Orthodontic assistant performing early orthodontic treatment on a child patient in a dental chair

Early Orthodontic Treatment

Guiding Growth At The Right Time

At Hidden Smiles Orthodontic Studio, early orthodontics (Phase 1 treatment) is about guiding what is ready to be guided. While not every child will need early orthodontic treatment, some smiles need space before they need straightening. Confidence begins with a strong foundation, and that’s when early orthodontics can help support a better smile.

What Is Early Orthodontic Treatment?

Early orthodontic treatment focuses on improving jaw development, creating space for incoming teeth, and addressing concerns that are easier to correct while a child is still growing. Dr. Parikh, along with the American Association of Orthodontists, recommends an orthodontic evaluation around age 7 because this is when important growth patterns begin to reveal themselves. These are patterns that an orthodontist such as Dr. Parikh can uniquely identify.

What Early Orthodontic Treatment Can Help With

Early orthodontic treatment often focuses on guiding upper jaw development while allowing the lower jaw to continue growing naturally. It does not mean every child gets braces early or starts treatment when they are 7. Instead, it means identifying problems early and creating the right environment for healthy development. By addressing certain concerns early, we can often reduce the need for more complex treatment later.

Early orthodontic treatment may help:

  • Create space for permanent teeth
  • Guide jaw growth and development
  • Correct crossbites or narrow arches
  • Improve facial balance
  • Reduce risk of trauma to protruding teeth
  • Address harmful oral habits
  • Improve airway health
  • Make future orthodontic treatment easier

Phase 1 Versus Phase 2 Treatment

Orthodontic care often happens in two stages. Phase 1 (early orthodontic treatment) occurs between ages 7–10 when growth can be guided. The goals of early treatment are to improve jaw development, create space for permanent teeth, correct early bite concerns and support proper facial growth.

Phase 2 treatment begins during adolescence when most permanent teeth are present. The goals of this phase of orthodontic treatment are to straighten the teeth and fine-tune the bite so that it is aesthetically perfect.

Signs Your Child May Benefit from Early Orthodontic Treatment

While all children should see an orthodontist by age 7, you may need to bring them in sooner. You may consider making an orthodontic evaluation if you or a medical provider have noticed any of the signs below. Even if your child doesn’t need immediate intervention, we may recommend regular monitoring appointments that will allow Dr. Parikh to intervene at the perfect time.

Signs you should bring your child in for an early orthodontic evaluation include:

  • Early or late loss of baby teeth
  • Difficulty chewing or biting
  • Mouth breathing
  • Crowded or blocked teeth
  • Teeth that stick out
  • Crossbite or underbite
  • Narrow palate
  • Jaw shifting when opening or closing
  • Speech concerns
  • Thumb or finger habits beyond early childhood
Child smiling during orthodontic consultation while staff member takes dental photos for treatment planning

FAQs About Early Orthodontics

Wondering if your child needs early orthodontic treatment? It can’t hurt to bring them in, especially if you or your child’s medical provider have noticed any potential problems. Learn more about when and why your child may benefit from Phase 1 treatment below.

Does every child need early orthodontics?

No. Not every child needs two phases of orthodontic treatment, and at Hidden Smiles Orthodontic Studio, Dr. Parikh and our team only intervene at this stage when necessary. When early guidance is needed, however, it can make later treatment more efficient and cost-effective.

The upper jaw and lower jaw grow differently. The upper jaw grows through flexible seams that are more adaptable in childhood and are best influenced around ages 7 through 10. The lower jaw grows through a growth center near the joints and that peaks during puberty, which is around age 11 and up. During early orthodontic treatment we focus on mostly correcting the upper jaw, while the lower jaw is addressed in Phase 2 (full treatment).

The lower jaw is still growing from ages 7-10! If we interrupt the teeth before the lower jaw too early, it will interrupt this necessary and expected growth.

Orthodontics can straighten teeth at almost any age, but Dr. Parikh can only guide growth at certain biological windows. That is why timing matters in orthodontics. Early treatment isn’t about early braces—it is about guiding what is still developing.

Schedule Your Child’s Orthodontic Evaluation

An early orthodontic evaluation provides clarity and peace of mind. Our goal is to help your child grow into a healthy and confident smile that may mean starting treatment now or keeping an eye on it to intervene in the future. Schedule your child’s consultation today for individualized orthodontic care that grows with your child and supports long-term oral health and boundless confidence.

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