At Scott Family Orthodontics, we focus on the health and development of your child’s smile with early orthodontic treatment. By identifying potential orthodontic issues at the right time, we can often help create a smoother path for future smile development and reduce the risk of more complex problems later on.
Our team provides gentle, personalized care tailored to your child’s unique needs. If you are looking for early orthodontic treatment in Spokane or Spokane Valley, we are here to help you understand what to watch for and when treatment may be recommended.
When Should a Child See an Orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists® recommends that children have their first orthodontic screening by age 7. At this age, the mouth and jaw are still developing, which makes it possible to identify certain concerns early and monitor how the smile is growing.
Early orthodontic treatment does not mean every child will need braces right away. In many cases, an early evaluation simply helps us determine whether your child would benefit from treatment now or whether the best next step is continued observation.
What Early Orthodontic Treatment Can Help With
Early treatment may be recommended to guide jaw growth, improve tooth eruption patterns, and address developing bite concerns before they become more difficult to correct. Depending on your child’s needs, early orthodontic treatment may help with:
- Crowding or lack of space for permanent teeth
- Early bite issues such as overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites
- Jaw growth concerns
- Teeth coming in out of position
- Habits or conditions that may affect long-term smile development
Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment
- Creating Space: Early treatment can create room for crowded teeth to erupt more naturally, which may reduce the need for future extractions.
- Preventing Problems: Addressing issues early can help prevent more severe orthodontic concerns later, potentially saving time and money in the future.
- Reducing Future Treatment Time: Early intervention may reduce the total time needed for orthodontic care as your child grows.
- Supporting Jaw Development: Early treatment can help guide jaw growth and improve how the upper and lower teeth fit together.
What to Expect at Your Child’s Consultation
During your child’s consultation, Dr. Jason Scott will conduct a thorough examination and discuss the best next steps based on your child’s smile development. We believe in a collaborative approach, so we take time to answer questions and make sure you feel informed and comfortable throughout the process.
Depending on your child’s needs, we may recommend:
- Monitoring growth and development over time
- Starting early orthodontic treatment now
- Planning for future treatment when the timing is right
We offer a range of treatment options, including both removable and fixed appliances, based on what will best support your child’s smile and bite.
Early Treatment and Future Orthodontic Care
Early orthodontic treatment is often called Phase 1 treatment. Its purpose is to address specific developmental concerns while your child is still growing. Some children may still need a second phase of treatment later, while others may need less treatment than they otherwise would have.
If future treatment is needed, we may recommend options such as Braces, Invisalign Clear Aligners, or Retainers after active treatment is complete.
Why Choose Scott Family Orthodontics for Early Orthodontic Treatment
Our goal is to make orthodontic care as comfortable and stress-free as possible for both children and parents. Dr. Jason Scott earned his dental degree at UCLA and completed his orthodontic residency at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. He is also an active member of the American Association of Orthodontists and the Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists.
With a personalized, family-friendly approach, our team works to make sure each child receives the right care at the right time.
You can learn more about Dr. Scott on our Meet Our Doctor page and get to know our team on the Meet Our Team page.
Early Orthodontic Care in Spokane and Spokane Valley
We proudly provide orthodontic care for children and families from both of our convenient office locations:
If you are searching for early orthodontic treatment in Spokane, early orthodontic treatment in Spokane Valley, or a family orthodontist near South Hill Spokane, our team is here to help.
Early Orthodontic Treatment FAQs
At what age should my child first see an orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an initial orthodontic screening by age 7. This helps identify developing concerns early, even if treatment is not needed yet.
Does every child need early orthodontic treatment?
No. Some children benefit from early treatment, while others simply need monitoring until they are older. An evaluation helps determine the right timing.
Does early orthodontic treatment mean my child will not need braces later?
Not always. Early treatment can improve development and reduce future complexity, but some children will still need braces or other orthodontic treatment later on.
What are signs my child may need an orthodontic evaluation?
Common signs can include crowding, bite problems, early or late loss of baby teeth, difficulty chewing, or teeth that are erupting out of position.
Is early orthodontic treatment uncomfortable?
Our team works to make treatment as gentle and comfortable as possible. We will explain every step and help your child feel at ease during visits.
Schedule Your Child’s Complimentary Consultation
To learn more about the benefits of early orthodontic treatment and schedule your child’s complimentary consultation, contact us today at 509-926-0570. We are here to answer your questions and help you make the best choice for your child’s orthodontic care.
509-926-0570