Early Treatment

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a child’s first orthodontic evaluation around age 7. At this age, permanent teeth are starting to come in, making it the perfect time for an orthodontist to spot concerns before they become bigger issues.

Early evaluations help us identify:

• Crowding or spacing problems
• Bite issues (overbite, underbite, crossbite)
• Jaw growth concerns
• Tooth eruption problems
• Habits like thumb-sucking that affect alignment

Not every child needs treatment right away. Many simply need to be monitored until the time is right. But catching concerns early can prevent more serious complications later.

What Is “Phase I” or Early Interceptive Treatment?

“Phase I” refers to orthodontic care performed while a child still has a mix of baby and permanent teeth. This phase focuses on guiding growth rather than correcting fully developed issues.

We may recommend early treatment if it can:

• Create space for incoming teeth
• Help the jaws grow properly
• Reduce the need for future tooth extractions
• Improve airway and breathing function
• Stop habits that affect oral development
• Improve facial balance and bite alignment

Early treatment is gentle, conservative, and designed with little smiles in mind.

Our Kid-Friendly Treatment Options

At Berro Orthodontics, we offer a range of treatments tailored for children:

Expanders

Used to widen the upper jaw, expanders create room for permanent teeth and improve bite function.

Partial Braces

Helps correct specific teeth without placing full braces on every tooth.

Clear Aligners for Kids

Some children are great candidates for clear aligners (like Spark). These are removable, comfortable, and ideal for kids who follow instructions well.

Habit Appliances

Designed to help children stop thumb-sucking or tongue thrusting.

Growth Monitoring

Many children don’t need treatment right away. We offer complimentary monitoring visits to track jaw and tooth development over time.

What to Expect at Your Child’s First Visit

Your child’s first orthodontic appointment is easy and educational. During your visit, we will:

• Take gentle, kid-friendly digital scans and photos
• Evaluate teeth, bite, and jaw development
• Review what to monitor as your child grows
• Discuss whether treatment is recommended now or later
• Answer all your questions, no pressure, ever

Most kids love their first visit (and parents appreciate the clarity and reassurance!).

Give Your Child the Gift of a Healthy Smile

Early orthodontic care sets the foundation for a lifetime of confidence and oral health. Whether your child needs treatment now or just monitoring, our team is here to support you with honest guidance and a warm, friendly approach.

We’d love to meet your family! Contact Berro Orthodontics today to schedule a complimentary evaluation and start your child on the path to a beautifully aligned smile. We also offer orthodontic treatment for adults and teens.