Common signs that your child might benefit from an evaluation include early or late loss of baby teeth, difficulty chewing or biting, mouth breathing, thumb sucking, crowded or misplaced teeth, and jaws that shift or make sounds.

While Phase I treatment can significantly simplify or shorten future orthodontic work, most children will still require a comprehensive Phase II treatment (like full braces or aligners) once all their permanent adult teeth have fully erupted.

Phase I treatment is proactive orthodontic care for young children. It aims to create space for developing teeth, correct harmful oral habits, and properly guide jaw growth, which often reduces the likelihood of needing extractions or severe bite corrections later.

By age seven, most children have a mix of baby and permanent teeth. An early evaluation allows Dr. Hong to evaluate their jaw growth and emerging teeth, making it easier to identify and intercept potential issues before they become severe.

If you want to improve the look and feel of your smile, then any age can be a great age to see the orthodontist. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children first visit an orthodontist around the age of seven; however, orthodontic treatment is not exclusive to children and teens, with about one in every five orthodontic patients being over the age of 21. Whether you’re considering treatment for yourself or for a child, any time is a good time to visit the orthodontist.