Watching your child’s smile develop can bring up a lot of questions. You may wonder whether crowded teeth, bite problems, thumb or finger habits, underbite concerns, jaw growth, or early spacing issues need attention now or can be monitored over time.
At Altera Orthodontics in Royersford, PA, Braces for Kids begins with a careful orthodontic screening and a clear explanation of what we see. An experienced orthodontist could help determine whether your child may benefit from early treatment, future monitoring, or no treatment at this time.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have an orthodontic screening around age 7. At this age, many children still have baby teeth, while the first permanent molars and front teeth are usually starting to come in.
This early visit allows Dr. Hashemi to evaluate your child’s tooth position, bite, and jaw growth. It does not mean every child needs braces right away. For many children, the recommendation may simply be observation.
During an age-7 orthodontic screening, we may look for:
Dr. Hashemi does not want parents to feel like every age-7 visit automatically means treatment. Sometimes the most helpful thing we can do is monitor growth and wait for the right time.
Phase 1 treatment may help with concerns like jaw growth, severe crowding, crossbite, underbite tendencies, or bite issues — but it isn’t needed for every child. If an appliance is recommended, Dr. Hashemi wants parents to understand what it does and why timing matters. The goal isn’t to rush treatment — it’s to make the right call at the right time.
If Dr. Hashemi recommends early treatment, the plan may include:
Early orthodontic care should feel clear, manageable, and parent-friendly. If treatment is recommended, we will explain the reason for treatment, the estimated timeline, and how appointments may fit into your child’s routine.
Digital scans may make the process easier for children by avoiding traditional messy impressions. When appliances are needed, 3D-printed appliances, such as expanders, may support a more precise fit and make placement easier and more comfortable for patients.
Parents can expect guidance on:
Many children who complete Phase I treatment may still need Phase II treatment later. Phase II usually begins when more permanent teeth have erupted and the bite can be refined more completely.
Early orthodontic care can feel overwhelming, but the first step is simply understanding your child’s growth, bite, and tooth development. Our team will explain what we see in plain language and answer your questions clearly.
To learn more about Braces for Kids, schedule a complimentary consultation with Altera Orthodontics in Royersford, PA. We will review your child’s growth, bite, and tooth development, then explain what may make sense for their smile.
No. An age-7 screening helps determine whether your child needs early orthodontic treatment, future monitoring, or no treatment at that time.
Phase I treatment is early orthodontic care for some growing children. It may help with jaw growth, crowding, crossbite, underbite tendencies, or space concerns.
Early treatment may include a palatal expander, limited braces, facemask appliance, holding arch, space maintainer, habit support, or growth monitoring.
Digital scans may be more comfortable than traditional impressions, and 3D-printed appliances may support a better fit and easier placement when appliances are needed.