Early Orthodontics
for Growing Smiles.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first screening by age 7. It's a quick look at how things are developing, and it doesn't mean treatment starts right away.
- Screen by Age 7AAO Guideline
Interceptive care, while a smile is still forming
What it is: Early orthodontics, sometimes called Phase 1 treatment, works with the years when a child's jaw is still growing and baby teeth are making way for permanent ones. Guiding that growth at the right time can open up room for incoming teeth and set up a healthier bite.
A screening by age 7 just gives us a baseline. Plenty of kids are better served by watching and waiting than jumping into treatment, and we'll tell you straight when that's the case.
Who it's for: kids around 7 to 10 with crowding, teeth coming in early or late, mouth breathing, thumb-sucking, or a bite that looks off. Worth a look too if your dentist has already flagged something.
- AAO Age-7 Guidance
- No-Pressure Approach
What to Expect with Early Care
A calm, unhurried process built around your child.
1. Free Screening
A gentle first look at your child's teeth, jaw, and bite. Your initial exam is free, a $99 value.
2. Growth Review
Digital 3D imaging helps us see how permanent teeth and the jaw are developing.
3. Honest Plan
We recommend treatment now, or continued monitoring, whichever is genuinely right for your child.
4. Ongoing Check-Ins
If we watch and wait, regular check-ins make sure we act at exactly the right time.
How Early Intervention Can Help
When treatment makes sense, catching it early can simplify what comes later. Every child is different, but here's what we're watching for.
Guide Jaw Growth
Gentle guidance while the jaw is still developing may help shape a more balanced bite.
Create Room
Making space for permanent teeth can help reduce crowding as a child grows.
Address Habits
Habits like thumb-sucking or mouth breathing can be identified and gently managed early.
Parent Peace of Mind
A clear baseline and honest guidance means you'll never wonder if you're missing something.
Early Orthodontics Questions
What parents ask before that first screening.
By age 7, enough permanent teeth and jaw growth are usually in place for an orthodontist to spot how things are developing. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends this first screening as a baseline, not as a sign treatment is needed.
Not at all. Many children simply continue with periodic monitoring so we can act at the ideal moment if needed. We'll only recommend early treatment when there's a clear benefit to starting before all permanent teeth arrive.
The initial screening is free, a $99 value. If treatment is recommended, we offer plans from $188/month with $800 down and 0% in-house financing for qualifying families, and we accept most major insurance.
Orthodontic care works at any age, so it's never truly "too late." An early visit simply gives more options while the jaw is still growing. If you're past age 7, a screening is still a great, no-pressure way to understand where your child stands.
Explore Other Treatments
More options for every age and stage.
Braces for Kids & Teens
Durable plans designed to fit active lifestyles and growing smiles.
Clear Aligners
Discreet, removable, and effective. Straighten teeth without metal wires.
Braces for Adults
It's never too late. Aesthetic ceramic and discreet options for a professional look.
Start with a free exam.
Tell us how to reach you and we will call to book a time. The exam is free, a $99 value, and includes 3D imaging. You will leave knowing what treatment costs before you commit to anything.
Rather talk now?
- Phone(248) 313-4899
Start with a free screening for your child.
No pressure, no obligation. Just an honest look and straight answers from our team.
- Plans from $188/mo, $800 down
- 0% In-House Financing Available
- Free 3D digital imaging
- Most insurance accepted
Your First Visit
Conditions apply based on treatment needs