Early Orthodontics

At Beaverton Orthodontics, Dr. Song believes early evaluation is the key to healthy, confident smiles. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children see an orthodontist around age 7. By this age, the first permanent molars and front teeth have typically erupted, allowing early orthodontic issues such as crowding, crossbites, and jaw discrepancies to be properly evaluated.

Early orthodontic treatment does not mean every child will need braces right away. Instead, it allows Dr. Song to monitor growth and determine the ideal timing for treatment.

Why Is Age 7 Important for an Orthodontic Evaluation?

By age 7, your child’s smile includes a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth. This stage provides valuable insight into how the jaws are developing and whether there may be future spacing or bite concerns.

An early orthodontic evaluation can help detect:

• Crowding or lack of space for permanent teeth
• Crossbites
• Underbites or overbites
• Jaw growth discrepancies
• Early signs of impacted teeth

Even if treatment is not needed right away, these early measurements allow Dr. Song to track your child’s development over time. At Beaverton Orthodontics, we provide growth monitoring at no charge until your child is ready to begin treatment.

What Is Interceptive Orthodontic Treatment?

Interceptive orthodontics, also called early treatment, is recommended only when there are significant long-term benefits for your child. Dr. Song takes a conservative approach and recommends treatment early only when it can positively influence jaw development or simplify future orthodontic care.

Early treatment can:

• Guide jaw growth
• Create space for permanent teeth
• Correct harmful bite patterns
• Reduce the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth
• Improve how the upper and lower jaws fit together

The goal is to make future orthodontic treatment shorter, simpler, and more predictable.

What Is Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment?

In some cases, Dr. Song may recommend two-phase treatment for children in Beaverton.

Phase 1 Treatment

Phase 1 focuses on jaw development. This stage helps create enough space for permanent teeth and improves the alignment of the upper and lower jaws. It typically begins while some baby teeth are still present.

Phase 2 Treatment

Phase 2 begins once most or all permanent teeth have erupted. This stage involves braces or clear aligners to straighten teeth and fine-tune bite alignment.

Two-phase treatment is highly individualized. Dr. Song carefully evaluates your child’s growth pattern and dental development before recommending this approach.

Does Every Child Need Early Orthodontic Treatment?

No. Many children do not require treatment at age 7. Some orthodontic concerns are best addressed during the teenage years when all permanent teeth are present.

If your child is not ready for treatment, Dr. Song will continue to monitor their development through complimentary growth check visits. This ensures orthodontic care begins at the ideal time.

Benefits of Early Orthodontic Care

Early orthodontic care for children can:

• Improve facial balance and jaw growth
• Prevent more serious bite problems
• Reduce the need for tooth extractions
• Lower the risk of impacted teeth
• Boost confidence during critical developmental years

Most importantly, early monitoring allows families to plan ahead and avoid surprises.

Schedule your child’s early orthodontic evaluation at Beaverton Orthodontics today and take the first step toward a healthy, beautiful smile.