Early Orthodontic Treatment in Everett, WA
If you’re a parent, you’ve probably asked yourself: “Does my child really need braces this young?” Or maybe you’ve heard that kids should see an orthodontist by age seven and wondered why.
At Advanced Orthodontics in Everett, WA, we believe early orthodontic care is all about timing. Not every child needs treatment right away, but an early evaluation helps us understand how your child’s smile is developing and whether intervention will be helpful later on.
Dr. Lewandowski provides expert orthodontic care for children, teens, and adults, and every treatment plan is customized to fit each patient’s unique needs.
Does Early Orthodontic Treatment Benefit Every Child?
Early treatment does not necessarily benefit all children.
Some orthodontic concerns are easier to correct during the teen years, once all permanent teeth have erupted. In other cases, certain jaw growth differences should not be treated until growth is more advanced or complete.
That’s why we take an individualized approach. Dr. Lewandowski carefully evaluates each child and develops a plan based on their specific smile, bite, and growth pattern.
Even if treatment isn’t needed right away, we still recommend scheduling an initial orthodontic visit around age seven, so we can monitor development early and guide you with confidence.
Why Does the American Association of Orthodontists Recommend an Evaluation by Age 7?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that most children receive an orthodontic screening by age seven. This early visit allows orthodontists to identify developing issues before they become more complex.
Many general dentists in the Everett community are trained to recognize orthodontic concerns early and may refer families even before age seven.
Not every child will need early treatment, but early screening helps ensure that the timing is right if care is needed later.
Why Are Children Evaluated So Young?
Early diagnosis can offer important advantages during a child’s growth years. By seeing children early, orthodontists can guide erupting teeth into healthier positions and reduce the risk of future complications.
Early orthodontic evaluation can help:
- Preserve space for incoming permanent teeth
- Reduce the chance of injury to protruding front teeth
- Identify bite issues before they worsen
- Support healthy jaw development
Think of it like checking the foundation before building a house, small adjustments early can make a big difference later.
What Are the Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment?
If early treatment is recommended, it can help guide the growth of the jaw and incoming permanent teeth in a more favorable direction.
Early orthodontic care may:
- Regulate the width of the upper and lower dental arches
- Create space for permanent teeth
- Reduce the likelihood of impacted teeth
- Help avoid permanent tooth extractions
- Correct thumb sucking habits
- Improve abnormal swallowing or speech concerns
In many cases, early treatment can simplify later orthodontic care once all permanent teeth have erupted.
What Is the Orthodontic Supervisory Program (Kids Club)?
If Dr. Lewandowski determines that your child is not ready for treatment yet, they may be placed in our orthodontic supervisory program, also known as our Kids Club.
This program allows us to monitor your child’s growth and tooth eruption pattern over time.
Kids Club includes:
- No-charge observation exams every 6–12 months
- Monitoring of permanent tooth development
- Guidance on the best time to begin treatment
- Coordination with your family dentist when needed
Sometimes, early removal of baby teeth can improve eruption patterns and reduce the total time needed for braces later.
Will Early Treatment Prevent the Need for Braces Later?
This is one of the most common questions parents ask.
Early orthodontic treatment can begin correcting significant issues, prevent more severe problems from developing, and make future care easier.
However, because not all permanent teeth have erupted during early treatment, final alignment may still require a second phase.
Typically, children who receive early treatment may still need a shorter comprehensive phase (Phase II) with full braces or Invisalign-style aligners during the pre-teen or teen years.
In some cases, additional orthodontic treatment may not be needed, but every smile is different.
How Does Orthodontic Treatment Improve More Than Just Appearance?
A straight smile looks great, but orthodontic treatment offers benefits beyond aesthetics.
Braces and aligners can help:
- Improve bite function and chewing
- Make teeth easier to clean
- Prevent uneven tooth wear
- Support long-term dental health
- Increase the longevity of natural teeth over a lifetime
Orthodontics is about building a healthier foundation for the future.
Should My Child Still See the Family Dentist During Treatment?
Yes, absolutely. Patients with braces or orthodontic appliances need extra care to keep their teeth and gums clean. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are essential throughout treatment. Dr. Lewandowski encourages every patient to continue seeing their family dentist during orthodontic care to maintain excellent oral health.
Ready to Find Out What Your Child’s Smile Needs?
If you’re wondering whether your child may benefit from early orthodontic treatment, the best next step is a professional evaluation. At Advanced Orthodontics in Everett, WA, we make orthodontic care comfortable, informative, and family-friendly from the very first visit. Schedule your child’s orthodontic screening today and feel confident knowing you’re taking the right step at the right time, for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re exploring early orthodontic care for your child, you’re not alone. Many parents in Everett, WA, have questions about timing, growth, and what early treatment really involves. Below are some of the most common questions families ask when considering early orthodontic treatment at Advanced Orthodontics.
Is early orthodontic treatment only for severe cases?
Not always. Early treatment is often recommended for specific growth or bite concerns, even if the teeth don’t look severely crooked yet. In some cases, small early adjustments can prevent bigger problems later.
How long does Phase I orthodontic treatment usually last?
Phase I treatment varies depending on your child’s needs, but it often lasts between 9 and 18 months. Dr. Lewandowski will explain the expected timeline during your visit.
What happens if we choose to wait instead of treating early?
If treatment isn’t needed immediately, waiting may be the best choice. That’s why our Kids Club observation program exists, to monitor growth and start treatment at the ideal time if necessary.
Is early orthodontic care covered by insurance?
Many orthodontic insurance plans cover treatment for children, including early intervention when medically necessary. Our team can help you understand your benefits and review financial options.
How do I schedule an early orthodontic evaluation in Everett, WA?
Scheduling is easy. Simply contact Advanced Orthodontics to request your child’s orthodontic screening. We’ll help you find a convenient appointment time and answer any questions along the way.