Early Orthodontic Treatments

Safeguard your little ones' smiles.
Early Orthodontic
Treatments
How you can give your children a headstart on a straighter smile.

The American Association of OrthodontistsClick to open this link in a new tab suggests that age 7 is the perfect time for your child’s first orthodontic exam.

At Beacon Orthodontic Associates,Click to open this link in this tab we prioritize early orthodontic care to ensure your child’s smile develops beautifully and healthily from the start.

Early treatment allows us to guide the growth of their teeth and jaw, preventing future issues and setting the foundation for a lifetime of confident smiles.

We’ll work with you to help your child get the right care so they can get a head start on their dental journey.

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

How Does Early Orthodontics
Help Your Kiddos?

Get your child on the right track.
Protects
Health

Early treatment ensures teeth and gums stay healthy, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease.

Provides Confidence

A well-aligned smile boosts self-esteem and social confidence, which is essential during formative years.

Prevents Future Problems

Addressing issues early can prevent more complex and costly dental problems down the road.

What Dr. Emily Sachs Helps With

Discover how our Brookline orthodontist helps safeguard the smiles of children under seven.

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

Early orthodontic treatment can address various dental issues before they become more serious. Identifying these signs early ensures timely intervention and better oral health for your child.

  • Signs of Need for Intervention

    You should bring your child in at seven for a consultation, as per the AAO. However, there are specific signs your child may need orthodontic treatment:

    • Early or late loss of baby teeth (your child should typically start losing teeth around age five and should have all permanent teeth around age 13)
    • Difficulty chewing and/or biting
    • Mouth breathing
    • Your child continues sucking his or her thumb after age five
    • Speech impediments
    • Protruding teeth (the top teeth and the bottom teeth extend away from each other)
    • Teeth that don’t come together in a normal manner or even at all
    • Shifting of the jaw when your child opens or closes his or her mouth (crossbites)
    • Crowded front teeth around age seven or eight
  • Our Solutions

    Treatments such as braces and Invisalign® tend to come later in life, but, we can assist in making sure your little ones grow up with healthier, straighter smiles. We can do so by:

    • Correcting thumb-sucking habits
    • Guiding permanent teeth into desired bite positions
    • Gaining space for permanent teeth
    • Space maintainer to control/hold space after early loss of a baby tooth
    • Correction of crossbites
    • Correction of underbites

Frequently Asked Questions

Want to find out more? Then read on!
  • What causes orthodontic problems in children?
    Orthodontic issues like crowding or protruding teeth can be hereditary or result from habits like thumb-sucking or early loss of baby teeth. Injury to the mouth can also contribute.
  • How does early orthodontic treatment benefit my child?
    Early intervention guides jaw growth and tooth development, reducing the severity of future orthodontic issues. It can prevent the need for extensive treatment as an adult, potentially avoiding extractions or surgery.
  • When should my child start orthodontic treatment?
    The American Association of Orthodontists recommends children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. Early treatment can address emerging issues and guide proper jaw and tooth development.
  • What are the advantages of addressing orthodontic problems early?
    Early treatment can correct bite alignment, create space for permanent teeth, and prevent more serious issues from developing later. It ensures optimal oral health and sets the stage for a confident smile.
  • Will my child need braces twice if they start early?
    Early orthodontic treatment, known as Phase One, addresses specific issues, mostly functional, to prevent them from worsening. Phase Two, which typically occurs in the teen years, fine-tunes the bite and ensures lasting results, reducing the likelihood of needing braces again in adulthood.