Kids Orthodontics & Early Treatment in Ahwatukee, Phoenix
Early Orthodontic Treatment
At Jungle Roots Children's Dentistry & Orthodontics, Dr. Gregory Olsen provides thoughtful, personalized orthodontic care to help your child build a healthy smile that can last a lifetime. From their first visit through their final results, we'll make sure your child feels comfortable, supported, and right at home.
Kids Should Get an Orthodontic Check-Up By 7
Around age 7 is a great time for your child's first orthodontic evaluation. At this age, permanent teeth are beginning to come in and the jaws are still developing, giving Dr. Olsen an opportunity to spot concerns with tooth alignment, spacing, and bite development early.
That doesn’t mean your 7-year-old will need braces. In many cases, the best approach is simply to keep an eye on their smile as they grow. Dr. Olsen can monitor your child’s teeth and jaw development over time and recommend treatment only when the timing is right.
What Is Early Treatment?
Some orthodontic concerns are easier to address while your child is still growing. Early orthodontic treatment, sometimes called Phase One treatment, can help guide jaw development, create space for incoming permanent teeth, and address certain bite problems before they become more difficult to correct.
When early treatment is recommended, it may simplify future orthodontic care or allow Dr. Olsen to guide growth in ways that become more limited once your child’s jaws have finished developing. The goal is simple: give your child’s growing smile the best possible foundation for the future.
Signs the Bite’s Not Right
Here are some clues that may indicate the need for orthodontic attention:
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- Difficulty chewing or biting
- Breathing through the mouth
- Thumb-sucking
- Crowded, misplaced or blocked-out teeth
- Jaws that are too far forward or back
- Biting the cheek or biting into the roof of the mouth
- Protruding teeth
- Upper and lower teeth that don’t meet, or meet in an abnormal way
- An unbalanced facial appearance
- Grinding or clenching of the teeth
The Benefits of Orthodontic Care for Kids
A straighter smile is just one part of orthodontic treatment. By keeping an eye on your child's teeth and jaw as they grow, Dr. Gregory Olsen can identify developing concerns and recommend treatment at the right time.
Guide Healthy Growth
Your child’s smile changes quickly as baby teeth fall out and permanent teeth come in. Orthodontic care allows us to monitor those changes and, when needed, guide the teeth and jaws toward healthier development.
Create Room for Growing Smiles
Crowding can make it difficult for permanent teeth to come in where they should. Early orthodontic treatment may help create the space needed for developing teeth and reduce more complicated alignment problems later.
Improve Their Bite
An uneven bite can affect the way your child’s teeth come together when they chew and speak. Orthodontic treatment can address bite concerns and help the teeth and jaws work together more comfortably.
Make Healthy Habits Easier
Crowded and overlapping teeth can create tight spaces that are harder for kids to brush and floss effectively. A properly aligned smile can make everyday oral hygiene easier and help your child build healthy habits for the future.
Build Smile Confidence
Kids deserve to feel good about their smiles. Correcting noticeable gaps, crowding, or crooked teeth can give your child a smile they’re excited to share as they grow.
Orthodontic Treatment Options for Kids
Every child grows at their own pace, which means there's no one-size-fits-all approach to orthodontics. Dr. Olsen will evaluate your child's teeth, bite, and jaw development to determine whether treatment is needed now or if it's better to continue monitoring their smile.
Early Orthodontic Treatment
Some orthodontic concerns are easier to address while your child is still growing. Also known as Phase One treatment, early orthodontics may be recommended to guide jaw development, create room for permanent teeth, or address certain bite concerns. Not every child needs early treatment, and we’ll only recommend it when there’s a clear benefit.
Traditional Braces
Traditional braces are a dependable option for correcting many types of alignment and bite concerns. Using brackets and wires, braces gently move your child’s teeth into healthier positions over time. They’re durable, effective, and can handle everything from relatively simple adjustments to more complex orthodontic needs.
Clear Aligners
For some older children and teens, clear aligners may provide an alternative to braces. These removable trays gradually straighten the teeth without brackets or wires. Because successful treatment depends on wearing the aligners consistently, Dr. Olsen will help determine whether they’re a good fit for your child’s needs and habits.
Kids Orthodontics FAQs
When should my child first see an orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic checkup by age 7. At this age, your child has a mix of baby and permanent teeth, making it easier for an orthodontist to spot developing concerns with their teeth, bite, or jaw growth.
Does my child need braces at age 7?
Not necessarily. An early orthodontic visit doesn’t always mean treatment will begin right away. Many children simply need to have their growth and development monitored until the time is right to start treatment.
How do I know if my child may need orthodontic treatment?
Crowded or crooked teeth, large gaps, difficulty biting or chewing, early or late loss of baby teeth, and teeth that don’t come together properly can all be reasons to schedule an orthodontic evaluation. Some orthodontic concerns aren’t easy to see, though, which is why an early checkup can be helpful.
What is early orthodontic treatment?
Early orthodontic treatment, sometimes called Phase One treatment, takes place while a child still has some baby teeth. When appropriate, it can help address certain bite problems, guide jaw growth, or create space for permanent teeth. Not every child needs this type of treatment.
How long will my child need braces?
Every smile is different, so treatment times vary. The length of treatment depends on your child’s orthodontic needs, how their teeth respond, and how closely they follow care instructions. After evaluating your child’s smile, Dr. Gregory Olsen can provide a more personalized treatment timeline.
Will braces hurt?
Your child may experience some soreness or pressure when braces are first placed or adjusted. This discomfort is usually temporary and improves as their mouth gets used to treatment. Today’s orthodontic appliances are designed to make treatment as comfortable as possible.
Can my child still play sports with braces?
Absolutely. Kids with braces can continue participating in most of their favorite activities. For contact sports or activities where there’s a chance of being hit in the mouth, an orthodontic mouthguard can help protect their teeth, lips, and braces.
What foods should my child avoid with braces?
Kids with braces should avoid hard, sticky, and chewy foods that could bend wires or damage brackets. We’ll explain what to avoid and share plenty of braces-friendly alternatives so your child can keep enjoying their favorite meals and snacks safely.
Will my child need a retainer after treatment?
Yes. A retainer helps hold your child’s teeth in their new positions after active orthodontic treatment ends. We’ll provide instructions for when and how long your child should wear their retainer to help maintain their new smile.