Early Orthodontic Treatment

Early orthodontic care can make a significant difference in how your child’s smile and bite develop. At Nudera Orthodontics Group, Dr. James Nudera and Dr. Robert Nudera monitor jaw growth, guide erupting teeth, and help prevent small issues from becoming more complex problems later on.

At What Age Should a Child First Visit the Orthodontist?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic screening by age 7.

By this age, most children have a mix of baby and permanent teeth, which allows us to:

• Identify developing bite or alignment issues
• Determine whether treatment is needed now or best delayed
• Plan the ideal timing for future orthodontic care

Many family dentists may also recommend an earlier evaluation if they notice potential concerns.

Why Are Children Evaluated for Orthodontics So Early?

Early orthodontic evaluation focuses on prevention and guidance. Identifying issues early allows us to take a proactive approach and create better long-term outcomes.

Early treatment can:

• Guide erupting teeth into proper positions
• Preserve space for permanent teeth
• Reduce the risk of injury to protruding front teeth

When treatment is recommended, early care may also help:

• Guide jaw growth and development
• Improve alignment of the dental arches
• Create space and reduce the need for extractions
• Lower the risk of impacted teeth
• Address habits like thumb sucking
• Support proper swallowing and speech development

In many cases, early treatment makes future orthodontic care easier and more efficient.

Does Early Orthodontic Treatment Benefit Every Child?

Not every child needs early treatment. Some orthodontic concerns are better addressed during the teen years when all permanent teeth have erupted.

Every child is different, which is why we create a personalized plan based on growth, development, and specific needs. If treatment is not needed right away, we will monitor your child’s progress over time.

What Is the Orthodontic Supervisory Program?

Our Orthodontic Supervisory Program is designed for children who are not ready for treatment but still benefit from regular monitoring.

This program allows us to:

• Track how permanent teeth are developing
• Identify eruption issues early
• Recommend timing for treatment when appropriate
• Help reduce overall treatment time later

Children in this program are typically seen every 6 to 8 months, and we coordinate care with your family dentist.

If My Child Has Early Treatment, Will They Still Need Braces Later?

Early treatment addresses significant concerns at a young age, but it may not eliminate the need for braces later.

In most cases:

• Phase I treatment corrects early growth or spacing issues
• Phase II treatment refines alignment once all permanent teeth are in place

Because early treatment creates a strong foundation, later treatment is often shorter and more straightforward.

Do We Still Need to See Our Family Dentist During Treatment?

Yes. Regular dental visits are essential during orthodontic care. Braces and appliances can make it easier for plaque to build up, so routine cleanings and checkups are important.

We recommend visiting your family dentist every six months to maintain healthy teeth and gums throughout treatment.