At Thacker Orthodontics, we know that as a parent, you want the best for your child, and that means helping them develop a confident, healthy smile that lasts a lifetime. That’s where early orthodontic treatment comes in. This proactive approach lets Dr. Jim and Dr. MaryEvan identify and correct developing issues before they become more serious. Whether your family is in Cincinnati or Hillsboro, our team is here to make early orthodontic care simple, effective, and rewarding.
What Is Early Orthodontic Treatment?
Early orthodontic treatment (also called interceptive treatment) focuses on guiding the growth and development of your child’s jaw and teeth while they still have a mix of baby and adult teeth. The goal is to detect and address potential bite or alignment problems before they become more difficult to correct.
Around age 7. At this stage, the jaw is still developing, and subtle growth issues can often be corrected much more easily. This is a great time for an initial orthodontic visit.
Myths About Early Orthodontic Treatment
Myth 1: “My child is too young for braces.”
Many parents believe orthodontic care doesn’t start until all adult teeth are in. In reality, early orthodontic treatment doesn’t always involve braces; it’s about guiding growth. Starting evaluations by age 7 allows our team to prevent problems rather than react to them.
Myth 2: “Early treatment means double the cost.”
Not necessarily! Early care often shortens or simplifies later treatment, which can reduce overall cost and treatment time. Think of it as an investment that prevents more complex (and expensive) procedures down the road.
Myth 3: “If my child’s teeth look straight, they don’t need early treatment.”
Even straight teeth can hide bite problems or jaw imbalances. Early evaluations help uncover these hidden issues before they affect your child’s oral health or facial development.
Myth 4: “Braces are the only option.”
Not true! Thacker Orthodontics offers many solutions, including Invisalign Teen, expanders, and other appliances customized to your child’s needs. Treatment is tailored to their comfort and lifestyle.
Myth 5: “Early orthodontic treatment is painful.”
Modern orthodontic techniques are more comfortable than people realize. Our team focuses on making every visit positive and encouraging, so your child feels confident about their smile from day one.
What Early Orthodontic Treatment Can Address
Beginning orthodontic care early can make a big difference in your child’s long-term oral health and confidence. Benefits include:
- Easier correction of bite and jaw growth problems
- Prevention of more serious dental complications
- Reduced need for tooth extractions or surgery
- Shorter, simpler treatment later on
- Improved speech, chewing, and breathing patterns
- Boosted confidence during key developmental years
Not every child will need braces right away, so sometimes Dr. Jim and Dr. MaryEvan will simply monitor your child’s growth to decide when treatment should begin. However, when early intervention is needed, starting treatment now can mean a simpler, faster, and more comfortable process later on.
Understanding Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment
At Thacker Orthodontics, we specialize in two-phase orthodontic treatment, which allows your child to benefit from early guidance while still growing and then refine their smile later for lasting results.
Phase One: Building the Foundation
Phase One typically begins between ages 6 and 10. The focus is on improving jaw alignment, correcting growth problems, and creating the space necessary for permanent teeth to erupt properly. During this stage, your child might use:
- Expanders to widen the upper jaw.
- Partial Braces to align specific teeth.
- Habit Appliances to stop thumb-sucking or other oral habits.
- Functional Appliances to improve how the jaws fit together.
- Space Maintainers are used to keep proper spacing after premature tooth loss.
This early phase helps shape the foundation for a healthy bite and reduces the risk of extractions or jaw surgery later in life. Once this stage is complete, your child enters a resting period where Dr. Jim or Dr. MaryEvan will monitor their growth every six months to ensure everything continues developing as planned.
Phase Two: Perfecting the Smile
Phase Two begins when all permanent teeth have erupted, usually between ages 11 and 14. This stage fine-tunes alignment and ensures that every tooth is positioned for proper function and appearance. We’ll pick the right route for their treatment:
- Traditional Braces (metal or clear ceramic)
- Invisalign or Invisalign Teen, a clear, removable aligner system ideal for older children and teens who want a discreet option
By combining both phases, early orthodontic treatment ensures your child achieves a balanced smile that lasts a lifetime.
Get Started with Thacker Orthodontics
At Thacker Orthodontics, we’re proud to serve families in Cincinnati and Hillsboro, OH, with compassionate, expert care for every age. Whether you’re interested in early orthodontic treatment, Cincinnati braces, or Cincinnati Invisalign, Dr. Jim and Dr. MaryEvan will guide you every step of the way.
Schedule your free consultation today and help your child get a head start on a lifetime of confident smiles!