Did you know that orthodontics can benefit patients of all ages, including young children? While many people associate braces with teenagers, early orthodontic evaluation and treatment can make a big difference in a child’s future smile. At Dietrich Orthodontics, we see patients of all ages and proudly offer early evaluations for younger children at both our Canton and Alliance locations.
In fact, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child have their first orthodontic screening by age 7. These early visits give Dr. Joe Dietrich, a Certified Orthodontist, the chance to detect potential issues before they become more serious—setting the stage for a lifetime of confident, healthy smiles.
Every Smile Is Unique—So Is Our Care
Your child’s smile is one of a kind, which is why our preventative approach is tailored to meet their specific needs at every stage. During a free consultation at either of our offices, we evaluate your child’s dental development and identify the ideal time to begin treatment.
In many cases, your child may not need immediate treatment. Instead, they’ll become a part of our Kids’ Club, where we provide complimentary Growth & Guidance visits to monitor their progress at no cost to you. However, if Dr. Dietrich notices early signs of orthodontic concerns between the ages of 6–9, he may recommend interceptive orthodontics (also known as Phase I treatment).
What Is Interceptive Orthodontics?
Interceptive orthodontics refers to early treatment used to correct or prevent developing problems in a child’s teeth or jaw. This proactive method is typically used before all permanent teeth have erupted. By intervening early, we can create space for adult teeth, guide jaw development, and help prevent more complex orthodontic issues in the future.
Benefits of interceptive treatment include:
- Improved oral function
- Reduced need for extractions later
- Better facial symmetry and aesthetics
- Shorter, simpler treatment during adolescence
What Does Early Treatment Look Like?
Understandably, many parents worry that an early orthodontic visit means braces right away. But that’s not usually the case. In fact, most Phase I treatments do not involve braces.
Some examples of early interventions include:
- Referring for the removal of baby teeth to help permanent teeth erupt in the right position (this is done by your child’s dentist or an oral surgeon)
- Palatal expanders to widen the upper jaw and correct crossbites
- Space maintainers to hold room for permanent teeth if baby teeth are lost early due to injury or decay
Because a child’s mouth is still growing, we can often address these issues with relative ease. Waiting until the jaw finishes growing (around ages 16–18) can make treatment more complicated, and sometimes more invasive.
What Comes After Phase I?
Interceptive treatment is the first step in a two-phase process. Once your child’s permanent teeth have all erupted, a second round of treatment, Phase II, may be needed to fine-tune alignment and bite. This typically involves braces.
However, early treatment can significantly reduce the complexity and duration of Phase II, making the overall experience more efficient and comfortable.
Ongoing Monitoring Through Our Kids’ Club
Even if no treatment is needed right away, we encourage parents to take advantage of our Kids’ Club. This includes free Growth & Guidance visits with Dr. Dietrich, who will monitor:
- Eruption of permanent teeth
- Facial and jaw growth
- Tooth alignment patterns
- Signs of crowding or impacted teeth
- Risk of future extractions
These regular checkups ensure that if treatment becomes necessary later, it can begin at exactly the right time—offering better outcomes with less effort.
Set Your Child Up for Smile Success
Orthodontics is most effective when it’s timed with a child’s natural growth. While not every child will need early treatment, for those who do, it can make all the difference—saving time, minimizing costs, and preventing bigger issues later on.
At Dietrich Orthodontics, we’re proud to offer:
- Free initial orthodontic consultations
- Complimentary Kids’ Club Growth & Guidance monitoring
- Personalized treatment plans for early intervention
- Two convenient locations in Canton and Alliance
If your child is around age 7, it’s the perfect time to schedule their first orthodontic check-up. Our team is here to answer your questions, guide your family through the process, and help your child achieve a confident, healthy smile—now and for years to come.