Early Treatment
Early orthodontic treatment plays a key role in setting children up for long-term oral health, and parents in the Richmond and Glen Allen area are increasingly searching for guidance on when and why to start. At River City Orthodontics, Dr. Richard E. Boyd, Jr. helps families understand the ideal timing for a child’s first orthodontic evaluation, ensuring every smile has the healthiest foundation possible. Early treatment, sometimes called interceptive orthodontics, can prevent small concerns from becoming bigger challenges later on and help create room for permanent teeth to develop correctly.
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When Should My Child First Visit the Orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a child’s first orthodontic screening around age 7. At this age, Dr. Boyd can evaluate how the teeth and jaws are growing and determine whether early orthodontic care would be beneficial, or if it’s best to wait until more permanent teeth erupt. Many family dentists in the Richmond area are trained to spot early signs of orthodontic issues and may refer children even earlier if something needs monitoring.
Early orthodontic care helps ensure proper bite function, makes it easier to maintain good oral hygiene, and can reduce long-term wear on teeth. In many cases, taking action early improves the lifetime health of your child’s natural teeth.
Why Are Kids Evaluated So Early?
You may wonder why an orthodontic visit is recommended at such a young age. Around age seven, several permanent teeth have erupted, giving Dr. Boyd a clear look at jaw development, spacing patterns, and potential issues such as crowding, crossbites, or protrusion.
Early intervention can:
- Guide erupting teeth into healthier positions
- Preserve space for incoming permanent teeth
- Reduce the risk of damage to protruding front teeth
- Improve jaw development and alignment
- Correct habits such as thumb sucking
- Address early swallowing or speech issues
By stepping in at the right moment, early treatment can make later orthodontics simpler, faster, and more predictable.
Does Early Orthodontic Treatment Benefit Every Child?
Not every child needs early treatment. Some orthodontic concerns are more efficiently addressed during the teenage years, once all permanent teeth are present. Jaw-related orthodontic issues may also require more mature growth before treatment begins.
Dr. Boyd always personalizes recommendations based on your child’s unique needs. If early treatment isn’t necessary, your child may be enrolled in our Orthodontic Supervisory Program, a monitoring system designed to track growth and eruptive patterns over time.
What Is the Orthodontic Supervisory Program?
Our Orthodontic Supervisory Program allows us to monitor how your child’s teeth and jaws develop as they grow. Children in the program visit our office every 6–8 months for quick check-ins. These visits help us identify whether simple steps—such as removing a baby tooth—could prevent more complex issues down the road.
There is no fee for this program. We also communicate with your family dentist regularly to ensure everyone stays aligned on your child’s care plan. This ongoing supervision helps determine the ideal moment to begin treatment for the best possible long-term outcome.
If My Child Has Early Treatment, Will They Still Need Braces Later?
Early treatment focuses on correcting developing problems and preventing more serious concerns. It does not replace comprehensive orthodontic care in most cases. Because the full set of permanent teeth hasn’t yet erupted during early treatment, many children will still need a second phase, often called Phase II, in their teen years to finalize alignment and bite correction.
However, early treatment typically shortens Phase II significantly and, in some cases, eliminates the need for additional treatment altogether.
Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment
Two-phase orthodontic treatment allows Dr. Boyd to take advantage of natural childhood growth to create a healthier, more functional smile. Early action guides developing structures, while a later phase fine-tunes alignment when all permanent teeth are present.
Phase One
Phase One focuses on supporting proper jaw development and ensuring there’s enough space for permanent teeth. During this phase, Dr. Boyd evaluates growth patterns and determines whether appliances are needed to help guide the jaws or preserve space. Proper early guidance can help avoid tooth extractions or more invasive procedures later.
Resting Period
After Phase One, your child enters a resting period where teeth are allowed to continue developing on their own. Dr. Boyd monitors progress regularly to ensure permanent teeth erupt in the newly created space and that growth stays on track.
Phase Two
Phase Two focuses on creating harmony between the teeth, jaws, lips, cheeks, and tongue. This is typically when full braces or Invisalign® Teen are used. After treatment, retainers maintain alignment and protect your child’s long-term results.
What Are the Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment Beyond a Beautiful Smile?
Orthodontic care improves far more than appearance. Treatment can enhance bite function, improve oral hygiene, reduce premature wear, and help preserve natural teeth throughout adulthood. A healthy bite supports better long-term dental wellness.
Should We Still Visit Our Family Dentist During Orthodontic Treatment?
Yes, regular dental cleanings and exams are still essential. Orthodontic appliances can make brushing and flossing more challenging, so visiting your family dentist every six months helps maintain strong, healthy teeth and gums throughout treatment.
Your Child’s Smile Starts Here
If you’re wondering whether now is the right time for your child’s first orthodontic check, we’re here to make the process easy. Schedule a complimentary consultation and let us help you understand the best next steps for your child’s smile. The earlier we begin the conversation, the more confident you can feel about their long-term oral health, and the smoother their future orthodontic experience will be.
A healthier smile starts today, and we’re excited to be part of your family’s story.
Frequently Asked Questions
Choosing early orthodontic care can feel like a big decision for parents, and it’s normal to have questions as you explore the right timing for your child. Below are some of the most common questions families in our community ask when researching early orthodontics, growth guidance, and Phase One treatment.
How do I know if my child really needs early orthodontic treatment?
The best way to know is through a professional evaluation, but there are signs parents can look for at home. If your child has difficulty biting or chewing, mouth-breathes regularly, has crowded or spaced teeth, or still sucks their thumb, these may be indicators that early treatment could help. Dr. Boyd uses digital imaging and growth assessments to determine whether early care is recommended or if it’s better to monitor development for a future phase.
Is early orthodontic treatment covered by insurance?
Many dental insurance plans offer partial coverage for Phase One treatment, but every policy is different. Our team reviews your benefits during your consultation, explains what’s covered, and helps you maximize your orthodontic insurance so you know exactly what to expect before beginning any care.
Can early orthodontic treatment help with breathing or sleep issues?
In some cases, yes. Early jaw development treatments can improve airway space and support healthier breathing patterns, especially if your child has narrow arches or mouth-breathing habits. While orthodontics isn’t a cure-all for sleep concerns, early evaluation can help identify issues that may need medical or dental attention.
What if my child’s teeth look straight—do they still need an evaluation?
Straight-looking teeth don’t always mean the bite is developing correctly. Issues like crossbites, overbites, underbites, and jaw growth imbalances are often not visible to parents. That’s why the age 7 check-up is so important—it helps detect underlying concerns early, even when everything “looks fine” on the surface.
Is early treatment worth it if braces will still be needed later?
Yes, for many children it is. Early treatment focuses on guiding jaw growth, reducing risk of future impactions, improving airway development, and preventing severe crowding. While Phase Two may still be needed, early care often shortens later treatment, avoids extractions, and makes the final result more stable and predictable.
