You’ve heard your child’s dentist mention something about your 7-year-old’s bite, but you’re unsure whether to act now or hold off. Many parents face this dilemma, torn between addressing orthodontic concerns early and waiting until all permanent teeth come in. The truth is that timing matters more than most people realize, and certain conditions respond better when treated during childhood rather than later.
At Lazzara Orthodontics, Dr. John Lazzara and Dr. Amy Poblenz understand that every child’s development is unique. Both doctors completed a 3-year orthodontic residency program beyond dental school, earning their Master of Science degrees and becoming Diplomates of the American Board of Orthodontics. As one of the few orthodontic practices in northeast Florida with two board-certified doctors, they provide expert guidance on when early treatment offers the greatest benefit.
Why Early Assessment Matters
Orthodontists recommend that children receive their first evaluation by age 7. At this stage, enough permanent teeth have emerged to reveal potential problems with jaw growth and tooth positioning. This doesn’t mean that every child requires treatment immediately, but it allows orthodontists to identify issues that benefit from timely intervention.
Some orthodontic problems become harder to correct as children grow. Severe crowding, crossbites, and discrepancies in jaw growth often worsen over time. When left untreated, these issues can affect facial development, complicate future treatment, and sometimes require tooth extractions or surgical correction later.
Early intervention addresses these concerns while children’s jaws are still growing. This natural growth period provides an opportunity to guide jaw development, create space for permanent teeth, and establish proper bite relationships. The goal isn’t always to complete treatment during childhood, but rather to make subsequent treatment simpler and more effective.
Conditions That Benefit from Early Treatment
Certain orthodontic issues respond particularly well to early intervention. Pediatric orthodontics focuses on identifying these conditions and determining the right timing for treatment. These conditions include:
- Severe crowding: When permanent teeth don’t have enough space to erupt properly, creating room early can prevent impaction and reduce the need for extractions
- Crossbites: When upper teeth close inside lower teeth, potentially causing jaw shifts and uneven facial growth if not corrected
- Underbites: Early treatment can redirect jaw growth and prevent more invasive procedures later
- Protruding front teeth: Reducing protrusion lowers the risk of dental trauma from falls or sports injuries
- Narrow upper jaw: Expanding the upper jaw during growth years improves breathing, bite function, and creates space for permanent teeth
These conditions don’t resolve on their own. Without intervention, they often become more pronounced as children mature, requiring longer and more involved treatment during adolescence.
The Two-Phase Treatment Approach
Many children who receive early intervention follow a two-phase treatment plan. The first phase addresses urgent concerns during the mixed dentition stage, when both baby and permanent teeth are present. This phase typically lasts 12 to 18 months and focuses on correcting skeletal problems or creating space.
After completing phase one, children enter a rest period while their permanent teeth erupt. Orthodontists monitor progress during regular checkups but don’t actively treat during this time. Once all permanent teeth have emerged, typically between ages 11 and 13, phase two begins with braces or clear aligners to finalize tooth positioning and correct the bite.
This staged approach works with natural development rather than against it. Research shows that treating certain problems early shortens overall treatment time and produces better outcomes than waiting. Children who complete phase one often need less extensive treatment during phase two, and some may avoid treatment altogether if early intervention resolves the issue.
When to Consider Early Treatment
Not every child needs early orthodontic work. Many benefit from monitoring and beginning treatment when most or all permanent teeth have erupted. However, several signs indicate that early intervention might be necessary.
Children who mouth-breathe, have difficulty chewing, or show signs of jaw pain may have underlying orthodontic issues. Teeth that erupt in unusual positions or don’t appear when expected warrant evaluation. Habits like thumb sucking beyond age five can affect jaw development and tooth alignment.
Facial asymmetry, jaw clicking, or teeth that meet abnormally when biting down also suggest potential problems. Parents who notice these signs should schedule an orthodontic consultation. Early evaluation doesn’t guarantee immediate treatment, but it provides valuable information about your child’s development and future needs. If you’re wondering whether treatment should begin now or later, the orthodontists at Lazzara Orthodontics can assess your child’s specific situation and recommend the best timing.
Start Your Child’s Smile Journey at Lazzara Orthodontics
Early orthodontic intervention isn’t about rushing treatment. It’s about addressing problems at the right time to achieve the best possible results. Dr. Lazzara and Dr. Poblenz bring exceptional qualifications to every case, having completed advanced orthodontic training and earned board certification through the American Board of Orthodontics. Their expertise helps parents make informed decisions about their children’s oral health.
At Lazzara Orthodontics, we serve families throughout Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach, Atlantic Beach, Nocatee, and Ponte Vedra Beach. We offer flexible payment options and work with most major insurance providers to make treatment accessible. If your child needs an orthodontic evaluation or you’d like to discuss whether early treatment is appropriate, reach out today to schedule a consultation.
