Why early orthodontic care helps kids thrive
Growth-guided treatment
Supports healthy jaw development and better tooth eruption
Space creation
Reduces crowding and may prevent future tooth extractions
Early bite correction
Addresses crossbites and jaw discrepancies at the right time
Boosts confidence
Helps kids feel proud of their smile during formative years
Prevents complexity
Early intervention can simplify or shorten future treatment
What to expect during treatment
First Visit and Evaluation
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic evaluation by age 7. We’ll assess your child’s bite, jaw growth, and tooth development using digital scans and x-rays. If treatment is needed now, we’ll explain why. If we recommend waiting, we’ll let you know what to watch for and when to return.
Customized Treatment Plan
If early treatment is recommended, we’ll create a personalized plan based on your child’s specific needs. This may include expanders to widen the jaw, partial braces to guide tooth eruption, or other growth-friendly appliances.
Gentle, Kid-Friendly Visits
We design appointments to be quick, comfortable, and encouraging. Our team takes time to explain what’s happening in kid-friendly language, answer questions, and celebrate progress along the way.
Monitoring and Retention
Once active treatment is complete, we may recommend a resting phase where we monitor growth and tooth eruption. Retainers or other appliances may be used to maintain progress until all permanent teeth are in and comprehensive treatment can begin, if needed.
We handle the paperwork!
Insurance Made Simple
We work with most insurance companies and will file claims on your behalf.
We verify your orthodontic benefits and give upfront estimates, so coverage is easy and predictable. We accept cash, checks, and major credit cards with no surprise costs ever.
Rave reviews from our patients
“Our patients put their trust in us, and it’s an honor to help them feel proud of their smiles”
Give your child the gift of a confident smile
Early orthodontic care helps guide healthy development and sets the stage for a lifetime of confident smiles. Schedule a free consultation with Dr. Lovell or Dr. Anderson to learn whether your child is ready for treatment or if we should monitor and wait.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age should my child see an orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an evaluation by age 7. At this age, most children have a mix of baby and permanent teeth, allowing us to spot developing issues early. Not every child needs treatment at this age, but an early evaluation helps us guide you on the right timing.
Will early treatment mean my child won't need braces later?
Not always. Early treatment addresses specific growth and bite issues to set the stage for healthier development. Many children still benefit from a second phase of treatment once all permanent teeth are in, but this phase is often shorter and less complex thanks to early intervention. Morton & Washington orthodontics for children is designed to reduce future complexity, not necessarily eliminate it.
What kinds of orthodontic issues can be treated early?
Common issues we treat early include crossbites, severe crowding, narrow upper jaw, underbites, overbites, and habits like thumb-sucking that affect tooth development. Early treatment is most effective when growth is still happening, so timing matters.
How long does early orthodontic treatment take?
Treatment length varies based on the issue being addressed. Expanders may be worn for 6–12 months, while partial braces or other appliances may be needed for 12–18 months. We’ll give you an accurate timeline at your child’s consultation based on their specific needs.
Book your free orthodontic consultation today
Trusted by Morton and Washington families for decades, we make getting a confident smile simple, comfortable, and fun.
Our Orthodontic Offices
Morton
Hours:
Monday: 7:30AM-4:00PM
Tuesday : 7:30AM-4:00PM
Thursday: 7:30AM-4:00PM
