Early Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontics for Kids in Fort Walton Beach, FL
Early orthodontic care gives you a clearer picture of how your child’s smile is developing and whether treatment could help now, later, or not at all.
At Bayer & Curtis Orthodontics, Dr. Leigh Curtis takes a thoughtful, conservative approach to orthodontics for kids.
She carefully evaluates your child’s teeth, bite, and jaw development, explains what she sees, and recommends treatment only when the timing truly makes sense.
When should my child see an orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7.
At this age, your child typically has a mix of baby and permanent teeth, giving Dr. Curtis an opportunity to evaluate how their teeth, jaws, and bite are developing while they’re still growing.
Many children don’t need treatment at age 7. If everything is progressing as expected, Dr. Curtis may simply recommend periodic observation visits so we can monitor growth and determine if treatment is needed later.
Your Board Certified Children's Orthodontist
As an ABO-Board Certified orthodontist, Dr. Leigh Curtis takes a meticulous approach to evaluating growth and development. Her goal isn’t to begin treatment as early as possible. It’s to identify the right time to intervene, if intervention is needed at all.
She approaches every recommendation with one question in mind: “If this were my own child, what would I do?”
That means you’ll understand what she’s seeing, why treatment may or may not be recommended, and what she believes will support your child’s long-term health, function, and smile.
When is early orthodontic treatment needed?
Interceptive orthodontic treatment may be recommended when addressing a concern during growth could help guide the way your child’s teeth, jaws, or bite develop.
Depending on your child’s individual needs, early treatment may help:
- Guide jaw and bite development
- Create space for permanent teeth
- Address crossbites and other developing bite concerns
- Manage significant crowding
- Address concerns with how permanent teeth are erupting
If Dr. Curtis recommends treatment, she’ll explain what we’re treating, why the timing matters, and what we hope to accomplish before you make any decisions.
Understanding Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment
Some children benefit from orthodontic treatment completed in two carefully timed stages. Others won’t need treatment until more of their permanent teeth have erupted.
Recommendations are based on your child’s individual growth, development, and orthodontic needs.
Phase I Orthodontic Treatment
Phase I orthodontic treatment, also called interceptive orthodontic treatment, takes place while your child still has a mix of baby and permanent teeth.
This phase focuses on guiding jaw growth, improving developing bite relationships, and creating space for permanent teeth when needed.
By treating certain concerns while your child is still growing, we can take advantage of this important stage of development.
Phase II Orthodontic Treatment
Phase II orthodontic treatment typically begins once most or all permanent teeth have erupted.
Building on your child’s growth and development, this phase focuses on final tooth alignment, bite correction, and creating a healthy, stable smile.
Depending on your child’s needs, treatment may include braces or clear aligners. Dr. Curtis carefully plans this phase to bring the teeth and bite into their final positions for long-term function and stability.
Braces for Kids, Planned for Lasting Smiles
When your child is ready for braces, we’ll make sure their treatment is carefully planned around their individual smile.
Dr. Curtis looks beyond straight teeth to consider how your child’s teeth and bite fit together, with the goal of creating a smile that’s healthy, functional, confident, and stable.
And while we’re serious about the details, we make sure kids have some fun along the way.
Our longtime team loves getting to know our patients, celebrating their progress, and filling the office with plenty of smiles and laughter.
Your Child's First Orthodontic Visit
Your child’s first visit gives us time to get to know your family, evaluate their developing smile, and answer your questions.
If treatment isn’t needed, we’ll explain what we’re watching and when we’d like to see your child again. If treatment would be beneficial, we’ll walk you through our recommendation, timing, treatment options, and costs.
Either way, you’ll leave with a clear understanding of your child’s smile and what comes next.
Frequently Asked Questions About Orthodontics for Kids
When should my child see an orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic evaluation by age 7.
At this age, an orthodontist can evaluate how your child’s teeth, jaws, and bite are developing while growth is still underway. Many children won’t need treatment yet and can simply return for periodic growth checks.
What is early orthodontic treatment?
Does every child need Phase I orthodontic treatment?
No. Many children don’t need Phase I treatment.
Dr. Curtis takes a conservative approach to orthodontics for kids and recommends early treatment only when she believes intervening during growth will benefit your child’s development.
Otherwise, we’ll continue monitoring your child’s smile until the timing is right.
What is the difference between Phase I and Phase II orthodontic treatment?
Phase I orthodontic treatment takes place while a child is still growing and has a mix of baby and permanent teeth. It focuses on specific concerns that may benefit from early intervention.
Phase II orthodontic treatment generally takes place after most or all permanent teeth have erupted and focuses on final tooth alignment and bite correction.
Some children need both phases, while others only need one course of comprehensive treatment.
What age do kids usually get braces?
What's the difference between a pediatric dentist and a children's orthodontist?
How Can We Make Your Child Smile?
We’d love to meet you, hear your story, and help you achieve a smile you’ll love.
Schedule your complimentary consultation with our Fort Walton Beach orthodontic office and let us show you how we can make you smile.