EARLY TREATMENT · PHASE 1 · CHILDREN
Early Orthodontic Treatment for Children | Georgetown Orthodontics DC
The AAO recommends children see an orthodontist by age 7. Not to start treatment — to catch the problems that are easier to fix now than later.
Why Age 7? The AAO Recommendation Explained.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children have an orthodontic evaluation by age 7. This isn't because most 7-year-olds need treatment — most don't. It's because age 7 is when a child typically has a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth that allows an orthodontist to assess how the jaws and adult teeth are developing. Problems that are easy to address at this stage can become significantly more complex — and more expensive — if left until all adult teeth have erupted.
Most children Dr. Blackwood evaluates at age 7 leave with a simple recommendation: “Continue to monitor.” No treatment, no appliances — just an awareness of the trajectory. Some children do benefit from early intervention.
What Phase 1 Treatment Is
Phase 1, or early orthodontic treatment, typically occurs between ages 7 and 10 — before all adult teeth have erupted. The goal is not to straighten every tooth. The goal is to address growth-related issues that affect jaw development, bite relationships, or the space available for adult teeth. Common Phase 1 interventions include expanders for crossbite or crowding, and limited braces to address specific bite problems.
Phase 2 — comprehensive braces or Invisalign — follows when adult teeth are in, typically around age 12–14. Children who had Phase 1 treatment often have a simpler, shorter Phase 2 because the foundational issues were addressed earlier.
Conditions That Benefit from Early Treatment
- Crossbite — upper teeth biting inside the lower teeth
- Severe crowding — insufficient space for adult teeth to erupt properly
- Underbite — lower jaw extending beyond the upper jaw
- Jaw growth discrepancies — upper and lower jaws developing asymmetrically
- Mouth breathing — which can affect jaw and facial development
- Impacted teeth — adult teeth unable to emerge due to insufficient space
A note from Dr. Blackwood:
“I will tell you honestly if early treatment is needed — and if it isn't. Most children I see at age 7 are doing fine and just need monitoring. The evaluation is complimentary, and there's no pressure to begin treatment.”
THE ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT WINDOW
First Evaluation
AAO recommends all children see an orthodontist by age 7. At this age, a mix of baby and adult teeth allows Dr. Blackwood to assess jaw development and identify problems early — when they're easiest to address.
Phase 1 Window
This is the optimal window for Phase 1 treatment when indicated — before all adult teeth erupt. Addressing crossbite, crowding, or jaw growth discrepancies now can prevent more complex treatment later.
Transition Period
Most children lose their remaining baby teeth around this age. The transition to adult teeth is complete or nearly complete, setting the stage for comprehensive treatment.
Phase 2 Treatment
Comprehensive braces or Invisalign treatment once adult teeth are in. If Phase 1 addressed foundational issues, Phase 2 may be simpler and shorter than if treatment started here alone.
Ready to give your child the head start they deserve?
Your first consultation with Dr. Blackwood is complimentary. No commitment required.