Early Orthodontic Treatments in Brookline, MA

Build a foundation for your child’s lifelong oral health with your dentist in Brookline.

What is Early Orthodontic Treatment?

Guidance for growing smiles.

Early orthodontic treatment is a specialized branch of dentistry that focuses on children. We usually start this orthodontic care around age seven. At this age, your child has a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth.

This allows us to spot orthodontic issues before they get worse. We monitor how the jaw develops to ensure there is enough room for new teeth. By using early intervention, we can guide jaw growth and correct bite problems.

Our dental team’s orthodontic services work to ensure your child enjoys better oral health from the start. We provide caring dental services to ensure your child grows with properly aligned teeth.

A 7-year-old girl smiling while wearing her new braces from Beacon Orthodontic Associates

Benefits of Early Treatment in Brookline

Why early expert orthodontic care matters.

Improved Jaw Development

We use early treatment to guide the growth of the lower jaw and upper arch. This creates enough space for permanent teeth to arrive. It also helps the top teeth and bottom teeth meet properly.

Reduced Risk of Injury

Correcting protruding teeth reduces the risk of chips or cracks during play. We move front teeth back into a safer position. This protects your child’s teeth while they remain active and enjoy being a kid.

Easier Future Care

Addressing orthodontic needs now makes future orthodontic treatment much shorter. It can prevent the need for tooth extractions later. Starting early helps avoid complex alignment problems and saves you time in the dental office.

Enhanced Self-esteem

A healthier smile often boosts confidence in young patients. Fixing crooked teeth or crowded teeth helps your child feel better. A confident smile supports their social well-being as they grow up.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

Knowing when to start.

Dr. Emily Sachs smiling standing in dental office while leaning on dentist chair

Most orthodontists follow the American Association of Orthodontists’ advice for an early evaluation. This should happen by age seven. We look for signs that the mouth needs extra room or bite correction.

  • Early or late loss of baby teeth

  • Difficulty biting or chewing food

  • Thumb sucking habits that continue past age five

  • Protruding teeth in the front

  • Misaligned teeth or a shifting jaw

  • Crowded teeth that look bunched together

During an orthodontic evaluation, we check how the teeth fit together. We look for jaw issues that might cause jaw pain later. If your child has bite problems, they may need early orthodontic treatments in Brookline, MA. This phase of treatment is not for everyone, but it is vital for those with developing orthodontic issues.

We focus on both the function of the bite and the look of the teeth. This ensures your child avoids future dental issues like gum disease or uneven wear. Our experienced team provides personalized care to determine the best treatment for your family.

We want every child to have an attractive smile. If you notice your child has misaligned teeth, it is time for a visit. We are here to help you understand your child’s unique oral health needs.

Insurance and Finance with Early Orthodontic Treatment

Make early care affordable.

Insurance

We are primarily a fee-for-service practice, which allows us to focus on delivering high-quality, personalized care without limitations. That said, we do accept select insurance plans, including:

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Delta Dental Premier

Our team is here to make things simple—we’re happy to answer your questions and help you file claims. Reach out to us anytime to learn more about your coverage and options.

Financial Solutions

We believe cost should never stand in the way of achieving a healthy, confident smile. That’s why we offer flexible financial options designed to make orthodontic care accessible for you:

  • In-house financing plans

  • Monthly promotions to help you save

  • Acceptance of most major credit cards for your convenience

Our Beacon Orthodontic Associates receptionist smiling standing at her desk

The Process of Getting Early Treatment

Your journey to a new smile.

Initial orthodontic evaluation

First, Dr. Sachs performs a detailed orthodontic evaluation. Our dental team may take x rays to see how the teeth sit under the gums. This helps us create a custom treatment plan for your child.

Creating your custom plan

We design a plan using the latest technology. This might include palate expanders or partial braces to guide the jaw. Dr. Sachs ensures the orthodontic tools are customized for a comfortable and precise fit.

Regular follow-up visits

Your child will visit our dental office for regular follow up visits. We monitor the treatment progress and make small adjustments to the braces. This keeps the teeth moving safely toward a dream smile.

Why Trust Beacon Orthodontic Associates?

Dr. Sachs
When you choose Dr. Emily Sachs, you’re choosing care that goes beyond straightening teeth—you’re choosing a partner in your smile journey. Since 2018, she has combined advanced orthodontic expertise with a genuine passion for helping patients feel confident and comfortable. You’ll always be treated with kindness, respect, and understanding, as she takes time to listen and tailor your treatment.
Our Difference
From the moment you walk in, you experience our warm, welcoming space where you and your child can feel completely at ease. Our office blends modern technology with cozy comforts, so every visit feels relaxed and stress-free. Kids can enjoy exciting entertainment like video games, while you experience attentive, personalized care. We take time to understand your needs, providing customized treatment in a friendly, home-like environment designed around your comfort.

FAQs About Early Orthodontic Treatments

Your questions answered by our specialists.

Will my child still need braces later?

Yes, most children need a second phase of treatment once all permanent teeth are in. The early treatment makes that second phase much faster. It ensures the orthodontics work more effectively because the jaw is already aligned.

What is the difference between this and traditional metal braces?

Early care often uses tools like expanders rather than a full set of traditional metal braces. While traditional braces move existing teeth, early care focuses on guiding jaw growth. This creates the right environment for a straight teeth later.

Can my child use clear aligners instead?

While clear aligners or Invisalign® are popular for many adults, they are sometimes used for older children. However, for very young patients, fixed tools are often better. We will discuss if Invisalign® or clear aligners fit your child’s treatment plan.

Will this help with my child's thumb sucking habit?

Yes, certain orthodontic appliances can help a child stop thumb sucking. This habit can cause front teeth to push out and change the shape of the mouth. Correcting this early protects their oral health.

How do we maintain good oral hygiene during treatment?

We teach your child how to clean around their braces or appliances. Keeping teeth clean prevents gum disease and cavities. Good oral hygiene is a team effort between our dental office and your family at home.