Early orthodontics can help identify developing tooth, bite and jaw concerns while a child is still growing. At VV Orthodontics, our board-certified orthodontist, Dr. Saritha Chary-Reddy, evaluates children as young as age six and provides personalized early orthodontic treatment in North San Antonio, Texas, when intervention may benefit a child’s oral development.
Early treatment is not necessary for every child. When it is recommended, the goal is to address specific developing problems at an appropriate stage of growth and help create a healthier foundation for future tooth and jaw development.
Why Consider Early Orthodontic Treatment?
Children’s teeth and jaws continue to change significantly as they grow. An early orthodontic evaluation gives Dr. Reddy an opportunity to assess how the permanent teeth are developing, how the upper and lower jaws relate to one another and whether a bite problem may become more difficult to treat over time.
Early orthodontic treatment may be considered for concerns such as:
- Crossbites
- Crowding
- Excessive spacing
- Protruding front teeth
- A retrusive or underdeveloped upper jaw
- Developing bite problems
- Dentofacial or jaw imbalance
When clinically appropriate, addressing these concerns during growth may help prevent a malocclusion from becoming more complex and may reduce the likelihood of extractions, impacted teeth or surgical treatment later.
Phase One and Phase Two Orthodontic Treatment
Some children benefit from treatment completed in two stages.
Phase One treatment takes place while a child still has a combination of primary and permanent teeth. The purpose depends on the child’s specific condition and may include improving developing jaw relationships, creating space for permanent teeth or correcting bite problems that may be more effectively addressed during growth.
After Phase One treatment, there is typically a period of monitoring while additional permanent teeth erupt.
Phase Two treatment may be recommended later, once more or all of the permanent teeth have come in. This stage focuses on final tooth alignment, bite correction and creating a balanced, functional smile. Depending on the child’s needs, Phase Two treatment may include braces or another appropriate orthodontic treatment.
Not every child needs two phases of treatment. Dr. Reddy recommends early intervention only when she believes treatment at that stage provides a meaningful clinical benefit.
Guiding Jaw Growth During Childhood
Because children are still growing, early orthodontic care may sometimes include dentofacial orthopedics to help guide jaw development and improve the relationship between the upper and lower jaws. Depending on the child’s growth pattern and bite, Dr. Reddy may recommend an orthodontic appliance designed for a specific jaw relationship. Options may include the Carriere® Distalizer™ for selected Class II bite problems or a Herbst appliance for patients with a retrusive lower jaw.
These treatments are not appropriate for every child. The recommendation depends on the child’s diagnosis, growth pattern, age and stage of dental development.
A Personalized Approach to Early Orthodontics
Dr. Reddy has more than 21 years of orthodontic experience and has treated more than 15,000 orthodontic cases. As the sole orthodontist at VV Orthodontics, she personally evaluates each child and oversees treatment planning rather than relying on a standardized approach.
Her treatment recommendations consider the child’s tooth development, bite, jaw relationships, facial balance, age and individual needs. This is especially important in early orthodontics because the timing of treatment can be just as important as the type of treatment selected.
Our office also uses digital imaging and other modern orthodontic technology to evaluate developing teeth and jaw relationships and support accurate treatment planning.
To learn more about Dr. Reddy’s background, board certification and clinical experience, visit our Meet Our Orthodontist page.
When Should My Child Have an Orthodontic Evaluation?
A child does not need to have all of their permanent teeth before seeing our orthodontist. Dr. Reddy evaluates children as young as age six, particularly when parents or dentists have concerns about tooth eruption, crowding, bite development or jaw growth.
An evaluation does not automatically mean treatment will begin. In many cases, Dr. Reddy may recommend monitoring a child’s development until the timing is more appropriate for orthodontic care.
Schedule an Early Orthodontic Evaluation
If you have questions about your child’s developing smile, bite or jaw growth, an orthodontic evaluation can help you understand whether treatment is needed now, later or not at all. Call VV Orthodontics at 830-266-9555 or request an appointment to schedule an early orthodontic evaluation in North San Antonio, TX, with our orthodontist.
Frequently Asked Questions About Early Orthodontics
What is early orthodontic treatment?
Early orthodontic treatment addresses certain developing tooth, bite or jaw problems while a child is still growing. Treatment is recommended only when intervening at an earlier stage may provide a clinical benefit.
At what age should my child see an orthodontist?
Dr. Reddy evaluates children as young as age six. The appropriate timing depends on the child’s tooth development, bite and jaw growth. An early evaluation does not necessarily mean treatment will be recommended immediately.
What problems can early orthodontics address?
Early orthodontic care may be appropriate for concerns such as crossbites, crowding, excessive spacing, protruding front teeth, developing bite problems and certain jaw imbalances.
Does every child need Phase One orthodontic treatment?
No. Many children do not need Phase One treatment. Our orthodontist will recommend early treatment only when addressing a developing problem during growth may be more beneficial than waiting.
What is the difference between Phase One and Phase Two orthodontics?
Phase One treatment takes place earlier in a child’s development and focuses on specific developing tooth, bite or jaw concerns. Phase Two treatment occurs later and generally focuses on final tooth alignment and bite correction after more permanent teeth have erupted.
Can early orthodontics help prevent extractions or jaw surgery later?
In selected cases, early treatment may help reduce the likelihood of extractions, impacted teeth or more invasive treatment later. This depends on the child’s individual condition, growth pattern and response to treatment, so these outcomes cannot be guaranteed.
How do I know if my child needs early orthodontic treatment?
The best way to know is through an orthodontic evaluation. Our orthodontist can assess your child’s teeth, bite and jaw development and explain whether treatment, continued monitoring or no current intervention is appropriate.