Early Treatment: Setting the Foundation for Lifelong Healthy Smiles

Timely intervention during childhood can prevent more serious problems later,
making future treatment shorter and simpler—or even unnecessary.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. While most children at this age won’t need immediate treatment, this early evaluation allows us to identify potential issues and determine the optimal time for intervention if needed.

With over 16 years of experience treating children and families in Kennewick, we take a conservative, thoughtful approach to early treatment. We recommend it only when the benefits significantly outweigh simply monitoring development. Our goal is always to give your child the healthiest, most beautiful smile possible—with the least intervention necessary.

What Is Early Treatment?

Understanding Phase 1 Orthodontics

Early treatment, sometimes called Phase 1 treatment or interceptive orthodontics, involves orthodontic intervention while a child still has a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth (typically ages 7-11).

This isn’t about achieving a perfect smile right away—it’s about creating favorable conditions for healthy dental development. Early treatment can guide jaw growth, create space for incoming permanent teeth, and correct habits or issues that could become more serious if left untreated.

When Is Early Treatment Beneficial?

Conditions We Can Address

We may recommend early treatment for children experiencing:

Jaw Growth Issues

Crowding and Spacing

Functional Problems

Habits and Risk Factors

Important Note: Most children do NOT need early treatment. If we recommend it for your child, we’ll explain exactly what it will accomplish and why it’s beneficial for their specific situation.

Benefits of Early Treatment

Why Timing Matters

When early intervention is appropriate, it can:

Guide jaw growth while bones are still developing, avoiding more invasive treatment later

Create space for permanent teeth to erupt properly, potentially avoiding extractions

Correct harmful habits before they cause permanent changes to teeth or jaws

Reduce injury risk by addressing severely protruding front teeth

Improve function including chewing, breathing, and speech

Shorten future treatment by addressing major issues while they're easier to correct

Build confidence during crucial developmental years

Avoid surgical intervention in some cases by guiding growth at the optimal time

What to Expect

The Early Treatment Process

Initial Evaluation (Age 7)

We'll conduct a thorough examination to assess your child's dental development, jaw growth, and bite. If we identify any concerns, we'll discuss whether to treat now or simply monitor development.

Treatment Planning

If early treatment is recommended, we'll create a customized plan and explain exactly what we hope to accomplish, how long it will take, and what to expect.

Phase 1 Treatment

Early treatment typically lasts 9-18 months and may involve:

Partial braces on certain teeth
Palatal expanders to widen the upper jaw
Space maintainers to hold space for permanent teeth
Habit appliances to stop thumb sucking or tongue thrusting

Resting Phase

After Phase 1, we'll remove the appliances and allow remaining permanent teeth to erupt naturally. We'll monitor your child regularly during this phase.

Phase 2 Treatment (if needed)

When all permanent teeth have erupted (typically age 11-13), we'll evaluate whether Phase 2 treatment with full braces or Invisalign is needed to finalize tooth positions. Because of the early intervention, Phase 2 is often shorter and simpler.

Our Child-FriendlyApproach

Making Orthodontics Positive for Kids

We understand that children need extra patience, clear explanations, and positive reinforcement. Our team excels at making young patients feel comfortable and excited about their orthodontic care. We:

Explain procedures in age-appropriate language
Move at a comfortable pace for each child
Celebrate progress and achievements
Create a fun, welcoming environment
Work closely with parents to ensure home care success
Offer bilingual communication for Spanish-speaking families

Special Needs Expertise

Compassionate Care for Every Child

We have extensive experience providing early orthodontic treatment for children with special needs. We take extra time, use adapted techniques, and work closely with families to ensure a positive, successful experience. Every child deserves quality orthodontic care, and we’re committed to providing it with patience and understanding.

Not All Children
Need Early Treatment

When Monitoring Is the Right Choice

In many cases, the best “treatment” is simply monitoring development and waiting for the optimal time to begin orthodontics. We’ll never recommend treatment that isn’t truly beneficial for your child.

If we recommend monitoring instead of immediate treatment, we’ll:

Your Child's First Visit

What Happens at Age 7?

Your child’s first orthodontic evaluation is quick, painless, and informative. We’ll:

Examine teeth, jaws, and bite

Take photos if needed

Discuss our findings with you

Recommend a treatment plan or monitoring schedule

Answer all your questions

There’s no charge for this evaluation—it’s our way of ensuring every child gets the right care at the right time.

Investment in Early Treatment

We believe every family should have access to quality orthodontic care for their children. We offer:

Frequently Asked Questions

Why age 7 for the first visit?

By age 7, the first molars have erupted and we can evaluate front-to-back and side-to-side tooth relationships. Many problems are easier to correct at this stage.

Will my child definitely need braces later?

Is early treatment just a way to make more money?

Will early treatment hurt?

Schedule Your Child's Complimentary Evaluation

Give your child the gift of a healthy, beautiful smile. With our 16+ years of experience and child-friendly approach, we’ll ensure their orthodontic journey is positive from start to finish.