Early Orthodontic Treatment

At Pediatric Dental Associates & Orthodontics, we provide early orthodontic treatment in Manchester, Connecticut, to help children develop healthier smiles, bites and jaw alignment. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7, when growth and development can be monitored at an ideal time.

Our board-certified orthodontist, Dr. Jason Raney, works with our pediatric dental team to evaluate your child’s teeth, bite and jaw growth. If early treatment is needed, we can guide your family toward the right next step. If treatment is not needed yet, we can continue monitoring your child’s development over time.

Schedule an Early Orthodontic Evaluation

When Should My Child See an Orthodontist?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children be seen by an orthodontist by age 7. The purpose of an early visit is to allow the orthodontist to monitor jaw growth, tooth eruption and bite development. In some cases, early orthodontic care can help correct jaw growth or bite problems at a time when treatment may be more effective.

There are many advantages to early orthodontic treatment. Early treatment can provide options that may not be available once the jaws and facial bones are fully developed. During childhood and adolescence, we can often use a child’s natural growth process to guide development, reduce the risk of more complex problems and help make room for permanent teeth to come in properly.

Phase I Treatment and Orthodontic Observation

Not every child needs early orthodontic treatment. In many cases, we may recommend waiting until your child is older before beginning treatment. If Phase I treatment is not necessary, we will place your child on our observation plan so we can continue monitoring facial growth, jaw development and the eruption of permanent teeth.

Our goal is to recommend the right treatment at the right time. By evaluating your child early, we can help determine whether treatment is needed now, whether future treatment may be likely or whether continued observation is the best option.

If you have questions about early orthodontic treatment in Manchester, Connecticut, or would like to schedule your child’s appointment with Dr. Jason Raney, call Pediatric Dental Associates & Orthodontics at 860-649-4655.

Early Orthodontic Treatment FAQs

Why should my child see an orthodontist by age 7?

An orthodontic evaluation by age 7 allows the orthodontist to check how your child’s teeth, jaws and bite are developing. This does not always mean treatment is needed, but it helps identify concerns early.

What problems can early orthodontic treatment help address?

Early orthodontic treatment may help with crowding, spacing, crossbites, underbites, overbites, jaw growth concerns, early or late loss of baby teeth and other bite development issues.

Does every child need Phase I orthodontic treatment?

No. Many children do not need Phase I treatment. If early treatment is not recommended, we can monitor your child’s growth and tooth eruption through an observation plan.

How do I know if my child may need early orthodontic care?

Signs may include crowded teeth, difficulty biting or chewing, jaws that shift or pop, mouth breathing, thumb sucking habits, protruding teeth or teeth that do not come together properly.