Early Orthodontic Treatment - Las Vegas Orthodontist
Early Orthodontics in Las Vegas, NV
Early orthodontic evaluations for children starting at age 7 at Ehrmantrout Orthodontics in Las Vegas, NV
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Early orthodontics
Give Your Child's Smile the Best Possible Start
The foundation of a healthy, beautiful smile is often built long before the first permanent tooth is fully in place. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child receive an orthodontic evaluation by age seven, not because treatment always begins at that age, but because early detection allows Dr. Ehrmantrout to monitor development and intervene at precisely the right moment.
At Ehrmantrout Orthodontics, we approach early treatment with a philosophy of watchful precision: we act when action will make the greatest difference, and we wait when waiting is the wiser choice. Our goal is always to set your child on the path to the healthiest, most functional smile possible — with the least amount of intervention necessary.
What Early Treatment Can Address
Phase One orthodontic treatment, typically performed between ages seven and ten, is designed to correct specific developmental issues while the jaw is still growing. Common concerns that benefit from early intervention include:
Crossbites
When upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth, the jaw can shift to one side during biting, leading to asymmetric growth and uneven wear. Early correction guides the jaw into proper alignment.
Severe Crowding
When there is insufficient space for permanent teeth to erupt properly, early expansion of the dental arch can create room and reduce the likelihood of tooth extractions later.
Protruding Front Teeth
Teeth that protrude significantly are more vulnerable to injury from falls and impacts. Early treatment can reduce this risk while also improving facial aesthetics.
Underbites
An underbite, where the lower jaw extends beyond the upper, is most effectively corrected during childhood, when jaw growth can still be redirected.
Harmful Oral Habits
Prolonged thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting can alter the shape of the developing palate and the position of the teeth. Early orthodontic appliances can help break these habits and correct their effects.
When to Start Early orthodontics
Why Age Seven?
By age seven, most children have a combination of primary (baby) and permanent teeth that allows Dr. Ehrmantrout to evaluate the developing bite and jaw structure with meaningful accuracy. At this stage, the jaw is still growing and highly responsive to guidance, making it possible to address certain problems that would be significantly more difficult — or even require surgery — if left until adulthood.
An early evaluation does not always mean early treatment. In many cases, Dr. Ehrmantrout will simply monitor your child's development over time, scheduling periodic check-ins to ensure everything is progressing normally. When treatment is recommended, it is because the timing creates a genuine advantage.
FAQ About Early Orthodontics
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about early treatment at Ehrmantrout Orthodontics
Why should my child see an orthodontist by age seven?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age seven. At this stage, a mix of primary (baby) and permanent teeth allows Dr. Ehrmantrout to identify potential issues with jaw growth and tooth eruption before they become severe.
Does early evaluation always mean early treatment?
No, an early evaluation does not always mean early treatment. In many cases, Dr. Ehrmantrout will simply monitor your child's development over time, scheduling periodic check-ins to ensure everything is progressing normally. When treatment is recommended, it is because the timing creates a genuine advantage.
What is Phase One orthodontic treatment?
Phase One orthodontic treatment — typically performed between ages seven and ten — is designed to correct specific developmental issues while the jaw is still growing. This early intervention can help guide jaw growth, correct harmful habits, and prevent more complex treatment later in life.
What issues can early orthodontic treatment address?
Early treatment can address a variety of developmental issues, including crossbites, severe crowding, protruding front teeth, underbites, and harmful oral habits like prolonged thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting. By addressing these issues early, we can often simplify or shorten the second phase of treatment your child may need as a teenager.
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