Early Orthodontic Treatment in Kent WA
When Does Early Treatment Benefit Children?
Not every child needs early orthodontic treatment, and that’s an important part of our philosophy at Advanced Orthodontics. Every smile develops differently, and our role is to understand when early care will truly make a positive difference.
Some orthodontic concerns, especially those related to jaw growth- respond best during childhood, when the bones are still developing. Other issues are more effectively treated once all permanent teeth have come in during the teen years. That’s why early evaluations help us guide parents with accuracy and confidence.
Our orthodontists create individualized plans for each child. If your child isn’t ready for treatment, they’ll be enrolled in our orthodontic supervisory program, where we monitor growth and tooth development at no cost.
What Benefits Does Orthodontic Treatment Provide Beyond a Beautiful Smile?
A healthy smile does more than boost confidence. Early orthodontic treatment can:
- Redirect growth to improve the balance between the upper and the lower jaw
- Reduce severe crowding
- Decrease the likelihood that permanent teeth become impacted in the bone
- Lower the chance of extractions or surgery later
- Can help improve growth in underbite cases
Straightening the teeth is only part of the goal, supporting lifelong oral health is just as important.
When Should Children Receive Their First Orthodontic Screening?
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that children receive their first orthodontic evaluation around age 7. At this age, permanent molars and incisors begin erupting, giving orthodontists a clear picture of how the teeth and jaws are developing.
Many dentists in our Kent, WA community recognize early orthodontic concerns and may refer children even younger. Not all children need treatment at age 7, but early screening helps determine:
- Whether early treatment is needed
- Whether the child should be placed in an observation program
- When the ideal time will be for treatment in the future
If early treatment isn’t necessary, your child will be welcomed into our Kids Club, a complimentary monitoring program with evaluations every 6–12 months.
Why Evaluate Children at Such a Young Age?
Younger children benefit from early evaluation because their bones are still growing, making it possible to guide the development of the jaws and teeth more effectively. Early diagnosis can:
- Guide erupting teeth into healthier positions
- Preserve space for permanent teeth
- Reduce the risk of injury to protruding front teeth
- Improve facial and jaw growth
- Prevent more serious orthodontic problems later
Early orthodontic care can also address harmful oral habits, such as thumb sucking, incorrect swallowing patterns, or mouth breathing.
What Early Treatment Can Address
- Jaw width and shape
- Crowded or misaligned teeth
- Crossbites and underbites
- Impacted teeth
- Narrow dental arches
- Thumb or finger habits
- Speech concerns linked to bite problems
By taking action early, treatment during the teen years often becomes simpler and shorter.
What Is the Orthodontic Supervisory Program?
Our orthodontic supervisory program, also known as Kids Club, is designed for children who are not yet ready for orthodontic treatment. This program allows us to track growth, tooth eruption patterns, and jaw development through regular check-ins every 6–12 months.
The program includes:
- Monitoring eruption of permanent teeth
- Identifying changes that may need early intervention
- Coordinating with your family dentist when baby teeth need removal
- Making timely recommendations to prevent more complex problems later
There is no fee for this program. It ensures that when your child is ready, treatment begins at the ideal moment for the best possible results.
If My Child Has Early Treatment, Will They Still Need Braces as a Teen?
In most cases, early treatment is Phase I, a first step that addresses significant issues such as jaw growth, spacing, or crossbites. Because not all permanent teeth are present during Phase I, teens often need a shorter phase of braces later, known as Phase II.
Phase II focuses on:
- Final alignment
- Bite refinement
- Creating a stable, long-term smile
Some children who receive early treatment may not need additional braces, but this depends entirely on how their teeth grow and develop.
Should My Child Still See Their Dentist During Orthodontic Treatment?
Absolutely. Children with braces need excellent oral hygiene and regular professional cleanings. Braces create more places for plaque to hide, so consistent checkups help protect teeth and gums throughout treatment.
We encourage families to keep their regular dental visits for:
- Cleanings
- Fluoride treatments
- Monitoring gum health
- Early detection of cavities
Healthy teeth make orthodontic treatment smoother, faster, and more comfortable.
Giving Your Child the Best Start for a Healthy, Confident Smile
Early orthodontic care is one of the most meaningful steps you can take to support your child’s long-term health and confidence. By identifying concerns early and guiding growth at the right time, our team in Kent, WA helps ensure your child’s smile develops strong, balanced, and ready for the future. If you have questions or think your child may benefit from an evaluation, we’re here to make the process simple, supportive, and reassuring from the very first visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Early orthodontic care raises a lot of questions for parents who want to do what’s best for their child’s growth and long-term oral health. Below, you’ll find clear, supportive answers to common questions families ask when exploring whether early treatment is the right step.
Can early treatment help with speech problems?
Yes, in some cases. If the jaw is too narrow or the bite is misaligned, it can affect how children form sounds. Early orthodontic treatment can help create a better oral environment, making it easier for speech therapy to be effective. Collaboration between your orthodontist and speech therapist often produces the best outcomes.
Is early orthodontic treatment painful for children?
Most early treatment options use gentle pressure to guide jaw growth or help teeth move into better positions. Children may feel slight pressure at first, but discomfort is usually mild and temporary. Parents often tell us their children adjust quickly and feel proud of their progress.
What happens if we wait too long to start treatment?
Delaying treatment may limit the orthodontist’s ability to guide jaw growth or prevent crowding. In some cases, waiting can lead to:
More complicated treatment
Longer treatment times later
Increased likelihood of permanent tooth extraction
Greater risk of impacted teeth
Early evaluation doesn’t always mean early treatment, but it ensures you won’t miss the ideal window for correction.
Does early treatment replace the need for braces later?
Not always. Early treatment is often Phase I, focusing on guiding jaw growth or correcting major issues. Once all permanent teeth are in, a short Phase II with full braces or aligners may still be needed to refine alignment and achieve the best long-term results.
Is early treatment covered by insurance?
Coverage varies by insurance plan. Many plans offer partial benefits for orthodontic treatment, and our team can help you understand how those benefits apply to early care. We also provide flexible payment options to make treatment as accessible as possible for families in Kent, WA.