Early Orthodontic Treatment in Philadelphia, PA

When it comes to your child’s health, timing is everything—and that includes their orthodontic care. While most people associate braces and aligners with the teenage years, many orthodontic problems can be spotted—and even prevented—much earlier. This is where Early Orthodontic Treatment plays a vital role.

If you’re a parent in Philadelphia, understanding the importance of early intervention could save your child from more extensive treatment in the future. At Art of Smile Philadelphia, we specialize in gentle, proactive solutions designed specifically for growing smiles.

What is Early Orthodontic Treatment?

Also called Phase 1 Orthodontics, Early Orthodontic Treatment refers to orthodontic care that begins before all permanent teeth have come in—usually between the ages of 6 and 10. This phase focuses on addressing developmental issues with the jaw, bite, and dental arches.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child have their first orthodontic screening by age 7. This doesn’t always mean immediate treatment—but it allows for timely detection of potential problems.

When Is The Ideal Time To Start Treating Orthodontic Problems?

We try to start treating the more common orthodontic problems around age 9 to 14 when all of the baby teeth are out and most of the permanent teeth are in. But some conditions are easier to treat if caught at a younger age. Severe crossbites, crowding, and protruding teeth are all examples of orthodontic problems that fall into this category.

Bad Habits In Childhood Can Lead To Orthodontic Problems

We all pick up bad habits from time to time, but sometimes small children acquire habits, such as thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, and mouth breathing, that can influence the way their teeth, mouth, and jaws develop and function.

Sucking and Tongue Thrusting

Sucking is normal in early childhood and usually goes away between ages 2 and 4. But if it lasts longer than that, the jaws can become misshaped, and the teeth can move apart because of the pressure the thumb puts on the upper jaw and front teeth. This can lead to a spacing problem called open bite that can impair the child’s speech. Tongue thrusting, where the child pushes his tongue against the front teeth, can also lead to open bite.

Mouth Breathing

Mouth breathing is an abnormal breathing pattern where the mouth remains constantly open and passes air directly to the lungs. This condition is tied to changes in the muscular function of the face and tongue and can also cause abnormal growth in the lower and upper jaws, leading to further orthodontic problems. Mouth breathing often results from physical difficulties breathing through one’s nose, and it can turn into a hard habit to break.

We have a variety of orthodontic treatments that can help fix these childhood habits and the problems they cause for your child’s teeth and mouth. The sooner we take action and address them, the less damage they’ll cause. But since it’s often difficult to recognize some of these problems, you should schedule an early orthodontic screening for your child by age 7.

Why Is Early Orthodontic Treatment Important?

Here are some of the biggest benefits of starting treatment early:

  • Corrects jaw growth issues before they become more severe.
  • Prevents crowding by creating space for permanent teeth.
  • Improves facial symmetry by guiding proper jaw development.
  • Reduces the need for tooth extractions later in life.
  • Helps break harmful habits like thumb-sucking or tongue thrusting.
  • Improves airway and breathing, especially in cases of chronic mouth breathing.

At Art of Smile Philadelphia, we evaluate each child’s unique development and customize treatment plans that support healthy, confident growth.

Is Early Treatment Always Necessary?

Not always. In many cases, no treatment is required right away. However, regular monitoring lets us intervene at the perfect time—avoiding bigger issues and more invasive treatments later.

At Art of Smile Philadelphia, we prioritize conservative, effective care. If your child doesn’t need immediate treatment, we’ll simply keep an eye on their progress through complimentary growth check visits.

For more information about early orthodontic treatment and to schedule a consultation, please contact our office: (215) 800-0015 Investing in your child’s oral health through early orthodontic treatment is a decision that can yield significant benefits. With the expertise and resources available in Philadelphia, parents can rest assured that their children are receiving the best possible care to achieve optimal oral health and a confident smile.