Early Orthodontic Treatment in Newtonville, MA

Many parents ask: “When should my child first see an orthodontist?” According to the American Association of Orthodontists, children should have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. Dr. Frederick Sacramone uses this early visit to assess your child’s dental development and determine if, and when, treatment may be needed at Sacramone Orthodontics.

Why Evaluate So Early with A Pediatric Orthodontist?

Even though most children won’t need braces at this age, early evaluation helps identify any issues with jaw growth, tooth eruption, or bite alignment. This gives Dr. Sacramone the opportunity to:

• Guide erupting teeth into better positions
• Preserve space for permanent teeth
• Reduce the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth
• Correct habits like thumb-sucking
• Address abnormal swallowing or speech problems

Early treatment can also regulate jaw growth and the width of the dental arches, reduce the likelihood of impacted teeth, and sometimes eliminate the need for extractions later.

Many local dentists are trained to recognize early orthodontic issues and may refer your child to us even before age 7 if concerns arise.

Will Early Treatment Eliminate the Need for Braces for Kids Later?

In many cases, early treatment can prevent serious issues from developing and reduce the need for more extensive treatment later. However, because not all permanent teeth have erupted during early intervention, a second phase of treatment, called Phase II, is often recommended during adolescence to fine-tune alignment.

In some cases, early treatment alone may be sufficient.

What Can Early Orthodontic Treatment Help With?

If early intervention is recommended, we can often:

• Correct harmful oral habits
• Create space for incoming permanent teeth
• Prevent tooth impactions
• Improve jaw and bite alignment
• Address speech or swallowing concerns
• Simplify future treatment, or eliminate the need for braces later in some cases

Is Early Treatment Right for Every Child?

Not all orthodontic issues require early intervention. In fact, some problems are more efficiently treated once all permanent teeth have erupted or jaw growth is further along. Dr. Sacramone develops a personalized plan based on your child’s specific needs.

If treatment isn’t needed right away, your child may be enrolled in our Orthodontic Supervisory Program to monitor their dental development until the optimal time for care.

What Is the Orthodontic Supervisory Program?

This complimentary program is designed for patients who aren’t yet ready for treatment. It allows us to:

• Monitor the eruption of permanent teeth
• Recommend early removal of baby teeth, if helpful
• Determine the ideal timing for treatment

We typically see patients in this program every 6 to 8 months. There’s no fee, and we keep your family dentist informed of any updates or recommendations.

What Are the Health Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment?

Orthodontic care improves more than just appearance. Braces and aligners can also:

• Enhance bite function and chewing
• Make brushing and flossing easier
• Prevent uneven wear on teeth
• Help preserve natural teeth for life

Should We Still See Our Family Dentist?

Absolutely! Regular dental exams and cleanings remain essential throughout orthodontic treatment. Braces and appliances require extra attention to oral hygiene, so we recommend visiting your dentist every 6 months to keep teeth and gums healthy.