EnglishWhen Should Your Child See an Orthodontist?
If you are looking for an orthodontist for your child in Marietta, East Cobb or Kennesaw, Masterpiece Smiles provides early orthodontic evaluations to help families understand how a child's teeth, bite and jaws are developing. Dr. W. Glenn Lewis has served Cobb County families since 1987 and provides orthodontic care for children, teens and adults.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. At this age, an orthodontist can often identify developing bite, crowding or jaw-growth concerns while a child still has a mix of baby and permanent teeth. An early evaluation does not automatically mean early treatment. Many children simply benefit from periodic monitoring until the timing is right.
Early Orthodontic Evaluation vs. Early Treatment
One of the most important things for parents to know is that an orthodontic evaluation and orthodontic treatment are not the same thing. The goal of an early visit is to understand how your child's smile is developing and whether anything should be watched or addressed while growth is still underway.
Early Orthodontic Evaluation
Dr. Lewis evaluates tooth eruption, spacing, crowding, bite relationships and jaw development. If treatment is not needed, your child can be monitored as permanent teeth continue to emerge.
Phase One Treatment
When a specific developing problem would benefit from earlier attention, Phase One treatment may be recommended. The current Masterpiece Smiles guidance notes that Phase One treatment often takes about 12 to 18 months, followed by a period of monitoring.
Signs Your Child May Benefit from an Orthodontic Evaluation
You do not need to diagnose an orthodontic problem yourself. However, parents sometimes notice changes that make an evaluation worthwhile. The current Masterpiece Smiles guidance identifies concerns such as:
- Crowded or crooked teeth
- Difficulty chewing or biting
- Crossbite or developing bite problems
- Protruding front teeth
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- Persistent thumb sucking
- Mouth breathing
- Tongue thrusting
Orthodontic Concerns That May Be Addressed Earlier
Some developing orthodontic concerns can be easier to evaluate while a child is still growing. Depending on the individual child, early care may be considered for:
Crossbite
A crossbite occurs when some upper teeth close inside the lower teeth. An orthodontic evaluation can determine whether expansion or another approach should be considered during growth.
Crowding & Limited Space
If the jaws do not appear to have enough room for incoming permanent teeth, Dr. Lewis can evaluate spacing, eruption and whether monitoring or early treatment is appropriate.
Protruding Teeth
Front teeth that project forward may be more vulnerable to injury. An orthodontic evaluation can help determine the appropriate timing for treatment.
Underbite & Jaw-Growth Concerns
When the lower jaw or bite is developing differently than expected, early evaluation gives the orthodontist an opportunity to monitor growth and discuss possible treatment options.
Oral Habits & Developing Bites
Persistent habits such as thumb sucking, mouth breathing or tongue thrusting can influence the way teeth and jaws develop. During an early orthodontic evaluation, Dr. Lewis can assess whether a habit appears to be contributing to an open bite, tooth-position changes or other developing concerns and explain the next step.
Why Families Choose Masterpiece Smiles for Children's Orthodontic Care
Masterpiece Smiles provides orthodontic care for growing children as part of a practice that also treats teens and adults. Families receive clear explanations, individualized recommendations and modern digital evaluation rather than a one-size-fits-all treatment plan.
If your child is approaching age 7, you have noticed a developing bite or crowding concern, or you simply want to know whether it is time for an orthodontic evaluation, our team can help you understand the options.
As your child grows, our teen orthodontics resource explains treatment for the next stage, and our braces page provides more information about bracket-based treatment.
Early Orthodontic Care in Marietta, East Cobb & Kennesaw
Masterpiece Smiles has two Cobb County offices. Choose the location that is most convenient for your family:
Kids Orthodontic Care in Marietta & East Cobb
Our Marietta office on Shallowford Road serves families throughout Marietta, East Cobb, Sandy Plains, Mountain Park and nearby Cobb County communities.
Visit the Marietta Orthodontist PageKids Orthodontic Care in Kennesaw
Our Kennesaw office serves families in Kennesaw, West Cobb and nearby communities who are looking for early orthodontic evaluations and ongoing orthodontic care.
Visit the Kennesaw Orthodontist PageFrequently Asked Questions About Early Orthodontics for Kids
Early orthodontic treatment, sometimes called Phase One treatment, is orthodontic care provided while a child is still growing. It may be recommended when specific bite, jaw-growth, crowding or tooth-development concerns are better addressed earlier.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic evaluation by age 7. An evaluation at this age does not automatically mean treatment is needed; it allows the orthodontist to identify developing concerns and monitor growth when appropriate.
Crowded or crooked teeth, difficulty biting or chewing, mouth breathing, persistent thumb sucking, early or late loss of baby teeth, protruding teeth and developing bite concerns are reasons a family may choose to schedule an orthodontic evaluation.
Treatment time varies by child and by the concern being addressed. When Phase One treatment is recommended, the current Masterpiece Smiles guidance notes that treatment commonly lasts about 12 to 18 months, followed by a period of monitoring as growth and tooth eruption continue.
No. Early evaluation does not always mean early treatment. Some children only need periodic monitoring until more permanent teeth have erupted, while others may benefit from treatment during growth.
Schedule an Early Orthodontic Evaluation
If you have questions about your child's bite, tooth development or the right age for an orthodontic visit, Masterpiece Smiles can help you decide the next step.
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