Early orthodontic care can make a big difference in how your child’s smile and bite develop. At Southern Maine Orthodontics, Dr. Christopher Murphy provides early orthodontic evaluations to monitor jaw growth, guide erupting teeth, and help prevent small concerns from becoming more complex later on. Whether your child needs early treatment now or simply needs monitoring, our goal is to support healthy development and long-term results.
At What Age Should a Child First Visit the Orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic screening by age 7. By this age, most children have a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth, which allows our orthodontist to identify developing concerns early.
An early orthodontic evaluation helps Dr. Murphy:
Spot bite or jaw alignment concerns early
Identify crowding, spacing, or eruption problems
Determine whether early orthodontic treatment is needed now or best delayed
Plan the ideal timing for braces or other orthodontic appliances
Many family dentists are trained to recognize early orthodontic issues and may refer your child before age 7 if something unusual is noticed.
Why Are Children Evaluated for Orthodontics So Early?
An early orthodontic consultation is about being proactive, not rushing treatment. Early diagnosis helps guide proper growth and can reduce the risk of more serious orthodontic problems later.
Early orthodontic treatment may help:
Guide erupting permanent teeth into healthier positions
Preserve space for incoming adult teeth
Reduce the risk of injury to protruding front teeth
Improve jaw alignment during active growth
When early treatment is recommended, Dr. Murphy may also help:
Support balanced jaw development
Regulate the width of the upper and lower dental arches
Create space to reduce the chance of permanent tooth extractions
Lower the risk of impacted teeth
Address thumb-sucking habits that affect tooth position
Improve abnormal swallowing patterns or speech-related concerns
In many cases, early orthodontics can simplify later treatment once all permanent teeth have erupted.
Does Early Orthodontic Treatment Benefit Every Child?
No. Not every child needs Phase I (early) orthodontic treatment. Some orthodontic concerns are better treated later in the teen years when all permanent teeth are in place.
Certain skeletal or jaw-related orthodontic problems should not be treated until growth is more advanced or completed. Dr. Murphy develops a personalized plan based on your child’s bite, growth pattern, and long-term oral health.
If treatment is not recommended right away, your child may be placed in our orthodontic supervisory program.
What Is the Orthodontic Supervisory Program?
The orthodontic supervisory program is designed for children who are not ready for braces yet but still benefit from periodic monitoring. This allows Dr. Murphy to track growth and ensure treatment begins at the best time.
This program helps us:
Monitor how permanent teeth are erupting
Identify spacing or crowding issues early
Catch poor eruption patterns before they become more complex
Recommend removal of baby teeth when needed to support healthier spacing
Reduce overall orthodontic treatment time later
Children in this program are typically seen every 6 to 8 months. We also coordinate recommendations with your family dentist. There is no fee for this monitoring program.
What Are the Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment Beyond Straight Teeth?
Orthodontic treatment offers more than a confident smile. Proper alignment can improve oral health and function for life.
Braces and orthodontic care can help:
Improve bite function and comfort while chewing
Make brushing and flossing easier
Prevent uneven wear on teeth caused by misalignment
Support long-term stability and tooth preservation
If My Child Has Early Treatment, Will They Still Need Braces as a Teen?
In many cases, yes. Early treatment can correct significant issues and reduce the chance that problems become worse, but it does not always replace the need for braces later.
Typically:
Phase I treatment helps guide growth, spacing, and bite development early
Phase II treatment (full braces) may be needed in the teen years to finalize alignment once all permanent teeth are in
The good news is Phase II treatment is often shorter and more predictable thanks to the early foundation created. In some cases, no additional orthodontic treatment is needed, depending on how the teeth develop over time.
Do We Still Need to See Our Family Dentist During Orthodontic Treatment?
Yes. Routine dental visits remain essential during orthodontic care. Braces and appliances can make plaque buildup easier, so regular cleanings and exams help protect your child’s teeth and gums throughout treatment.
We recommend seeing your family dentist every six months during orthodontic treatment (or more often if your dentist recommends it).
Frequently Asked Questions
Have more questions about early orthodontic care? These FAQs offer additional guidance to help you feel confident about your child’s treatment plan.
How Do I Know If My Child Needs Early Orthodontic Treatment?
The best way to know is to schedule an orthodontic evaluation (recommended by age 7). During the visit, Dr. Murphy will check jaw growth, bite alignment, crowding, spacing, and how permanent teeth are erupting. Some children need early treatment right away, while others simply benefit from monitoring until the ideal time to begin.
Are Early Orthodontic Visits Painful for Children?
No. Early orthodontic evaluations are gentle and non-invasive. If treatment is recommended, your child may feel mild pressure or soreness when appliances are first placed or adjusted, but it’s typically temporary and manageable. Our team focuses on making every visit comfortable and kid-friendly.
How Long Does Phase I (Early) Treatment Usually Last?
Phase I treatment length depends on your child’s needs and the type of appliance used, but it often lasts around 9 to 18 months. After Phase I is complete, many children enter a monitoring phase until all permanent teeth erupt and Phase II treatment (if needed) can begin.
Can My Child Still Play Sports With Early Orthodontic Appliances?
Yes. Children can continue playing sports during early orthodontic treatment. For contact sports, we recommend wearing a protective mouthguard to help prevent injuries and protect appliances. If your child already wears a mouthguard, we can help you determine the best fit during treatment.
Will Early Treatment Make Future Orthodontic Visits Easier?
In many cases, yes. Early orthodontic care can guide growth, improve spacing, and reduce the severity of future concerns. This often makes teen orthodontic treatment shorter, simpler, and more predictable, and may reduce the chance of extractions or impacted teeth later on.