As a parent, you may have seen children that have braces with baby teeth and wonder when the right time is to take your child to the orthodontist? The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that all children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. At this age, your child has enough permanent teeth for an orthodontist to identify potential alignment issues and determine if early treatment is necessary.
Why Is an Early Orthodontic Visit Important?
Some orthodontic issues, such as crooked or misaligned teeth, may be visible, while many other issues can go unnoticed without an orthodontic evaluation. Boss Orthodontics uses advance technology to visualize the developing teeth and jaws in 3D to to assess what’s happening beneath the surface, identifying concerns like missing, extra, impacted teeth, and asymmetries/crossbites before they cause major problems.
Why would your child would need braces while they still have baby teeth?
There are several reasons why orthodontics could be critical while there are still baby teeth present in your child’s mouth. Phase I orthodontics (also called limited or early orthodontics) is only recommended when needed to get your child’s teeth and jaw development back on track before problems become more severe or sometimes irreversible. In rest of this post, we’ll explore the benefits, reasons, and process of having your child evaluated to determine if your child could benefit from phase I treatment or not and how Boss Orthodontics in Austin, Bee Cave, and Kyle can help set your child on the path to a healthy, confident smile.
Indications For Early Orthodontic Treatment?
Early orthodontic treatment/ Phase I treatment is often recommended for children between the ages of 7 and 10. This treatment addresses specific dental concerns that, if left untreated, could lead to more significant complications later in life. Some of the common issues that warrant early orthodontic care include:
- Crossbites
- Severe crowding of teeth
- Jaw growth problems: Underbites, Overbites, Protruded Teeth
- Habits: Thumb/finger Sucking
Addressing these issues with interceptive orthodontics allows your child’s dental development to get back on track and helps the permanent teeth come in properly. Early intervention often reduces the complexity, duration, and cost of future treatments. As you can see braces with baby teeth still present can be indicated in certain cases. At Boss Orthodontics, we will be transparent with you and let you know what the most conservative and best treatment options are for your child. When we can reach the same outcome with single phase of orthodontic treatment, we choose that every time.
Benefits of Braces While Child Still Has Baby Teeth
Taking your child for an early orthodontic screening can lead to proactive treatment, potentially saving time, money, and the need for more invasive procedures later. If jaw or tooth alignment issues are left uncorrected, they may require complex treatments in the future. The main three benefits are:
Prevention of Serious Issues
Correcting problems like crossbites, crowding, or finger habits at a young age can prevent asymmetrical or improper jaw growth or more severe dental issues. Early intervention creates space for permanent teeth, reducing the likelihood of impacted teeth, extractions, or more invasive treatments later.
Better Oral Hygiene
Crowded or misaligned teeth can be challenging to clean, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease. Straightening baby teeth makes it easier for your child to maintain proper oral hygiene and build healthy habits.
Boosted Confidence
A healthy, straight smile can significantly improve your child’s self-esteem. Addressing dental concerns early helps your child feel confident about their appearance during crucial developmental years.
Types of Early Orthodontic Treatment
During your child’s first visit, Dr Boss will examine your child’s teeth and jaw development to determine if treatment is needed. Common early treatment options include:
Orthodontic palatal expander
Interceptive braces
Referral for strategic baby tooth removal
Early Orthodontic Consultation and Treatment
Initial Consultation – 7 years old
The first step is scheduling a FREE orthodontic screening evaluation with Drs Hunter & ReAnn Boss at Boss Orthodontics. During this consultation, the orthodontist will:
- Assess your child’s dental and jaw development
- Take an Orthodontic 3D X-ray, photographs, and 3D digital scans of their teeth
- Ensure there is space for the permanent teeth
Customized Treatment Plan
Early treatment is recommended if there is a deviation from ‘normal’ growth and development. The goals of this treatment are to get the teeth and mouth back on track for the developmental stage. If early treatment is recommended, Dr. Boss will create a personalized plan tailored to your child’s unique needs. This may involve braces, space maintainers, or other orthodontic appliances like expanders. Early treatment typically lasts between 12 and 18 months, depending on the complexity of the case. We only recommend treatment if it is what we would do for our own kids.
Regular Follow-Ups
Throughout the treatment, your child will need to visit the orthodontist approximately every 8 weeks to monitor progress and adjust appliances. These visits ensure the treatment stays on track and yields optimal results.
What If My Child Doesn’t Need Braces Yet?
After the initial evaluation, Dr Boss may recommend one of three outcomes:
- No treatment is needed at this time.
- Future treatment may be necessary, and periodic check-ups will monitor development.
- Immediate treatment is recommended to correct an existing issue.
Even if no immediate treatment is required, early monitoring ensures that orthodontic concerns are addressed at the right time, preventing more complicated problems later.
Costs of Early Orthodontic Treatment
While early orthodontic treatment may seem costly upfront, it can save you money in the long run by preventing more severe problems that require extensive and expensive procedures.
Additionally, many dental insurance plans partially cover the cost of early orthodontic care. At Boss Orthodontics, we work with families in the Austin area to explore flexible payment options and ensure high-quality, affordable care.
Why Choose Boss Orthodontics for Early Orthodontic Treatment in Austin?
Boss Orthodontics specializes in personalized orthodontic care for children, teens, and adults with three convenient locations in Austin, Kyle, and Bee Cave. Our experienced team is committed to helping your child achieve a healthy, beautiful smile. We offer state-of-the-art technology, a welcoming environment, and customized treatment plans tailored to your child’s specific needs.
Schedule Your Child’s Orthodontic Consultation Today!
Wondering if your child should have early orthodontic treatment? Don’t wait—schedule a Free consultation with Boss Orthodontics today. Early care can set the foundation for a lifetime of healthy, confident smiles.
Contact us to learn more about how we serve families in Austin with expert orthodontic care. Let Boss Orthodontics be your partner in giving your child the best start toward a perfect smile!
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