Dr. Vo and the team at Texas Family Orthodontics know that kids grow fast—one day, they’re losing baby teeth, and before you know it, their adult teeth are settling in. But did you know the best time to check on their orthodontic health is before all their grown-up teeth even arrive? The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first visit by age seven to spot any concerns early and make future treatment easier. Let’s take a closer look at how early care can help set the stage for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Why Age Seven Matters for Orthodontic Check-Ups
By the time kids turn seven, their teeth and jaws are already laying the groundwork for their future smile. Even though they still have baby teeth, enough adult teeth are in place for Dr. Vo at Texas Family Orthodontics to assess how everything is developing. Catching potential concerns early can help prevent bigger issues down the road and make treatment easier if it’s needed.
What Can an Early Evaluation Detect?
- Crowded or crooked teeth – Space issues can be spotted before all adult teeth come in.
- Bite concerns – Overbites, underbites, and crossbites can affect jaw growth and function.
- Jaw growth issues – Early signs of an imbalanced jaw can be addressed before they become more noticeable.
- Protruding front teeth – Teeth that stick out too far are at a higher risk of injury.
- Oral habits affecting growth – Thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting can impact how teeth come in.
Some kids won’t need treatment right away, but monitoring growth over time allows Dr. Vo to step in at the right moment if needed. Next, let’s explore what early treatment looks like and how it can help in the long run.
What Is Early Orthodontic Treatment?
Early orthodontic care—sometimes called Phase One treatment—focuses on guiding jaw and tooth development while kids are still growing. Rather than waiting until all permanent teeth arrive, Dr. Vo at Texas Family Orthodontics can intervene early if needed to help create space, correct bite issues, or address habits that could affect future alignment.
What Might Phase One Treatment Include?
- Expanders – Help widen the upper jaw to make room for permanent teeth.
- Partial Braces – Used in select areas to correct early misalignment.
- Space Maintainers – Keeps the right amount of space open if baby teeth are lost too soon.
- Habit Correction – Helps address thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting, which can impact tooth and jaw development.
Not every child will need early treatment, and in many cases, monitoring growth is the best approach. If Dr. Vo sees a potential issue, she’ll determine the right timing for treatment to make future orthodontic care as smooth as possible. Now, let’s look at the benefits of starting treatment early.
How Early Treatment Can Help
Starting orthodontic care early can improve long-term oral health, boost confidence, and even make future treatment simpler. The Texas Family Orthodontics team uses early intervention to correct potential concerns while the jaw is still growing, which makes it easier to create the right foundation for a healthy smile. Here are some benefits of early orthodontic care:
Simplifies Future Treatment
Addressing issues early can reduce the need for extractions or lengthy orthodontic work later on.
Protects Teeth & Jaws
Protruding front teeth are more vulnerable to injury, and early treatment can help reposition them.
Supports Healthy Jaw Growth
Adjusting jaw development early can improve bite function and prevent imbalances.
Corrects Oral Habits
Thumb-sucking, tongue-thrusting, or mouth breathing can all impact dental development.
Boosts Confidence
Kids who feel good about their smiles are more likely to show them off!
Early treatment can make a big difference in childrens’ overall dental health. Next, let’s go over some signs that your child may benefit from an orthodontic evaluation.
Signs Your Child May Need Early Treatment
It’s not always easy to tell when a child needs orthodontic care, especially when baby teeth are still present. Some issues, like crowding or gaps, are obvious, while others—like bite problems—can be harder to spot. That’s why early evaluations with Dr. Vo at Texas Family Orthodontics can be so valuable.
Common Signs to Watch For:
- Early or late loss of baby teeth – Losing teeth too soon or keeping them too long may indicate space or growth issues.
- Difficulty chewing or biting – If eating certain foods is a challenge, it could be due to a misaligned bite.
- Mouth breathing – Chronic mouth breathing can impact jaw development and tooth positioning.
- Thumb-sucking beyond age five – Prolonged sucking habits can push teeth forward and affect bite structure.
- Crowded, misplaced, or blocked-out teeth – Teeth struggling to erupt properly might indicate the need for space adjustments.
- Jaws that shift or make noise – Clicking, popping, or uneven jaw movements can signal an imbalance.
If any of these signs sound familiar, an orthodontic consultation can help determine if early treatment is the right step. Next, let’s walk through what happens at your child’s first visit with Dr. Vo.
What to Expect at Your Child’s Orthodontic Consultation
Visiting the orthodontist for the first time can feel like a big step, but Dr. Vo and the team at Texas Family Orthodontics make the experience easy and stress-free. From the moment you walk in, we focus on making both parents and kids feel comfortable.
Here’s what happens during the visit:
- A Comfortable Start: Our team will introduce you to the office and answer any initial questions.
- Digital Imaging: We take X-rays and photos to assess tooth and jaw development.
- Thorough Evaluation: Dr. Vo will check for crowding, bite issues, and jaw growth concerns.
- Personalized Plan: If treatment is needed, we’ll outline the best approach and timing for your child’s care.
If no treatment is necessary yet, we’ll schedule periodic check-ups to monitor growth!
A Smile That Grows With Them
Early orthodontic care sets kids up for a lifetime of confidence and healthy growth. With Dr. Vo and the team at Texas Family Orthodontics, your child’s smile is in expert hands, whether they need immediate treatment or just routine monitoring. Schedule your free consultation at our San Antonio or Windcrest office and let’s start shaping a future full of happy, healthy smiles!