Early Orthodontic Treatment

Guiding Growing Smiles Toward A Confident Future In Chesapeake, VA, Elizabeth City, NC and Moyock, NC

Early orthodontics is a proactive treatment that guides the development of a child’s teeth, jaws and facial structure. Also known as Phase One treatment, this approach addresses concerns before they become more complex in teen or adult years. While treatment is not always necessary, having Dr. Glass monitor your child’s growth is often just as important as intervening early. These early orthodontic visits in Chesapeake, VA, Elizabeth City, NC or Moyock, NC build a strong foundation for a lifetime of great oral health, proper function and confident smiles.

Kids using tablets in orthodontic office waiting area in chesapeake va at glass orthodontics

Early Orthodontic Treatment

Guiding Growing Smiles Toward A Confident Future In Chesapeake, VA, Elizabeth City, NC and Moyock, NC

Early orthodontics is a proactive treatment that guides the development of a child’s teeth, jaws and facial structure. Also known as Phase One treatment, this approach addresses concerns before they become more complex in teen or adult years. While treatment is not always necessary, having Dr. Glass monitor your child’s growth is often just as important as intervening early. These early orthodontic visits in Chesapeake, VA, Elizabeth City, NC or Moyock, NC build a strong foundation for a lifetime of great oral health, proper function and confident smiles.

Kids using tablets in orthodontic office waiting area in chesapeake va at glass orthodontics

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends bringing your child in for their first evaluation by age 7. Dr. Glass follows a personalized, conservative philosophy and believes in treating children only when the timing is right and beneficial for their growing smile.

What Is Early Orthodontic Treatment?

Early orthodontics focuses on guiding jaw growth and creating harmony between developing teeth and facial structures. Dr. Glass typically recommends it for children between the ages of 6 and 10 who have a mix of baby and permanent teeth. Phase One treatment can address skeletal and developmental concerns that cannot be corrected as easily once growth is complete. It also ensures that there is adequate space for incoming permanent teeth, reducing crowding and alignment issues. This care can also correct harmful oral habits such as thumb sucking or tongue thrusting as well as improve overall bite function, making chewing and speaking more comfortable and efficient.

Building A Strong Foundation For Future Smiles

Phase One treatment helps to set the stage for a smoother, more efficient Phase Two treatment if needed. It is important to note that not all children require early intervention and that some benefit from a period of observation known as orthodontic monitoring at one of our offices in Chesapeake, VA, Elizabeth City, NC and Moyock, NC.

When Should My Child See An Orthodontist?

Dr. Glass and the American Association of Orthodontists recommends bringing your child to the orthodontist for their first visit by age 7. By this age, enough permanent teeth have erupted to identify potential issues with alignment and jaw development. Early evaluations allow Dr. Glass to detect concerns such as crowding, crossbites and growth discrepancies. Intervening at the right time can simplify treatment and improve long term outcomes.

Monitoring Growth For Lifelong Confidence

If treatment is not needed, Dr. Glass will monitor your child’s growth through an observation program, ensuring their smile is growing beautifully. These routine evaluations at one of our offices in Chesapeake, VA, Elizabeth City, NC and Moyock, NC help determine the ideal time to begin treatment for maximum effectiveness.

Child getting early orthodontic treatment brushing teeth at orthodontic office sink in chesapeake va at glass orthodontics

Signs Your Child May Benefit From Early Orthodontics

Some signs your child may benefit from early orthodontics are:

  • Early or late loss of baby teeth, which may affect proper eruption patterns.
  • Crowded, crooked or overlapping teeth.
  • Difficulty chewing or biting food comfortably.
  • Thumb sucking or use of a pacifier beyond infancy.
  • Mouth breathing, which may be associated with airway and developmental concerns.
  • Speech difficulties related to tooth or jaw positioning.
  • Protruding front top or bottom teeth.
  • Narrow dental arches or insufficient space for permanent teeth.
  • Teeth that do not meet properly when biting together.
  • Jaw shifting, clicking or asymmetry.
  • Underbite, overbite, crossbite or open bite.
  • Facial imbalance or disproportionate jaw growth.

Benefits Of Early Orthodontic Treatment

There are plenty of benefits to helping your little one get their smile on track early. Early orthodontic treatment helps to:

  • Guide proper jaw growth that supports balanced facial development.
  • Create space for permanent teeth, reducing crowding and impaction.
  • Correct harmful oral habits that can impact development.
  • Reduce the likelihood of tooth extractions and complex procedures later.
  • Lessen the risk of injury to the front teeth.
  • Improves bite alignment for better chewing and speaking.
  • Enhance airway development and support healthier breathing patterns.
  • Promotes better oral healthcare by aligning teeth and making them easier to clean.
  • Shorten and simplify future orthodontic treatment.
  • Boost confidence during critical developmental years.
  • Support both aesthetic and functional outcomes for lifelong benefits.

FAQs About Early Orthodontic Treatment

As parents or guardians, we know you only want to make the best decisions for your child’s oral health. Below are some questions and answers we hear most often from kids and adults alike, to help reassure you.

What are some early orthodontic appliances?

Some examples of tools Dr. Glass may use during early orthodontic treatment are:

  • Palatal Expanders: Widen the upper jaw to create space and correct crossbites.
  • Space Maintainers: Make space for permanent teeth when a child loses baby teeth too early.
  • Partial Braces: Align specific teeth during early development.
  • Habit Appliances: Help discourage thumb sucking and tongue thrusting.
  • Growth-Guidance Appliances: Encourage proper jaw alignment and development.
  • Retainers: Maintain results and support proper eruption of permanent teeth.

Some common indicators that your child would benefit from early orthodontic treatment are:

  • Crowded, crooked or overlapping baby teeth
  • Difficulty chewing or biting
  • Mouth breathing
  • Thumb sucking beyond early childhood
  • Protruding teeth or an imbalanced bite
  • Narrow dental arches or jaw misalignment

In some cases, yes. Phase One treatment simplifies future orthodontic care and may shorten treatment time. Phase Two, typically involving braces or aligners, fine-tunes tooth alignment for a beautifully balanced smile.

Most Phase One treatments last between 9 and 18 months, followed by a monitoring period to ensure proper development as permanent teeth emerge.

Children may experience mild soreness as their mouths adjust to new appliances, but this typically subsides quickly. Our team ensures every step is as comfortable and reassuring as possible.

Appointments are usually scheduled every 6 to 10 weeks during active treatment. If your child is in a monitoring phase, visits may be less frequent.

Many orthodontic insurance plans include benefits for early treatment. Our team is happy to review your coverage and help you understand your options.

Dr. Glass checking a patient’s teeth during orthodontic treatment near chesapeake va
Dr. Glass checking a patient’s teeth during orthodontic treatment near chesapeake va

BECAUSE A GOOD SMILE FEELS

AS GOOD AS IT LOOKS

Ready to take the first step toward a confident, healthy smile? Request your complimentary orthodontic consultation with Glass Orthodontics today. Our team proudly welcomes patients from Chesapeake, VA, Elizabeth City, NC, and Moyock, NC, and will guide you through personalized treatment options in a comfortable, patient-focused environment. Get started today and discover how easy it can be to achieve the smile you’ve always wanted.