Early Orthodontic Treatment for Children in Edison, NJ
Some orthodontic concerns are easier to correct if they’re caught early—before all the permanent teeth have come in. At Dentistry for Kids, we follow the American Association of Orthodontists’ guidelines and recommend children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age seven.
Starting early allows us to monitor your child’s jaw development and bite alignment over time and, when needed, begin gentle intervention that can make a big difference in their future smile.
What Is Early Orthodontic Treatment?
Also called Phase One treatment, early orthodontics typically begins between ages 8 and 9, while the jaw is still growing. It focuses on guiding proper development of the jaw and creating space for permanent teeth to come in correctly.
Phase Two treatment may follow later, usually around age 11 or older, once all permanent teeth have erupted.
Early treatment can reduce the risk of tooth extractions or more invasive procedures later on.
Signs Your Child Might Need Early Treatment
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- Difficulty chewing or biting
- Thumb-sucking after age 5
- Mouth breathing
- Speech challenges
- Protruding front teeth
- Teeth that don’t meet properly or at all
- Jaw shifts when opening or closing (crossbite)
- Crowded front teeth at age 7–8
If your child is experiencing any of these, it’s a good idea to schedule an orthodontic evaluation even if they still have baby teeth.
What Causes Orthodontic Issues?
Orthodontic problems can be inherited or develop due to:
- Injury to the mouth
- Thumb-sucking or pacifier habits
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- Jaw growth issues
By evaluating early, we can better understand your child’s needs and intercept problems before they become more complex.
Long-Term Benefits of Early Orthodontics
Getting started early can:
- Guide proper jaw and facial development
- Make room for permanent teeth
- Reduce or eliminate the need for extractions
- Help improve bite function
- Prevent more invasive treatment later on
If your child is 7 or older, or if your dentist has recommended an orthodontic evaluation, we’d love to help. Contact our office to schedule a consultation and learn how we can support your child’s growing smile.
We're located in North Edison on the border of Clark, Colonia, and Scotch Plains.
We proudly serve Edison, Metuchen, Woodbridge, South Plainfield, Scotch Plains, Westfield, and the surrounding areas.