth
- Support long-term dental health
- Improve overall alignment and jaw function
Orthodontic treatment can help support healthier teeth and smiles throughout life.
Should My Child Still Visit the Family Dentist During Treatment?
Yes. Patients with braces and orthodontic appliances still need regular dental checkups and cleanings during treatment.
Because braces require extra effort to keep teeth and gums clean, we recommend that patients continue to visit their family dentist every six months throughout orthodontic treatment to maintain excellent oral health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Parents often have questions about the right time to schedule an orthodontic evaluation and whether early treatment is necessary. Below are answers to some common questions about early orthodontic care at R & R Orthodontics.
By age 7, enough permanent teeth have usually erupted for Dr. Rosenbloom to identify developing orthodontic concerns involving tooth alignment, jaw growth, and bite function.
Some common signs may include crowding, protruding front teeth, difficulty biting or chewing, thumb sucking habits, speech concerns, or early loss of baby teeth.
If treatment is not needed right away, your child may be placed in the orthodontic supervisory program so Dr. Rosenbloom can continue monitoring growth and tooth eruption over time.
In some cases, early orthodontic treatment may help create additional space for erupting permanent teeth and reduce the likelihood of future tooth extractions.
Patients with braces and orthodontic appliances need to maintain healthy teeth and gums throughout treatment. Regular dental cleanings and checkups help prevent cavities, gum problems, and plaque buildup.