Early Orthodontic Treatment

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that most children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age seven. At Cedar Smiles Orthodontics, this early visit gives Dr. Rola Alkhatib the opportunity to evaluate how your child’s teeth and jaws are developing and determine whether orthodontic care may be helpful now or later.

Many children do not need treatment right away, but an early evaluation helps identify developing concerns before they become more complex. Even when no immediate treatment is recommended, this visit offers reassurance and a clear plan for the future.

Why Is an Early Orthodontic Evaluation Important?

By age seven, children typically have a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth. This stage of development makes it easier to spot potential concerns with jaw growth, bite alignment, or tooth eruption while growth is still flexible and responsive.

Early orthodontic evaluation allows us to:

• Guide erupting teeth into healthier positions
• Support balanced jaw growth during active development
• Preserve space for permanent teeth
• Reduce the risk of injury to protruding front teeth

Addressing certain issues early can help simplify future treatment and, in some cases, reduce the need for more complex orthodontic care later.

What Can Early Orthodontic Treatment Address?

When early treatment is recommended, Dr. Rola focuses on guiding growth rather than simply straightening teeth. This approach can help regulate arch width, manage crowding, and encourage healthier tooth eruption patterns while your child is still growing.

Early treatment may help:

• Improve jaw alignment
• Reduce crowding as permanent teeth come in
• Minimize the need for tooth extractions later
• Support proper bite development

Each treatment plan is customized based on your child’s unique needs and growth pattern.

Does Every Child Need Early Orthodontic Treatment?

No, and that’s perfectly normal. Some orthodontic concerns are best treated during the teen years when all permanent teeth have erupted. Others may benefit from monitoring rather than immediate treatment.

At Cedar Smiles Orthodontics, Dr. Rola Alkhatib carefully evaluates each child and recommends treatment only when it is truly beneficial. If your child is not ready for treatment, we offer complimentary continued observation to ensure care begins at the right time. 

What Is the Sprout Smiles Club?

The Sprout Smiles Club is designed for children who are not ready for active orthodontic treatment but benefit from regular monitoring. This program allows Dr. Rola to track how your child’s teeth and jaws are developing over time.

Children in the program are typically seen every six to nine months. In some cases, simple steps such as monitoring eruption patterns or coordinating with your family dentist can help improve outcomes and shorten future treatment.

There is no fee for this program, and your family dentist will be kept informed of any recommendations.

Benefits Beyond a Straighter Smile

Orthodontic treatment supports more than appearance. A healthy, well-aligned bite can:

• Improve chewing and overall function
• Make brushing and flossing easier
• Reduce uneven tooth wear
• Support long-term oral health

Early care can help set the foundation for a lifetime of healthier smiles.

What is an expander?

An expander “expands” (or widens) your upper jaw through gentle pressure. It works best on a growing child while their facial bones are still developing. An expander helps make space for crowded adult teeth and corrects discrepancies in jaw size. Dr. Rola uses both fixed (glued-in) and removable expander options. The removable option is the Invisalign Palatal Expander (IPE). If an expander is needed, Dr. Rola will determine what kind is the best fit during the initial consultation.

Will Early Treatment Prevent the Need for Braces Later?

Early treatment can address significant concerns and reduce the severity of future problems, but it does not always eliminate the need for orthodontic care during the teen years. Because not all permanent teeth are present yet, many children benefit from a shorter second phase of treatment later on.

Dr. Rola will explain what to expect and help you understand whether additional treatment may be needed as your child grows.

Should My Child Continue Seeing the Family Dentist?

Yes. Regular dental checkups and cleanings are essential throughout orthodontic care. Braces and appliances require extra attention to maintain healthy teeth and gums, so we recommend continuing visits with your family dentist every six months.