Early Orthodontic Treatment in Longmont and Berthoud, CO

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children receive an orthodontic evaluation by age 7. At Mountain View Orthodontics, Dr. Sebastian Baumgaertel performs early screenings to determine if orthodontic treatment may be needed and when the best time to begin would be.

Most children will not need treatment at this age, but early evaluation allows us to identify developing issues before they become more complex. Detecting orthodontic concerns early can help guide jaw development, create space for erupting teeth, and make future treatment more efficient.

Early orthodontic evaluations provide valuable insight into your child’s dental growth and help ensure the best long-term outcome for their smile.

What Are the Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment?

Early orthodontic treatment, sometimes called Phase I treatment, can help guide proper growth and development of the teeth and jaws.

Benefits of early orthodontic treatment may include:

• Guiding erupting teeth into more favorable positions
• Maintaining space for permanent teeth
• Reducing the risk of fractures to protruding front teeth
• Improving jaw alignment and dental arch development
• Reducing the likelihood of impacted teeth or extractions later
• Correcting habits such as thumb sucking or abnormal swallowing
• Creating space for crowded or erupting teeth
• Correcting crossbites and bite misalignment early
• Supporting balanced facial growth and symmetry
• Improving airway development and breathing in some cases

By addressing certain orthodontic problems early, treatment may become easier, shorter, and more predictable in the future.

Why Is Age 7 the Ideal Time for an Orthodontic Evaluation?

Around age 7, the first permanent molars and front teeth typically begin to erupt. This stage allows orthodontists to evaluate how the upper and lower teeth are developing and how the jaws are growing.

At this time, Dr. Baumgaertel can identify potential concerns such as:

• Crowding
• Overbite or underbite
• Crossbite
• Jaw growth discrepancies
• Gummy smiles or abnormal tooth eruption patterns

Early evaluation allows orthodontists to monitor growth and determine whether early treatment may be beneficial or if treatment can safely wait until the teen years.

In some cases, particularly when airway concerns are suspected, an orthodontic evaluation may be recommended as early as age four.

What Is the Orthodontic Observation Program?

Not every child requires immediate orthodontic treatment. If Dr. Baumgaertel determines that treatment is not necessary yet, your child may be placed in our Orthodontic Observation Program.

This program allows us to monitor the growth and eruption of permanent teeth over time.

Patients in the observation program are typically seen every 6 to 12 months at no cost. During these visits, we track development and determine the ideal timing for treatment if it becomes necessary.

Monitoring growth helps us take advantage of your child’s natural development while avoiding unnecessary or overly long treatment.

Throughout the observation process, your child’s general dentist will also be kept informed of any recommendations.

Will Early Treatment Eliminate the Need for Braces Later?

Early orthodontic treatment can address important developmental issues and simplify future treatment. However, because not all permanent teeth have erupted during early treatment, most children will still need a second phase of orthodontic treatment during their teenage years.

This second phase, often called Phase II treatment, typically involves braces or Invisalign to align all permanent teeth and finalize the bite.

In some cases, early treatment can significantly reduce the complexity of later orthodontic care.

Should My Child Still Visit the Family Dentist During Treatment?

Yes. Regular dental check-ups remain extremely important during orthodontic treatment.

Children with braces or orthodontic appliances should continue visiting their family dentist every six months for cleanings and exams. These visits help maintain healthy teeth and gums throughout treatment and support the best orthodontic results.