Early orthodontic evaluations help identify developing bite and alignment concerns while children are still growing. At Albright & Thiry Orthodontics, Dr. Richard Albright Jr., Dr. Kristin Albright Thiry, Dr. Richard Albright III, and Dr. Amrita Bhan provide personalized evaluations designed to determine whether early orthodontic treatment may benefit your child and the ideal time to begin care.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children receive their first orthodontic evaluation around age 7. By this age, enough permanent teeth have usually erupted to allow orthodontists to identify developing problems and monitor jaw growth properly.
Why Are Children Evaluated at an Early Age?
Early orthodontic evaluations allow orthodontists to identify developing concerns before they become more severe. In some cases, early treatment may help guide erupting teeth into better positions while supporting healthier jaw development.
Early orthodontic treatment may help:
- Guide jaw growth and development
- Preserve space for permanent teeth
- Reduce the risk of impacted teeth
- Improve alignment of erupting teeth
- Correct thumb-sucking habits
- Address certain speech or swallowing concerns
- Reduce the likelihood of future extractions
Early treatment may also help simplify future orthodontic treatment after all permanent teeth have erupted.
Does Every Child Need Early Orthodontic Treatment?
No. Early orthodontic treatment is not necessary for every child.
Some orthodontic concerns are more effectively treated later during the teenage years, after all permanent teeth have erupted. Other skeletal or jaw-related concerns may require growth to progress further before treatment begins.
Our orthodontists develop personalized treatment recommendations based on each child’s individual growth, bite, and orthodontic needs.
What Is the Orthodontic Supervisory Program?
The orthodontic supervisory program is designed for children who are not yet ready to begin treatment but still benefit from periodic monitoring.
During these observation visits, our orthodontists monitor:
- Tooth eruption patterns
- Jaw growth and development
- Bite changes over time
- Spacing and crowding concerns
Patients in the supervisory program are typically seen every 6–8 months, so we can determine the ideal timing for treatment if needed. There is no fee for this program.
What Are the Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment?
In addition to improving smile aesthetics, orthodontic treatment may also provide important long-term oral health benefits.
Potential benefits may include:
- Improved bite function
- Better ability to clean teeth properly
- Reduced wear on teeth
- Improved jaw alignment
- Better long-term dental health
Early orthodontic care helps create a healthier foundation for future dental development.
Will Early Treatment Prevent the Need for Braces Later?
Early orthodontic treatment may help reduce the severity of future orthodontic problems and simplify later treatment. However, because not all permanent teeth have fully erupted by early treatment, additional orthodontic treatment may still be needed during the teen years.
In many cases, a second phase of treatment with braces or aligners is recommended after the permanent teeth have erupted to finalize alignment and bite correction.
Should My Child Still See Their Family Dentist During Orthodontic Treatment?
Yes. Regular dental cleanings and examinations remain very important during orthodontic treatment.
Patients with braces or orthodontic appliances require excellent oral hygiene to maintain healthy teeth and gums. We recommend that patients continue to visit their family dentist every six months for professional cleanings and routine dental care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Early orthodontic treatment helps monitor growth and identify developing concerns before they become more severe. Below are answers to some common questions families may have about early orthodontic care.
How Do I Know If My Child Needs Early Orthodontic Treatment?
Some signs that a child may benefit from an orthodontic evaluation include crowding, early or late loss of baby teeth, difficulty biting or chewing, thumb-sucking, or jaws that appear misaligned. An early evaluation helps determine whether treatment or observation is recommended.
Does Early Orthodontic Treatment Mean My Child Will Not Need Braces Later?
Not always. Early treatment may reduce the severity of future orthodontic problems, but many children still benefit from additional treatment during the teenage years after permanent teeth erupt.
How Often Are Observation Appointments Scheduled?
Children in the orthodontic supervisory program are typically monitored every 6–8 months to evaluate growth, tooth eruption, and bite development.
Why Is Early Orthodontic Treatment Important?
Early orthodontic evaluations may help identify developing bite concerns, guide jaw growth, preserve space for permanent teeth, and reduce the risk of more complex orthodontic problems later.
Why Do Families Choose Early Orthodontic Treatment in Lancaster County?
Families throughout Lancaster, Manheim, Elizabethtown, Willow Street, and Quarryville choose Albright & Thiry Orthodontics for personalized early orthodontic evaluations, experienced orthodontists, and patient-focused care for growing smiles.