Why Early Orthodontic Treatment Matters: A Parent’s Guide to Braces for Kids in Granada Hills

Learn why early orthodontic treatment matters. ABC Kids Dental in Granada Hills helps kids get healthy, confident smiles with timely braces and expert care.

Dental Care Aug 6, 2025 0 8 Add to Reading List

Why Early Orthodontic Treatment Matters: A Parent’s Guide to Braces for Kids in Granada Hills

As a parent, you want to give your child the best start in life—and that includes a healthy, confident smile. While most people associate braces with teenagers, early orthodontic evaluation and treatment can be key to preventing more serious dental issues down the line.

At ABC Kids Dental in Granada Hills, CA, we specialize in pediatric orthodontics and believe that early detection and timely intervention can make a big difference in your child’s dental health and overall well-being.

What Is Early Orthodontic Treatment?

Early orthodontic treatment, also known as Phase I orthodontics, refers to orthodontic evaluation and possible treatment for children as young as 6 or 7 years old. This is the age when permanent teeth begin to come in, and potential alignment problems can first be noticed.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child see an orthodontist by age 7. At this stage, an orthodontist can evaluate:

How the teeth are coming in
Jaw growth and development
Bite alignment issues
Risk of crowding or spacing

Why Consider Braces Early?

Here in Granada Hills, parents often ask us: “Isn’t my child too young for braces?” The answer depends on the condition of your child’s teeth and jaw. Early orthodontic treatment doesn’t always mean braces right away—it means identifying problems early and creating a plan.

🦷 Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment:

Guides jaw growth for better facial symmetry
Prevents more severe bite problems (overbite, underbite, crossbite)
Creates space for permanent teeth to erupt properly
Reduces the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth
Helps break bad oral habits like thumb-sucking or tongue thrusting
May shorten treatment time with braces later on

Common Signs Your Child May Need Orthodontic Help

It’s not always obvious that a child needs orthodontic treatment. Here are some red flags to look out for:

🚩 Early Warning Signs:

Crooked, crowded, or overlapping teeth
Early or late loss of baby teeth
Difficulty chewing or biting
Mouth breathing
Speech problems
Jaw that shifts or makes noises
Protruding teeth
Teeth that don’t meet properly
Thumb-sucking past age 5

If you notice any of these signs, it’s a good idea to schedule a pediatric orthodontic consultation at ABC Kids Dental in Granada Hills.

What Happens During an Orthodontic Evaluation?

When you bring your child to ABC Kids Dental, our pediatric dental and orthodontic team performs a thorough evaluation of your child’s teeth, bite, and jaw.

🔍 We assess:

Eruption pattern of permanent teeth
Facial and jaw growth
Relationship of the upper and lower jaws
Risk of crowding or spacing
Alignment of teeth and bite

We use kid-friendly technology, including digital X-rays and 3D imaging, to diagnose any problems early and recommend a treatment plan tailored to your child’s needs.

What Is Phase I Orthodontics?

If early intervention is recommended, your child may begin Phase I Orthodontics. This stage is designed to:

Address jaw and bite alignment
Preserve space for future teeth
Prevent damage to protruding teeth
Build confidence by improving appearance

Examples of Phase I Treatments:

Limited braces (front teeth only)
Palatal expanders
Space maintainers
Retainers or habit-breaking appliances

💬 Not all kids will need Phase I treatment, but identifying issues early can make Phase II (full braces later) simpler and shorter.

Why Choose ABC Kids Dental for Orthodontics in Granada Hills?

👶 Pediatric-Focused Care

We specialize in treating children and teens, creating a warm, welcoming environment to make each visit stress-free.

🧑‍⚕️ Expert Orthodontists

Our team includes experienced orthodontic specialists who understand child development and provide gentle, effective care.

💡 Customized Treatment Plans

Every child is unique. We create treatment plans that match your child’s specific needs, growth stage, and comfort.

🎉 Fun, Family-Friendly Office

We make dental visits enjoyable! Our Granada Hills office is equipped with child-friendly amenities to make your little ones feel at ease.

💲 Affordable Options & Special Offers

We provide flexible payment plans, accept most insurance plans, and offer special discounts on orthodontic treatment. Check our Special Offers page for current deals!

How Long Does Orthodontic Treatment Last?

⏳ Phase I Duration:

Typically lasts 6 to 12 months, followed by a resting period while adult teeth continue to erupt.

⏳ Phase II (Braces or Invisalign):

Starts in the early teen years and usually lasts 12 to 24 months.

Starting early may reduce the need for more extensive treatment later.

What If My Child Doesn’t Need Treatment Yet?

That’s perfectly okay! Not every child evaluated at age 7 will need braces or appliances right away. But an early orthodontic check-up allows us to:

Monitor development
Detect future problems early
Provide peace of mind to parents

Scheduling a consultation helps you stay one step ahead.

Parent FAQs

❓ At what age should my child get braces?

Braces are typically placed between ages 9–14, but early evaluation around age 7 helps guide timing.

❓ Can baby teeth get braces?

Yes, if early treatment is needed. We may use limited braces or appliances to guide development during this stage.

❓ Is early treatment painful?

Most early orthodontic appliances cause minimal discomfort. Our team explains everything in kid-friendly language and ensures a positive experience.

❓ How much does early orthodontic treatment cost?

Costs vary by treatment type, but we offer flexible payment plans and accept many insurance providers. We’ll walk you through all options during your consultation.

Make the Right Choice for Your Child’s Smile

Your child’s smile is a lifelong asset. By starting early with an orthodontic evaluation at ABC Kids Dental in Granada Hills, you’re setting them up for: