Taking your child to an orthodontist by the time they’re in first grade may seem like it’s too soon, but the best time to spot developing bite and spacing issues is while the jaw is still growing and the first adult teeth are starting to come in. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic checkup by age seven, because enough permanent teeth are present by then to spot developing issues. 

Early orthodontics, also called phase I orthodontics or interceptive orthodontics, focuses on guiding jaw growth and the timing of adult tooth eruption while children are still developing, and small problems are easier to manage. An early orthodontic evaluation can also be life-changing for a child who breathes through their mouth at night, has baby teeth that fall out too early, or is a persistent thumb-sucker. 

Read on to learn more about the signs your child may need phase I orthodontics and where to find the best orthodontist in West LA. 

Signs Your Child May Need Early Orthodontic Treatment

Parents often ask us, “What are the signs my child needs braces?” And in most cases, there are clear signs, including: 

  • Struggles with chewing or constantly only chewing foods on one side of the mouth
  • A clicking sound when they open and close their mouth 
  • Mouth breathing, especially when accompanied by snoring at night or lips resting open during the day
  • Teeth that are obviously over-crowded or overlapping
  • Baby teeth that fall out very early or hang on too long
  • Front teeth that stick out
  • A bite where the top and bottom teeth do not meet evenly
  • A crossbite, in which some top teeth sit inside the bottom teeth when they bite down
  • An open bite that leaves a visible gap in front teeth, even when the back teeth touch

How Early Orthodontics Can Prevent Bigger Problems Later

Phase I orthodontics can lower the chance of more complex orthodontic treatment later on. This is because interceptive orthodontics works with growth while the jaw bones are still changing, which can make it easier to guide tooth eruption, reduce severe crowding, and nudge a bite that is sliding off-center back toward a healthier fit. In most cases, early orthodontics can simplify later orthodontics and reduce the need for headgear, tooth extractions, or jaw surgery. 

Two of the most effective ways early orthodontics can help you avoid complex orthodontic treatment later on are bite correction and space management: 

1. How Early Orthodontics Helps Correct Jaw Misalignments Without Oral Surgery

Bite misalignments can make chewing more difficult and contribute to a mouth that hangs open at rest and to speech impediments. Correction supports healthier day-to-day habits, such as nasal breathing and improved saliva control.

There are three specific types of bite misalignments that phase I orthodontics can help correct before they become a major issue: 

  • Crossbites: Early correction of a crossbite can prevent jaw misalignment, which can eventually lead to uneven tooth wear and TMJ disorders.
  • Underbite: Correcting this misalignment can reduce stress on specific teeth over time and make eating easier and speech clearer.
  • Open bite: This bite misalignment is often linked with thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting and can leave a visible gap in the front, even when the back teeth touch.

2. How Early Orthodontics Helps Avoid Future Teeth Crowding

Early orthodontic treatment can help create and maintain space before tooth crowding becomes an issue, especially while the jaws are still growing and the bite is still forming. This is especially important for kids who have a baby tooth that is lost too early. In these cases, a space maintainer can hold the space open so nearby teeth do not drift into it, helping preserve room for the adult tooth that is expected to come in later. Adequate space between teeth is important for daily oral hygiene. When teeth overlap tightly, plaque can hide in the corners that your child’s toothbrush and floss keep missing, which can raise the risk of cavities and gum disease over time. 

What Does Early Orthodontic Treatment Involve?

Phase I orthodontic treatment begins while a child still has a mix of baby and adult teeth, and focuses on guiding adult teeth into a better position. Depending on your child's needs, this early phase may involve: 

  • A palatal expander to gently widen the jaw 
  • A small section of braces to help guide a few teeth to a better position
  • Habit-breaking dental appliances that help the way your child’s jaw develops and how their adult teeth erupt 

Finding the Best Orthodontist in West LA for Phase I Orthodontic Treatment

The best time to guide a child’s smile is while it’s still being built. At West LA Orthodontics, we focus on phase I orthodontics to support healthy jaw growth and help adult teeth come in with less crowding and fewer surprises. 

‍Dr. Jonathan “Dr. J” Shouhed is a Los Angeles native who came back to serve the community he grew up in, bringing a strong academic foundation from UCLA and USC, along with specialty training in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics. 

In our state-of-the-art office in Culver City, we keep the plan less stressful for parents and easy for kids to handle, with practical treatment options that make sense and long-term support that keeps growing smiles on track throughout the teen years and beyond. 

Read to make sure your child is on track for a lifetime of bright, beautiful smiles with the best orthodontist in West LA?