Many parents are surprised to learn that the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that children receive their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. At Moorestown Orthodontics, Dr. Robert Kazmierski believes that early evaluations help identify developing concerns before they become more complex problems.
It’s important to know that most children who visit us at this age do not need immediate treatment. In many cases, we simply monitor growth and development until the timing is right. Early screenings provide peace of mind for parents and help ensure that treatment begins when it can provide the greatest benefit.
Why Is an Early Orthodontic Evaluation Important?
Some orthodontic problems are easiest to correct while a child is still growing. Others may not require treatment right away but benefit from close monitoring.
An early evaluation can help identify:
- Underbites
- Crossbites
- Open bites
- Severe crowding
- Missing or impacted teeth
- Premature loss of baby teeth
- Thumb-sucking and other oral habits
- Jaw growth concerns
- Mouth breathing that may affect facial development
Detecting these issues early allows us to determine whether treatment is needed now or if observation is the best approach.
What Are the Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment?
When treatment is recommended at an early age, it can help guide jaw development and create a healthier foundation for permanent teeth.
Potential benefits may include:
- Reduced need for complex treatment later
- Lower likelihood of tooth extractions
- Reduced risk of impacted teeth
- Improved jaw growth and development
- Better spacing for incoming adult teeth
- Reduced risk of dental injuries
- Improved speech and oral function
- Enhanced confidence and self-esteem
Our philosophy is simple: we only recommend early treatment when it provides a meaningful benefit for the child.
What Causes Orthodontic Problems in Children?
Orthodontic issues can develop for many reasons. Some are inherited, while others result from environmental factors during childhood.
Common causes include:
- Genetics and family history
- Early loss of baby teeth
- Thumb or finger sucking
- Prolonged pacifier use
- Tongue thrusting habits
- Mouth breathing
- Developmental irregularities
Because every child develops differently, a professional orthodontic evaluation is the best way to determine whether intervention is needed.
When Should My Child Start Orthodontic Treatment?
Orthodontic treatment generally falls into three stages based on a child’s growth and dental development.
Stage 1: Early Treatment (Ages 6–8)
At this stage, treatment focuses on addressing problems that respond best to early intervention. Appliances may be used to guide jaw growth, maintain space for permanent teeth, or help eliminate harmful habits.
Not every child needs treatment during this stage. Many simply benefit from periodic monitoring.
Stage 2: Mixed Dentition (Ages 8–9)
This stage may be appropriate for children who require treatment to help guide erupting teeth or address developing orthodontic concerns.
In select cases, treatment may also be recommended to improve a child’s confidence and social comfort. However, comprehensive orthodontic treatment is often still needed later.
How Do We Know When the Time Is Right for Braces?
The ideal time for comprehensive orthodontic treatment is usually during the adolescent years, when most permanent teeth have erupted.
Stage 3: Adolescent Treatment (Ages 10–13+)
This is the stage most people associate with traditional braces or clear aligners. Treatment focuses on creating a healthy bite, properly aligned teeth, and an attractive smile.
Every child develops at a different pace. Some lose all of their baby teeth by age 10, while others continue to have baby teeth until age 12 or 13. Dr. Kazmierski carefully monitors this development to determine the optimal time to begin treatment.
At Moorestown Orthodontics, our goal is to provide the right treatment at the right time, never too early and never too late, so your child can enjoy the healthiest possible smile for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Parents often have questions about their child’s dental development and whether orthodontic treatment may be needed. Here are answers to some of the most common concerns.
Does every child who receives an orthodontic evaluation need treatment?
No. In fact, many children who visit our office for an early evaluation do not require immediate treatment. In many cases, monitoring growth and development is the most appropriate recommendation until the timing is ideal for treatment.
Can early orthodontic treatment help with impacted teeth?
In certain situations, yes. Early intervention may help create space or improve the path of eruption for developing permanent teeth, reducing the likelihood of future complications.
Is it normal for my child to lose baby teeth earlier or later than other children?
Yes. Children develop at different rates, and there is often a wide range of normal when it comes to losing baby teeth and gaining permanent teeth. An orthodontic evaluation can help determine whether development is progressing as expected.
Will my child still need braces as a teenager after early treatment?
Possibly. Early treatment and comprehensive adolescent treatment often have different goals. While some children benefit significantly from early intervention, many still require a second phase of treatment later to achieve final tooth alignment and bite correction.
Where can I schedule an early orthodontic evaluation for my child near Moorestown, NJ?
Moorestown Orthodontics provides early orthodontic evaluations for children from Moorestown, Mount Laurel, Cherry Hill, Marlton, and surrounding Burlington County communities. Early screenings help determine whether treatment is needed now, later, or simply requires observation as your child grows.
