Early Orthodontic Treatment in Lafayette, CA
Wondering when your child should first see an orthodontist? At Lafayette Orthodontics, we believe in the importance of early detection. Dr. Seth Osterman follows the guidance of the American Association of Orthodontists, which recommends an initial orthodontic screening by age 7. This early evaluation helps us identify potential issues and determine the ideal time to begin treatment, if it’s needed.
Why Evaluate Children at an Early Age?
Early orthodontic screenings allow us to catch developing issues before they become more complicated. Your general dentist may also refer your child sooner if any concerns arise.
Benefits of early evaluation include:
Guiding incoming teeth into better positions
Creating space for permanent teeth
Reducing the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth
Preventing more serious bite issues down the road
Avoiding more complex, invasive treatment in the teen years
Will Early Treatment Prevent Braces Later?
Early treatment focuses on major developmental concerns, but it doesn’t always replace the need for additional treatment. Once all permanent teeth have erupted, a second phase of comprehensive treatment may still be needed to correct existing bite issues and misalignment of teeth.
Early care can simplify future treatment, reduce the risk of complex issues, and in some cases, eliminate the need for additional orthodontic work altogether.
What Can Early Treatment Achieve?
If early orthodontic treatment is needed, Dr. Osterman can address a variety of concerns while your child is still growing. This is often referred to as Phase I treatment.
Early intervention can:
Influence jaw growth in a positive direction
Widen the upper and lower dental arches
Help permanent teeth erupt in better positions
Minimize the need for future extractions
Reduce the risk of impacted teeth
Correct habits like thumb sucking or tongue thrusting
Improve speech development and swallowing function
Improve bite function and reduce future treatment time
The result? A more straightforward treatment process during adolescence, sometimes even eliminating the need for braces later on.
Is Early Orthodontic Treatment Right for Every Child?
Not necessarily. Some bite and alignment issues are better treated when all permanent teeth have come in. Certain jaw discrepancies may require waiting until growth is more advanced.
That’s why every child receives a customized treatment plan. If your child doesn’t need immediate care, they’ll be placed in our Orthodontic Observation Program, a no-cost program designed to monitor their dental development over time.
About Our Orthodontic Observation Program
When a child isn’t ready for braces just yet, we don’t just wait—we proactively monitor their progress. Here’s how our supervisory program works:
We track how permanent teeth are coming in
We may recommend early removal of baby teeth to help avoid crowding
Visits occur every 6–12 months to observe growth and eruption patterns
We will communicate any updates to your family dentist
There is no charge for this program, and it ensures we begin treatment at the most effective and efficient time.
The Long-Term Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment
In addition to a straighter smile, early orthodontic care offers several lifelong advantages:
Improved bite function
Easier brushing and flossing
Prevention of uneven wear on teeth
Enhanced durability and longevity of natural teeth
Don’t Skip Dental Visits During Treatment!
While your child is undergoing orthodontic care, it’s essential that they continue to see their family dentist every three to six months for cleanings and check-ups. Braces make oral hygiene more challenging, and regular dental visits ensure their teeth stay healthy throughout treatment.