As a parent, you want the best for your child—including a healthy, confident smile. But when it comes to orthodontic care, many families are unsure when to start thinking about braces or whether early treatment is even necessary.
At Lucas Orthodontic Group, we work closely with parents across Middle Tennessee to take the guesswork out of early orthodontics. Whether your child is showing signs of bite problems or you just want to be proactive, this guide will walk you through when and why to consider braces for your child, and how early care can make a big difference.
What Is Early Orthodontic Treatment?
Also called Phase One Orthodontics, early treatment begins while your child still has some baby teeth—typically between ages 7 and 10. The goal isn’t always to straighten teeth right away, but to guide proper jaw growth, correct bite issues, and prevent more serious problems later on.
Not every child needs early orthodontic treatment, but a simple exam can help identify whether they’re on track or could benefit from early intervention.
Why Age 7?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. At this stage, their mouth has a mix of baby and permanent teeth, which allows us to:
- Spot potential crowding or spacing issues
- Evaluate bite alignment and jaw development
- Identify habits like thumb sucking or mouth breathing
- Detect early signs of crossbites, overbites, or underbites
At Lucas Orthodontic Group, these evaluations are quick, painless, and completely free—giving parents peace of mind and a clearer picture of their child’s dental development.
Signs Your Child Might Need Braces Early
While some children show no symptoms at all, here are a few signs that may indicate your child could benefit from an early orthodontic checkup:
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- Difficulty chewing or biting
- Crowded, crooked, or protruding teeth
- Mouth breathing
- Jaw shifting or clicking
- Frequent thumb sucking past age 4–5
- Teeth that don’t come together when biting
Even if everything looks fine on the surface, an orthodontist can detect subtle issues that might not be obvious at home or during routine dental visits.
What Happens if Early Treatment Is Recommended?
If early treatment is advised, we’ll create a personalized plan designed to correct current issues and set the stage for smoother, more efficient treatment in the future.
Early care may involve:
- Limited braces
- Expanders
- Space maintainers
- Habit appliances (for thumb sucking or tongue thrusting)
After Phase One is complete, we’ll monitor your child’s growth until they’re ready for Phase Two (comprehensive treatment), typically in the early teen years when all permanent teeth are in.
The Benefits of Starting Orthodontic Treatment Early
Orthodontic problems are easier to treat when caught early. By evaluating your child’s smile around age 7, we can:
- Prevent more serious issues down the road
- Shorten overall treatment time
- Reduce the need for extractions or surgery
- Improve facial symmetry and jaw function
- Boost your child’s confidence and comfort
At Lucas Orthodontic Group, we’re committed to helping your child grow into a smile they’ll love for life—while making the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Convenient Care for Growing Smiles Across Nashville
We proudly serve families throughout Middle Tennessee with six convenient office locations. No matter where you’re located, expert orthodontic care is always close to home. And with flexible scheduling and a team that truly loves working with kids, we make every visit feel easy.
Wondering if it’s the right time for your child to see an orthodontist? You don’t have to decide alone. At Lucas Orthodontic Group, our friendly team is here to help you understand your child’s needs and guide you through every step of the orthodontic journey.