Early Intervention

Early Orthodontic Treatment

One out of three kids needs early orthodontic treatment. Early orthodontic intervention creates the foundation for lasting oral health and beautiful smiles. By addressing alignment issues during childhood development, we can help guide proper jaw growth and tooth positioning, preventing more complex problems in the future.It is recommended for a child to come in for a consultation by age 7 to determine if early orthodontic treatment is necessary.

Our Early Orthodontic Treatment Process

Initial Consultation

We recommend your child come in for a consultation by age 7 to determine if early orthodontic treatment would benefit their development.

Customized Treatment Plan

If early treatment is needed, Dr. McHugh will create a customized Phase 1 treatment plan for your child. We offer both braces and clear aligner treatment options, allowing us to determine the most effective approach for your child’s case. Treatment can also include dental appliances such as expanders, partial braces, space maintainers, and retainers.

Appointments

Throughout the treatment process, we’ll schedule regular check-ups to monitor your child’s progress and make any necessary adjustments. Our goal is to ensure that your child’s teeth and jaw develop properly, paving the way for a healthy, beautiful smile.

Phase Two Treatment

In some cases, a second phase of treatment may be needed once all permanent teeth have erupted. This phase typically involves braces or clear aligners to fine-tune the alignment and bite, ensuring optimal results.

Frequently Asked Questions

At what age should my child have their first orthodontic evaluation?

We recommend that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. At this age, the permanent teeth are starting to come in, and any potential issues with jaw development, bite alignment, and tooth eruption can be identified and addressed early. However, it’s never too late! The sooner you come in, the easier it will be to determine the right course of action for optimal results.

What are the benefits of early orthodontic treatment?

  • Can prevent pre-existing bite issues from getting worse
  • Can fix existing crooked teeth and improve the appearance of a growing child’s smile
  • Can make comprehensive (Phase II) treatment shorter and easier
  • Can reduce the chances of (future) oral surgery/extractions

What if my child still has baby teeth?

Early orthodontics, called “Phase 1” treatment, is needed by 1 out of every 3 kids. This phase of treatment focuses on developmental issues during the transition from ‘baby teeth’ to permanent teeth.  Breaking up orthodontic treatment into two phases can positively impact your child’s results and experience.

What if you determine my child doesn’t need Phase 1 treatment?

We will schedule complimentary follow-up appointments every 6 months to monitor the skeletal growth of your child’s mouth to ensure the timing of your child’s comprehensive treatment is best suited for him/her as an individual. Most children begin comprehensive treatment around age 11, after all permanent teeth have erupted.
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