At Milnor Orthodontics, we believe that early intervention can make a lifetime difference. Many parents are surprised to learn that the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7, even if most baby teeth are still present.
Early orthodontic treatment allows us to identify and address potential dental or jaw issues before they become more complex, making future treatment easier, faster, and more effective.
Why Early Orthodontic Care Matters
Children’s teeth and jaws develop at different rates. Some kids may have evenly spaced teeth, while others may experience crowding, misalignment, or bite issues. Early evaluation allows us to:
- Guide proper jaw growth
- Create space for adult teeth to erupt naturally
- Reduce the need for future extractions
- Correct habits such as thumb-sucking or tongue thrusting
- Boost self-esteem by improving their smile early
By addressing these issues at the right time, we can set the stage for a healthier, straighter smile and reduce the complexity of later treatment.
Phase I Orthodontics (Ages 7–10)
Phase I treatment begins before all adult teeth have come in. This early intervention often includes:
- Palatal expanders to widen the upper jaw
- Partial braces to correct alignment or crowding
- Invisalign First for young patients needing gentle guidance
- Other orthodontic appliances tailored to the child’s needs
Benefits of Phase I Treatment
- Provides space for adult teeth to erupt correctly
- Encourages proper jaw growth and alignment
- Prevents or corrects harmful habits
- Improves self-confidence if the child is self-conscious about their smile
Signs Your Child May Benefit from Phase I
- Crowded teeth or limited space for adult teeth
- Early loss of primary teeth
- Narrow upper jaw or crossbite
- Protruding front teeth
- Jaw growth abnormalities
Early treatment allows the orthodontist to intervene proactively, which can often simplify or shorten the second phase of treatment.
Phase II Orthodontics (Around Ages 12–14)
Once the majority of adult teeth have erupted, children may need Phase II treatment, which is what most parents think of when they picture braces.
Phase II typically involves:
- Full braces (metal, clear, or custom)
- Invisalign Teen (if appropriate)
- Fine-tuning alignment and bite correction
Not all children require two phases, but the only way to know for sure is by scheduling an early consultation. Phase I sets the foundation, making Phase II faster, easier, and more effective when needed.
Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment
- Reduced risk of tooth extraction later in life
- Shorter overall treatment times
- Healthier jaw development
- Fewer complications and easier future corrections
- Boosts your child’s confidence and smile satisfaction
Early evaluation is a proactive step to ensure your child’s smile develops properly and avoids more invasive procedures later on.
Schedule Your Child’s Early Orthodontic Consultation in Fort Collins
At Milnor Orthodontics, we believe that early intervention can make a lifetime difference. Many parents are surprised to learn that the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7, even if most baby teeth are still present.
Early orthodontic treatment allows us to identify and address potential dental or jaw issues before they become more complex, making future treatment easier, faster, and more effective.
