Orthodontics for Kids
Inner Smiles Orthodontics
Happy, Healthy Smiles Start at Inner-Smiles Orthodontics
The number one thing I tell parents is: “Teeth don’t know how to count.” Teeth don’t follow a set schedule based on your child’s age or what a textbook says. Instead, we look at patterns—how your child’s adult teeth and facial bones are developing—to determine if and when orthodontic treatment might be needed.
Early detection of developing issues gives me the best opportunity to time your child’s treatment effectively and increases the chances of long-term success. Orthodontics is all about timing—starting at the right moment helps us achieve the best result with the least amount of time, effort, and cost.
When should I bring my child in for a first orthodontic consultation?
I, along with the American Association of Orthodontists, recommend bringing your child in by age 7.
Why so young?
By age 7, most children have their first adult molars and at least a few front adult teeth. That’s just enough to help us evaluate the bite and get a snapshot of how the jaws and smile are developing. Some kids at this stage need early intervention to prevent future issues, while others simply need monitoring as they grow.
Is early orthodontic treatment always necessary?
No. Most kids do not need early treatment. The timing of treatment depends entirely on how your child’s smile and face are developing. This is where we weigh the difference between could and should.
From ages 7 to 12, it’s completely normal to have some crooked teeth. We only recommend treatment during this time if we can prevent more serious issues down the road. Our goal is to make sure that if we step in early, it’s for something important and impactful.
Early treatment is often called “Phase I” or “Interceptive Treatment.” I like to think of it like a football interception: you spot a problem, make a key move to change the outcome, and then let the rest of the play unfold. We aim for targeted, effective interventions that move the ball forward—nothing unnecessary.
What are the benefits of Interceptive Orthodontics?
Interceptive treatment often focuses on correcting a narrow upper jaw. Expansion can:
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Make room for adult teeth
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Help align the bite and jaw symmetry
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Reduce the need for extractions
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Even potentially avoid jaw surgery later on
Bonus: a wider upper jaw can improve nasal airflow. While breathing is never the primary reason for treatment, it’s a great side benefit.
We also guide “Teeth Behaving Badly.” That’s my way of describing teeth that are headed off track—getting stuck, growing in the wrong place, or crowding others. Not every misdirected tooth needs help, but we focus on the ones that do—the ones that are really bad with directions!
Other benefits of early orthodontic treatment include:
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Guiding jaw growth
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Creating space for crowded or unerupted teeth
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Reducing the need to remove permanent teeth
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Correcting crossbites and asymmetries
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Minimizing risk of injury to protruding teeth
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Addressing overbites and underbites
What if my child doesn’t need early treatment?
That’s great! If your child doesn’t need interceptive care, we’ll place them on a “Growth & Development” monitoring plan. This means we’ll bring them in every 6–12 months to track changes and step in only if necessary.
Most parents walk away from that first visit feeling reassured—either knowing their child doesn’t need treatment yet, or having a clear plan to address concerns before they become more complex or costly.
Will my child still need full braces later?
Most likely, yes.
It used to be that some kids could skip a second phase, but today, nearly everyone will benefit from or want full orthodontic treatment once all adult teeth are in. Why?
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Sometimes early treatment solves the big issues, but not everything can or should be addressed at once.
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Other times, it’s about finishing touches—straightening a few teeth “for pretty.”
Either way, I’ll be here to guide you and your child every step of the way.