Early Orthodontic Treatment in Murrieta and Corona, CA
When it comes to your child’s smile, timing really matters. At Waddoups Orthodontics, we follow the American Association of Orthodontists’ recommendation that children have their first orthodontic screening by age 7. At this age, kids have a mix of baby and permanent teeth, which allows Dr. Samuel Waddoups to spot developing concerns early and decide whether treatment is needed now or simply monitored over time. Some children are referred even earlier if their dentist notices potential jaw growth or bite issues.
Why Should My Child See an Orthodontist Early?
An early orthodontic evaluation helps us catch small problems before they become bigger ones. Early assessments can:
Guide emerging teeth into better positions
Preserve space for incoming permanent teeth
Reduce the risk of injury to protruding front teeth
Address jaw growth concerns before they worsen
Common early issues, such as crowding, crossbites, or bite misalignment, are often easier to correct while your child is still growing. Early orthodontic treatment focuses on gently guiding jaw growth and tooth eruption, which can reduce the need for more extensive treatment later on.
What Happens at an Early Orthodontic Evaluation?
During your child’s visit, Dr. Waddoups will:
Review dental and medical history
Examine your child’s teeth, bite, and jaw growth
Take any necessary X-rays or photos to evaluate developing teeth
Discuss whether early treatment, monitoring, or no treatment is needed at this time
You’ll leave the appointment with clear information about your child’s current orthodontic needs and the best timing for any treatment.
What Can Early Orthodontic Treatment Accomplish?
If early treatment (often called Phase I orthodontics) is recommended, it may:
Guide jaw growth and improve how the upper and lower jaws fit together
Regulate the width of the upper and lower dental arches
Create space for permanent teeth to erupt properly
Reduce the need for future permanent tooth extractions
Lower the risk of permanent teeth becoming impacted
Help correct thumb-sucking habits and some speech-related issues
These treatments are designed to be gentle and child-friendly, allowing kids to continue school, sports, and daily activities with minimal disruption.
Will Early Orthodontic Treatment Prevent Braces Later?
Not always, but it often makes future treatment easier and shorter. Early orthodontic treatment focuses on major growth and bite problems while your child still has baby teeth. Later, when all permanent teeth are in, a shorter Phase II (with full braces or clear aligners) may be recommended to fine-tune alignment.
In some cases, early treatment is sufficient that only limited care, or no further treatment, is needed during the teenage years. Every child is unique, which is why careful monitoring over time is crucial.
Does Every Child Need Early Orthodontic Treatment?
No. Many children are best treated once most or all of their permanent teeth have erupted. Some jaw or bite concerns are more effectively addressed when growth is further along.
If immediate treatment isn’t needed, your child will be enrolled in our Orthodontic Supervisory Program, a no-cost way to:
Check tooth eruption and jaw growth every 6–8 months
Identify problems early while they are still easy to correct
Recommend timely interventions, such as removing baby teeth when helpful
This “watchful waiting” approach ensures treatment starts at the right time, not too early, and not too late.
How Does Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment Work?
Two-phase treatment is a planned approach that uses growth to your child’s advantage:
Phase I (Developmental Phase): Begins while the baby and permanent teeth are both present. The focus is on jaw growth, bite relationships, space creation, and correcting significant problems early.
Resting Period: We pause active treatment and allow the remaining permanent teeth to erupt naturally while continuing to monitor your child.
Phase II (Comprehensive Treatment): Once all permanent teeth are in, full braces or clear aligners are used to place every tooth into its ideal position for a healthy bite and confident smile.
Benefits of Early Orthodontics
Early orthodontic treatment can:
Improve bite function and chewing efficiency
Make brushing and flossing easier, supporting better long-term oral health
Reduce uneven wear on teeth as your child grows
Support jaw balance and facial harmony
Boost confidence by improving your child’s smile early in life
These benefits can last well into adulthood, helping protect your child’s teeth and gums over time.
Do Children Still Need to See Their Dentist?
Yes. Regular checkups with your child’s dentist every six months are essential, even during orthodontic treatment. Cleanings and exams help keep teeth and gums healthy, especially when appliances or braces make home care more challenging.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have more questions about early orthodontic treatment? Here are some of the most common questions parents ask when preparing for their child’s first orthodontic evaluation.
What Are the Signs That My Child May Need Early Orthodontic Care?
Parents often notice things like difficulty biting or chewing, mouth breathing, thumb sucking that continues past early childhood, or jaws that seem off balance. These signs do not always mean treatment is needed, but they do warrant an orthodontic evaluation.
How Will Early Treatment Affect My Child’s Daily Routine?
Most early orthodontic appliances are easy for children to adapt to. Kids can continue school, sports, and normal activities without major interruptions. Some appliances may require minor adjustments to brushing habits or eating certain foods.
Are Early Orthodontic Appliances Hard for Children to Keep Clean?
Not usually. Dr. Waddoups will show your child simple brushing and cleaning techniques that work with the appliance they receive. Our team also checks hygiene at follow-up visits and offers tips whenever needed.
How Often Will My Child Need Appointments During Early Treatment?
Appointment frequency depends on your child’s specific appliance, but most children come in every 6 to 10 weeks for adjustments or monitoring. Visits are typically short and easy to fit into a busy family schedule.
What Happens If We Choose to Wait Instead of Starting Early Treatment?
If early treatment is recommended and postponed, certain issues may become harder or more complex to correct later. However, some children truly do not need early treatment. Dr. Waddoups will always explain whether waiting is a safe option or if timing is important for your child’s case.