Early Orthodontic Evaluation & Phase 1 Orthodontics in Pomona, CA

When Should My Child First See an Orthodontist?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation around age 7. At this age, a child typically has a combination of baby and permanent teeth, allowing the orthodontist to identify developing problems with the bite, jaw growth, tooth eruption, crowding, and spacing.

An evaluation at age 7 does not mean your child will need braces or treatment right away. Many children simply need to be monitored as they grow, while some may benefit from early treatment before all of their permanent teeth have erupted.

What Is Phase 1 Orthodontic Treatment?

Phase 1 orthodontic treatment, also called interceptive orthodontics, is treatment performed while a child still has a combination of baby and permanent teeth. It is typically recommended only when early intervention may help address a developing orthodontic problem that could become more difficult to treat later.

The goal of Phase 1 treatment is not necessarily to create a perfect final smile. Instead, treatment may help guide jaw growth, improve the way the upper and lower jaws fit together, create room for developing permanent teeth, or address certain bite problems at an earlier age.

Phase 1 treatment may be considered for:

• Crossbites
• Significant crowding or lack of space
• Protruding front teeth
• Developing underbites or severe overbites
• Jaw growth discrepancies
• Early loss of baby teeth affecting eruption or spacing
• Certain habits that are affecting dental or jaw development

Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment

Early orthodontic treatment can help address certain dental and jaw development concerns while your child is still growing. When appropriate, Phase 1 treatment may:

• Guide jaw growth and development
• Create additional space for permanent teeth
• Improve certain crossbites, underbites, or overbites
• Reduce the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth
• Improve chewing and bite function
• Potentially simplify future orthodontic treatment

Not every child needs Phase 1 treatment. For many children, the best approach is simply monitoring growth and development until the appropriate time for braces or other orthodontic treatment.

Phase 1 vs. Phase 2 Orthodontics

Phase 1 treatment takes place while a child still has some baby teeth and focuses on specific problems involving jaw growth, bite development, or space for permanent teeth.

Phase 2 treatment typically begins after most or all permanent teeth have erupted. This phase may involve braces or clear aligners to achieve final tooth alignment and bite correction.

Not every child who receives an early orthodontic evaluation will need Phase 1 treatment. If early treatment is not necessary, we can monitor your child’s growth and recommend treatment at the appropriate time.

What to Expect at Your Child’s Orthodontic Evaluation

At your child’s orthodontic evaluation, we will assess tooth alignment, bite development, jaw growth, spacing, crowding, and the eruption of permanent teeth. If needed, diagnostic images may be used to better evaluate your child’s developing smile.

After the evaluation, we’ll explain whether your child would benefit from early treatment, should be monitored as they grow, or can wait until the permanent teeth have developed further.

Ready to Learn if Your Child Needs Early Orthodontic Treatment?

If you’re wondering whether your child may benefit from an early orthodontic evaluation, our team at Kids Dental Castle & Orthodontics can help. We provide early orthodontic evaluations and Phase 1 orthodontic treatment for children in Pomona, CA and surrounding communities.

Our goal is to recommend treatment at the right time for your child’s individual growth and development.