Orthodontics for Kids

Early orthodontic care sets the foundation for a lifetime of healthy, beautiful smiles

The Right Start for a Lifetime of Healthy Smiles

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. At this age, Dr. Dula can spot potential problems with jaw growth and emerging teeth while there’s still time to guide development in the right direction. Early detection and intervention can prevent more serious problems later and often reduce the need for extensive treatment as a teenager.

Why Age 7?

By age 7, your child has enough permanent teeth for us to evaluate how their jaw and teeth are developing

Early Problem Detection

Identify issues like crowding, crossbites, and jaw growth problems before they become severe.

Airway Development

Ensure proper jaw growth to support healthy breathing and prevent sleep-related issues.

Guide Facial Growth

Influence jaw development while your child is still growing for optimal results.

Prevent Future Problems

Interceptive treatment can prevent or simplify future orthodontic needs.

Boost Confidence

Addressing issues early can improve your child's self-esteem during crucial developmental years.

Shorter Treatment Later

Early intervention often means less complex, shorter treatment when permanent teeth come in.

What Is Phase I Treatment?

Early orthodontic treatment while some baby teeth are still present

Phase I treatment, also called interceptive orthodontics, is performed while your child still has a mix of baby and permanent teeth (usually ages 7-10). The goal is to create proper jaw relationships and make room for permanent teeth to erupt correctly. Not every child needs Phase I treatment, but for those who do, the benefits can be significant.

Conditions That May Benefit from Early Treatment

Severe crowding preventing permanent teeth from erupting

Crossbites that affect jaw growth

Severe overbites or underbites

Narrow upper jaw restricting airway

Protruding front teeth at risk of injury

Early or late loss of baby teeth

Habits like thumb sucking or tongue thrusting

Difficulty biting or chewing

Treatment Options for Kids

We offer various appliances and approaches tailored to your child’s specific needs

Palatal Expanders

Gently widen the upper jaw to create room for teeth and improve breathing. Most effective during the growth years.

Limited Braces

Braces on select teeth to guide eruption, correct crossbites, or create space for permanent teeth.

Space Maintainers

Hold space for permanent teeth when baby teeth are lost prematurely, preventing future crowding.

Habit Appliances

Help break thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting habits that can affect tooth and jaw development.

Functional Appliances

Guide jaw growth and improve the relationship between upper and lower jaws during growth spurts.

Airway-Focused Treatment

Specialized care to promote proper jaw development for optimal breathing and overall health.

What to Expect at Your Child's First Visit

We make orthodontic visits fun and stress-free for kids!

Warm Welcome

Our friendly team will greet you and your child, give a tour of our office, and answer any questions you have.

Comprehensive Exam

Dr. Dula will gently examine your child's teeth, jaws, and facial development. We'll take photos and X-rays if needed.

Discussion & Recommendations

We'll explain our findings in easy-to-understand terms and discuss whether treatment is needed now or if we should simply monitor growth.

Questions & Next Steps

ake all the time you need to ask questions. If treatment is recommended, we'll provide a detailed plan, timeline, and cost estimate.

Good news! Many children who come for an early evaluation don’t need immediate treatment. We’ll simply monitor their development with periodic check-ups at no charge.

We Make Orthodontics Fun!

At Lake Country Orthodontics, kids actually look forward to their visits.

Colorful Bands

Kids can choose their favorite colors for their braces bands—mix and match for fun combinations!

Contests & Rewards

We run fun contests and reward programs to make treatment engaging and exciting.

Friendly Environment

Our team loves working with kids and creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere at every visit.

Entertainment

Our office is designed to make kids comfortable with games, activities, and a positive vibe.

Questions Parents Often Ask

Will early treatment eliminate the need for braces later?

Not always, but it can significantly reduce treatment time and complexity later. Phase I treatment creates a better foundation for permanent teeth and can prevent serious problems that would be more difficult to correct in adolescence.

Is early treatment painful?

No! While there may be some initial adjustment and mild discomfort (similar to braces), modern orthodontics is very comfortable. Most kids adapt quickly and do great.

How long does Phase I treatment take?

Typically 12-18 months, followed by a resting period while we monitor the eruption of permanent teeth. Phase II (braces or Invisalign) may follow after all permanent teeth have erupted.

What if we just wait until all permanent teeth are in?

For some issues, waiting is perfectly fine. But for others—like crossbites, severe crowding, or airway problems—early intervention can prevent damage, guide growth, and avoid more invasive treatment later.