Early Orthodontic Treatment in Greensboro, NC

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child have a first orthodontic check by age 7. By then, enough permanent teeth have come in for our board-certified orthodontists to spot bite and spacing problems early, while a child’s jaw is still developing and easiest to guide. At Robert Stoner Orthodontics in Greensboro, that first visit is free.

Early orthodontic treatment, also called interceptive or Phase I treatment, corrects problems in young children while the mouth and jaw are still forming, when treatment works best and is most comfortable. An early visit does not always mean braces are needed right away. Often it simply gives you a clear picture of how your child’s smile is developing and the right time to act, if ever.

Why Age 7?

By around age 7, your child’s first permanent teeth and first molars are usually in place, which lets us evaluate how the bite is coming together and whether there is enough room for the adult teeth. Jaw development is only about 60 percent complete by age 8 and roughly 90 percent complete by age 12, so the years around age 7 are a window when we can gently guide growth that would be far harder to change later. Catching a problem early can prevent the need to remove permanent teeth or pursue bigger, costlier procedures down the road.

If you notice a concern before your child turns 7, do not wait. Bring them in whenever something looks off to you.

How to Tell If Your Child May Need Early Treatment

Your child may benefit from an early evaluation if you notice any of these signs:

• Mouth breathing
• Difficulty chewing or biting
• Early or late loss of baby teeth
• Crowded, protruding, or crooked teeth
• Speech difficulties
• Thumb sucking or pacifier use past age 4
• Teeth and jaws that look out of proportion

The surest way to know is a professional evaluation. At your child’s free consultation, we examine the position and structure of the developing teeth and facial bones, look for any signs of future misalignment, and evaluate breathing habits. If your child is not ready for treatment, we will simply provide guidance and monitor their development over time, no treatment for its own sake.

The Two Phases of Early Treatment

Phase I (Early Treatment)

Phase I usually takes place between ages 6 and 10, while many baby teeth are still present. It focuses on correcting the bite, guiding jaw development, creating room for incoming permanent teeth, and addressing habits that affect development. The goal is to build a healthy foundation and prevent small problems from becoming serious ones.

Phase II

Phase II typically begins around ages 11 to 15, once most of the permanent teeth have come in. At this stage we use braces (or clear aligners) to settle the teeth into their final positions. When Phase I has already corrected the underlying bite and spacing, Phase II is often shorter and more straightforward.

Many children never need two phases at all, and we recommend Phase I only when early treatment offers a clear benefit.