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Giving Growing Smiles a Head Start

At Johnson & Searcy Orthodontics, we believe the earlier we can guide your child’s smile, the better the outcome. Early orthodontic treatment—also known as Phase 1 treatment—is designed to catch potential issues while a child’s mouth is still developing. By addressing concerns early on, we can help prevent more serious complications later. It’s all about setting the stage for a healthy, confident smile that grows with your child.

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Early Orthodontic Treatments

Setting the Foundation for a Lifetime of Perfect Smiles.

Our early orthodontic treatments use gentle, customized appliances designed to guide your child’s jaw growth and create space for incoming teeth. These may include expanders to widen the palate, partial braces to correct bite issues, or removable devices that help align the jaw. See below for more information on what to look for during your child’s development—early signs that may indicate the need for orthodontic evaluation and timely treatment to support healthy, confident smiles.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommend all children have an orthodontic evaluation at the age of 7.

Crowding or Misalignment

When there isn’t enough room in the mouth, teeth can overlap or grow crooked, making early intervention essential to guide proper alignment.

Bite Problems

These misalignments affect how the upper and lower teeth fit together, impacting chewing, speech, and jaw development.

Jaw Growth Imbalances

Uneven jaw growth can lead to noticeable differences in facial appearance and may cause functional issues with biting or breathing.

Early or Delayed Loss of Baby Teeth

Losing baby teeth too soon or too late can interfere with the way permanent teeth come in, leading to crowding or spacing problems.

Habits Like Thumb Sucking & Mouth Breathing

Prolonged thumb sucking or chronic mouth breathing can alter jaw growth and tooth positioning, requiring early correction.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Have any Question?

Our FAQ sections are designed to help you quickly find answers to common orthodontic issues and provide guidance on how to manage issues until you can visit our office. If you’re unsure about any situation or need immediate assistance, don’t hesitate to contact us for expert support.

1. When should my child have their first orthodontic evaluation?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a check-up by age 7 to identify any early signs needing attention.
2. What issues can early treatment address?
It can correct bite problems, overcrowding, jaw growth imbalances, and habits like thumb sucking that affect teeth and jaw development.
3. What appliances are commonly used in early treatment?
Devices like palatal expanders, partial braces, space maintainers, and functional appliances help guide proper growth and alignment.
4. Will my child need braces after early treatment?
Often, early treatment reduces the complexity or duration of later braces but doesn’t always eliminate the need for them.
5. How long does early orthodontic treatment usually take?
Treatment time varies but typically lasts 6 to 12 months, followed by a monitoring period until full permanent teeth eruption.
6. What are the benefits of starting treatment early?
Early intervention can prevent more serious problems, reduce treatment time later, and promote healthier jaw and facial development.