Early Treatment

Early orthodontic care can play a key role in guiding your child’s smile as they grow. At Orthodontics of San Mateo, Dr. Krista Hirasuna evaluates developing teeth and jaw growth early to help prevent small concerns from becoming more complex problems later.

At What Age Should a Child First Visit the Orthodontist?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic screening by age 7.

At this age, children typically have a mix of baby and permanent teeth, allowing Dr. Hirasuna to identify potential issues early. This evaluation helps determine whether treatment is needed right away or if it is best to monitor growth over time.

Why Are Children Evaluated for Orthodontics So Early?

Early evaluation allows us to take a proactive approach to your child’s oral development. Even if treatment is not immediately necessary, monitoring growth provides valuable insight into how the teeth and jaws are developing.

When early treatment is recommended, it can help:

• Guide jaw growth and development
• Create space for incoming permanent teeth
• Reduce the risk of damage to protruding front teeth
• Improve bite alignment early
• Address habits such as thumb-sucking or tongue positioning

By addressing these concerns early, we can often make future treatment simpler and more efficient.

Does Early Orthodontic Treatment Benefit Every Child?

Not every child requires early orthodontic treatment. In many cases, it is more effective to wait until more permanent teeth have erupted.

Dr. Hirasuna creates a personalized plan for every child. If treatment is not needed right away, your child will be monitored to ensure that treatment begins at the ideal time for the best results.

What Is the Orthodontic Observation Program?

Our orthodontic observation program is designed for children who are not ready for treatment but still need periodic monitoring.

During this program, we track how permanent teeth are erupting and how the jaws are developing. Regular check-ups allow us to detect any changes early and recommend treatment at the most effective time.

This approach helps avoid unnecessary treatment while ensuring optimal timing and results.

If My Child Has Early Treatment, Will They Still Need Braces Later?

Early treatment often addresses significant concerns, but it does not always eliminate the need for future orthodontic care.

Phase I treatment focuses on guiding growth and correcting early issues. Phase II treatment, typically during the teen years, focuses on fine-tuning alignment once all permanent teeth are present.

In many cases, early treatment shortens and simplifies later treatment.

Do We Still Need to See Our Family Dentist During Treatment?

Yes. Regular dental visits are essential during orthodontic care.

We recommend that patients continue seeing their general dentist every six months for cleanings and check-ups. Maintaining good oral hygiene and professional care helps ensure the best possible outcome during orthodontic treatment.