Early Evaluations Set Kids Up For Confident Smiles

Every parent wants their child to grow up with a healthy, confident smile. The best way to make that happen is to start monitoring their dental development early, long before major orthodontic problems arise.

When Should your Child First See an  Orthodontist?

Many parents are surprised to learn that early orthodontic evaluations can make a big difference in their child’s future smile. Dr. Mark Musgrave follows the American Association of Orthodontists’ recommendation that children have their first orthodontic screening by around age 7.

Why Early Checks Matter?

Early orthodontic visits act as preventive care for your child’s smile. By evaluating growth around age 7, Dr. Musgrave can:

• Guide jaw growth and create space for adult teeth

• Protect front teeth from potential trauma

• Reduce the risk of extractions or impactions later

• Boost comfort, function, and confidence

Early diagnosis allows us to spot and address issues before they become serious, often minimizing or simplifying future treatment needs.

What to Expect at Your Child’s Visit?

Your child’s first orthodontic check is designed to be simple, comfortable, and informative. Most visits last about 30 minutes and include:

• A friendly, thorough exam of the teeth, bite, and jaw growth

• A discussion of any potential orthodontic concerns

• A clear explanation of next steps, including treatment options, costs, and timeline

Does Early or “Stage I” Treatment benefit all children?

Early treatment does not necessarily benefit all children. Certain types of orthodontic problems can be more easily and efficiently corrected in the teen years when all the permanent teeth have erupted. Some skeletal orthodontic problems should not be addressed until growth is more advanced or completed. Dr. Musgrave develop a plan for treatment based on each individual child’s needs. 

If treatment isn’t needed yet, there’s no pressure, your child will be enrolled in our Orthodontic Supervisory Program to monitor development until the ideal time for treatment.

The Orthodontic Supervisory Program

Our complimentary monitoring program ensures your child’s growth stays on track:

• Check-ins every 6–9 months to observe jaw growth and tooth eruption

• Recommendations for early baby tooth removal if needed

• Coordination with your family dentist to share updates and treatment goals

This proactive approach helps us begin treatment at just the right time, not too early, not too late, for the best long-term results.

If a Child Has Treatment Early, Will this Prevent the Need for Braces for Kids?

Early treatment can begin the correction of significant problems, prevent more severe problems from developing, and simplify future treatment. Because all of the permanent teeth have not yet erupted when early treatment is performed, their final alignment may not have been corrected. Typically, a shortened comprehensive stage of treatment (Stage II – full braces) in the teen years, after all the permanent teeth have erupted, completes the correction. However, in some circumstances, further orthodontic treatment may not be indicated.

The Benefits of Early Care

Early orthodontic treatment isn’t just about appearance, it’s about building a healthy foundation for lifelong oral health. Proper alignment helps your child:

• Bite and chew comfortably

• Brush and floss more effectively

• Prevent uneven tooth wear and long-term dental issues

• Protect their natural teeth for years to come

A balanced bite promotes confidence and sets the stage for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

Real Results, Real Families

Parents often tell us how much early orthodontic care improved their child’s comfort and confidence.
From successful Stage I transformations to simple “watch and wait” monitoring, every child’s story is unique, and we’re proud to be part of it.

Ready for a Free Growth & Bite Check?

Your child’s first orthodontic evaluation is a simple step that provides peace of mind and sets them up for success.
Contact our office today to schedule a free Growth & Bite Check with Dr. Musgrave in our Delaware or Waldo office, and take the first step toward your child’s healthiest, most confident smile.