Parents often hear two kinds of advice about braces. Some people say to start early. Others say to wait until all the permanent teeth are in. The honest answer is that it depends on your child. This guide weighs both paths so you can have an informed conversation with your orthodontist.
What Is Early Orthodontic Treatment?
Early treatment, also called interceptive or phase 1 orthodontics, begins while some baby teeth are still present. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, the goal is not to rush every child into braces. Early care helps an orthodontist identify developing problems and, when needed, guide growth in a way that can improve long-term oral health and bite function.
The American Association of Orthodontists notes that in some cases a second course of treatment is still recommended later, once all permanent teeth have come in, to place those teeth in their best positions.
What "Wait and See" Really Means
Waiting does not mean ignoring. The AAO describes an early check-up as often more about information than immediate treatment, and says there are three possible outcomes:
- No treatment is expected to be necessary.
- Treatment may be needed in the future, so your child is followed periodically as the face and jaws grow.
- There is a developing problem that lends itself to early treatment.
If your child lands in the middle group, monitoring can be a good outcome. Your orthodontist watches growth and tooth eruption and recommends treatment only if and when it becomes beneficial.
Potential Benefits of Starting Early
The AAO says some orthodontic problems may be easier to correct when found and treated early, and that waiting until all permanent teeth are in, or until facial growth is nearly complete, can make certain corrections more difficult. Early treatment aims to:
- Intercept a developing problem and remove its cause when possible
- Guide the growth of the jaw bones
- Create adequate space for incoming permanent teeth
Our own orthodontics FAQ explains that a great deal of orthodontic work can be done while baby teeth are still in the mouth, and that treatment is sometimes most successful when it coincides with a child's natural growth pattern.
Potential Drawbacks of Starting Early
- It may not be the only treatment. Early treatment does not always replace later treatment, and some children need a second phase.
- It is not needed for everyone. The AAO notes that many orthodontic problems are best treated after all permanent teeth have come in.
Which Concerns May Benefit From Early Treatment?
The AAO lists concerns that orthodontists may recommend treating while some baby teeth are still present, including underbites, crossbites, significant crowding, excessive spacing, extra or missing teeth, teeth that meet abnormally or not at all, and thumb, finger, or pacifier habits that affect the teeth or jaw growth. Whether your child has one of these is something only an exam can tell you.
When Should My Child Be Seen?
The AAO recommends a first orthodontic check-up when a problem is first recognized, and no later than age 7. By then many children have enough permanent teeth for an orthodontist to evaluate how the teeth and jaws are developing. If something looks off before age 7, you do not need to wait. Read more in our post on why orthodontic screenings start at age 7.
Questions to Ask at the Visit
- Is there an orthodontic problem, and if so, what is it?
- What are the options, including monitoring?
- If treatment is recommended, when should it start and how long will it take?
- Will a second phase likely be needed?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my child too young for braces?
Not necessarily. When treatment is needed, much of it can be done while baby teeth are still present. An evaluation tells you whether your child needs treatment now or later.
Does my child need braces?
An evaluation with a pediatric dentist or orthodontist, including clinical measurements and X-rays, is the way to know.
If we wait, could treatment become harder?
It depends on the concern. The AAO notes that waiting can make some corrections more difficult, while many problems are best treated after all permanent teeth have come in. Regular check-ups let your orthodontist recommend the right timing for your child.
Schedule a Visit in Boerne
Boerne Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry is at 215 W Bandera Rd Suite 112, Boerne, TX 78006. Call us at (830) 331-8008. Our hours are Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and every other Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. by appointment only. Visit our contact page to reach our team. We will help you decide whether to treat now or monitor.