At Burlingame Smile Studio, Dr. April Lee emphasizes the importance of early orthodontic evaluations for children. While many parents assume braces and orthodontic treatment are only for teenagers, beginning care at a younger age can make treatment easier, more effective, and less invasive in the long run.
The Best Age for an Evaluation
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children receive an orthodontic assessment by age seven. At this stage, a child has a mix of baby and adult teeth, giving orthodontists valuable insight into how their smile is developing. Dr. Lee can identify potential issues early and recommend whether treatment should begin right away or if careful monitoring is the best path forward.
Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment
When orthodontic concerns are caught early, treatment is often simpler and more effective. Early intervention can create space for crowded teeth, guide proper jaw growth, and reduce the risk of trauma to protruding teeth. It may also lower the chances of needing extractions or more extensive orthodontics later. By addressing issues early, treatment can be shorter, more comfortable, and more affordable.
Understanding Two-Phase Treatment
For some children, Dr. Lee recommends a two-phase approach to orthodontics. Phase one begins while a child still has a mix of baby and permanent teeth. This phase focuses on correcting jaw development and ensuring permanent teeth erupt properly. After a resting period to allow the remaining adult teeth to come in, phase two begins. This stage fine-tunes the position of each tooth and creates harmony between the teeth, jaw, and bite for a confident, healthy smile.
Signs Your Child May Need Early Orthodontics
Even before age seven, there are signs that a child could benefit from orthodontic attention. Difficulty chewing, mouth breathing, crowded teeth, early or late loss of baby teeth, and habits like thumb sucking can all impact how a smile develops. Bite issues such as crossbites, overbites, or underbites may also indicate that early orthodontic treatment would be helpful.
Long-Term Health and Confidence
Orthodontics is about more than a straight smile. Proper alignment supports healthy chewing, speech, and jaw function. By addressing concerns early, Dr. Lee helps prevent discomfort, reduce the likelihood of complex treatments later, and ensure children feel confident about their smiles as they grow.
At Burlingame Smile Studio, we are passionate about helping children build healthy, beautiful smiles that last a lifetime. Dr. April Lee and her team welcome families from Burlingame, Hillsborough, and Millbrae for comprehensive orthodontic care designed to give kids the best start possible.
Contact Dr. April Lee at Burlingame Smile Studio
(650) 231-2680
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
1740 Marco Polo Way Ste 12
Burlingame, California
94010
