Early Orthodontic Treatment in Houston, TX

One of the most common questions parents ask is, “When should my child see an orthodontist?” According to the American Association of Orthodontists, children should have their first orthodontic screening by age 7. At Davoody & Hablinski Orthodontics, we follow this recommendation to detect any potential concerns early, before they develop into more serious issues.

Even if your child’s teeth appear straight, early evaluation gives Dr. Amir Davoody the chance to assess jaw growth and tooth development to determine if and when treatment will be necessary. Early treatment, also known as Phase 1, typically begins around age 8 or 9. Phase 2 usually follows around age 11 or later.

Why Start Orthodontic Screenings with A Pediatric Orthodontist by Age 7?

There are several key reasons early evaluations are so important:

• Guides emerging teeth into healthier positions

• Preserves space for permanent teeth

• Reduces the risk of injury to protruding front teeth

• Detects growth irregularities that may affect bite or jaw alignment

• Helps determine if early intervention is needed to address developing problems like underbites, crowding, or protrusion

Many general dentists are trained to spot early signs and may refer your child for an exam if needed. Early exams are especially helpful in identifying signs such as early or late loss of baby teeth, difficulty chewing or biting, thumb-sucking past age five, speech impediments, mouth breathing, and shifting jaws (crossbites).

Will Early Treatment Eliminate the Need for Braces for Kids Later?

Early treatment can correct major issues and significantly simplify later orthodontic care. However, because not all permanent teeth have erupted at this stage, a second phase of treatment, typically full braces in the teen years, may still be needed.

In some cases, early intervention may be enough, but most patients benefit from a shortened Phase II to complete the alignment process.

What Can Early Treatment Help Prevent?

If early treatment is recommended, Dr. Davoody can take steps to address and potentially avoid more serious issues later. Early orthodontic care can:

• Guide jaw growth to better accommodate permanent teeth

• Create space in the dental arch to prevent crowding

• Avoid the need for tooth extractions later on

• Lower the chances of impacted teeth

• Correct habits like thumb sucking

• Improve swallowing patterns and speech development

• Address spacing or misalignment caused by injury, thumb-sucking, or early tooth loss

The earlier we intervene when needed, the simpler and more effective future treatment can be.

Is Early Orthodontics Right for Every Child?

Not always. While early intervention is valuable for many patients, some orthodontic concerns are best treated during adolescence when permanent teeth are fully in place. Most children will lose all their baby teeth by age 13, and by the end of the teen years, jawbones harden and stop growing. Treating problems while the jaw is still developing can reduce or eliminate the need for surgery or extraction later.

Functional Benefits of Early Orthodontic Care

Orthodontic care is about more than just a straight smile. Early treatment can also:

• Improve bite function and jaw alignment

• Make teeth easier to clean, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease

• Prevent premature tooth wear

• Support the long-term health of natural teeth

• Reduce the likelihood of prolonged or more complex orthodontic treatment in adulthood

Should My Child Still Visit the Dentist During Orthodontic Treatment?

Absolutely! Regular dental visits are essential during orthodontic care. Braces and appliances can make cleaning more challenging, so we recommend visiting your family dentist every 6 months for cleanings and exams to maintain excellent oral health throughout treatment.