The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic check by age 7. An early visit lets our board-certified orthodontists spot issues sooner, guide jaw and tooth development, and choose the best time to treat, often preventing bigger problems later. At Robert Stoner Orthodontics in Greensboro, that first visit is free.
Bringing your child in early is one of the best things you can do for their smile. By around age 7, enough permanent teeth have come in for us to see how your child’s smile is developing and to catch concerns like crowding, bite problems, or a narrow jaw while they are easiest to address. Many children will not need treatment right away, and that is perfectly fine. The goal of an early visit is simply to make sure your child is on the right track.
Why an Early Orthodontic Visit Matters
Catching orthodontic issues early gives us more options. While your child is still growing, we can gently guide erupting teeth into better positions, preserve space for permanent teeth, and influence jaw development. Early evaluation can reduce the likelihood of impacted teeth, lower the chance of needing permanent tooth extractions later, and address habits like thumb-sucking that affect the bite. Even when treatment is not needed yet, an early check gives you a clear plan and peace of mind.
Two Phases of Treatment
For some children, treatment happens in two phases. Phase I (early treatment) corrects significant problems while your child is young, guiding growth and creating space. Later, a shorter Phase II with full braces, once all the permanent teeth have come in, completes the correction. Many children only ever need one phase of treatment as teens. We will recommend Phase I only when it offers a real benefit.
Our Growth and Development Program
If your child is not ready for treatment yet, we will place them in our complimentary growth and development program. We will see them about every 6 to 12 months to monitor how their permanent teeth are coming in, so we can begin treatment at exactly the right time. There is no fee for this program, just attentive care while your child grows.
Caring for Your Child’s Smile
Braces or not, your child should keep seeing their family dentist for regular cleanings and checkups, at least every 6 months, throughout any orthodontic treatment. Good daily brushing and flossing keep teeth healthy and treatment on track.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age should my child first see an orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic visit by age 7. By then, enough permanent teeth have come in for us to evaluate your child’s bite and development, even if treatment will not begin for a few years.
Will my child definitely need braces if we come in early?
Not necessarily. Many children who visit early simply join our complimentary monitoring program until the timing is right, and some never need treatment at all. An early visit is about planning, not committing to braces.
What is two-phase treatment?
Two-phase treatment uses an early round of care to correct significant problems while your child is growing, followed later by a shorter phase of full braces once all the permanent teeth are in. We recommend it only when early treatment offers a clear benefit.
Schedule Your Free Consultation
Give your child’s smile the best possible start. Call our Beaman Place office at (336) 274-7649 or our Lake Brandt office at (336) 644-1464, or request a free consultation online. Robert Stoner Orthodontics proudly serves families across Greensboro, Summerfield, and Guilford County.