Dr. Dougherty with a young orthodontic patient after an early orthodontic treatment visit in st. Louis, mo

Early Orthodontic Treatment

Growing Healthy Smiles In St. Louis

As a parent, it’s natural to wonder whether your child is ready for orthodontic care. While many children do not begin braces until their early teen years, an orthodontic evaluation at the right time can help identify developing concerns before they become more complex. At Dougherty Orthodontics, we believe early orthodontic treatment helps give growing smiles the healthiest possible start.

Our thoughtful, personalized approach allows Dr. Stefanie Dougherty to monitor your child’s growth and recommend treatment only when it will provide the greatest long-term benefit. From your very first visit, our team is committed to creating an exceptional experience while educating families about the process.

What Is Early Orthodontic Treatment?

Early orthodontic treatment, also called interceptive orthodontics, is designed for children whose teeth and jaws are still developing. Rather than waiting until all permanent teeth have erupted, Dr. Dougherty may recommend treatment to guide jaw growth, create space for incoming teeth or correct bite problems before they become more difficult to treat.

It’s important to remember that not every child needs early treatment. In many cases, the best recommendation is simply to monitor your child’s growth until the ideal time for braces. That’s why an evaluation with Dr. Dougherty is so valuable.

Signs Your Child May Benefit From Early Orthodontic Treatment

Every child develops differently, but some common signs may show that an orthodontic evaluation is needed. If you notice any of the following concerns, Dr. Dougherty and our team can evaluate your child’s smile and discuss whether early orthodontic treatment may be beneficial:

  • Crowded or overlapping teeth
  • Early or late loss of baby teeth
  • Difficulty biting or chewing
  • Crossbite, underbite or overbite
  • Teeth that don’t come together properly
  • Mouth breathing
  • Thumb sucking or prolonged pacifier use that affects tooth development
  • Jaws that appear uneven or shift when biting

What Does Early Treatment Involve?

Because every smile is unique, treatment is customized to your child’s specific needs. Depending on your child’s growth and orthodontic concerns, treatment may include:

  • Palatal expanders to create additional space in the upper jaw
  • Partial braces to guide tooth movement
  • Space maintainers to preserve room for permanent teeth
  • Appliances that help guide jaw growth and improve bite alignment

Our goal is not necessarily to complete all orthodontic treatment at a young age. Instead, early orthodontic treatment helps create a healthier foundation for future tooth development. Oftentimes, it makes comprehensive treatment during the teen years easier and more efficient.

Orthodontic team with a young patient receiving braces care at dougherty orthodontics in st. Louis, mo

Benefits Of Early Orthodontic Treatment

When recommended at the right time, early orthodontic treatment can help support healthy growth while reducing the likelihood of more complex orthodontic issues later. Because every child develops differently, Dr. Dougherty only recommends early treatment when it offers meaningful long-term advantages. Benefits include:

  • Guides healthy jaw growth: Early intervention can help encourage proper jaw development while children are still growing

  • Creates space for permanent teeth: Expanders and other appliances may reduce severe crowding by making room for incoming adult teeth
  • Corrects bite problems early: Crossbites, underbites and certain overbites may be easier to treat during childhood
  • Reduces the risk of impacted teeth: Guiding eruption can help permanent teeth come in more naturally
  • May simplify future orthodontic treatment: While braces may still be needed later, treatment is often less complicated and more predictable
  • Supports better oral health: Properly aligned teeth are generally easier to brush and floss, which helps reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease
  • Improves function: A healthier bite can make chewing, speaking and overall oral function more comfortable
  • Builds confidence: By addressing orthodontic concerns early, we can help children feel more confident as their smiles develop

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about this phase of your child’s orthodontic treatment, we’re here to help. Check out some of our most frequently asked questions below. Have additional questions not answered here? We’re happy to address them at your child’s visit, or you can give us a call at (636) 825-1000.

What is the best age for early orthodontic treatment?

Most children should have their first orthodontic evaluation around age 7. If treatment is recommended, it often begins between ages 7 and 10, depending on your child’s growth and specific orthodontic needs.

No. Many children simply benefit from regular monitoring until they’re ready for braces as teenagers. Early treatment is only recommended when it provides a clear long-term benefit.

Possibly. Early treatment often creates a healthier foundation for permanent teeth, but many children still complete a second phase of treatment with braces or other orthodontic appliances once all permanent teeth have erupted.

Treatment varies depending on your child’s needs but often lasts between 9 and 18 months. After treatment, Dr. Dougherty will continue monitoring your child’s growth until it’s time for any additional orthodontic care.

Children may experience mild soreness for a few days after appliances are placed or adjusted, but most adapt quickly and continue their normal day-to-day activities.

If your child doesn’t need treatment yet, we’ll simply schedule periodic observation visits to monitor your child’s growth and tooth development. This allows Dr. Dougherty to recommend treatment at the ideal time, if it ever becomes necessary.

SCHEDULE A COMPLIMENTARY ORTHODONTIC EVALUATION FOR Your Child

If you’re wondering whether your child may benefit from early orthodontic treatment, request your child’s complimentary orthodontic evaluation today. Our team proudly serves families throughout St. Louis with personalized orthodontic care designed around each patient’s unique smile. We look forward to helping your child grow into a healthy, confident smile that lasts a lifetime!

Ready to love your smile?

Request a complimentary consultation with Dougherty Orthodontics in St. Louis to explore personalized braces and clear aligner options for children, teens and adults. Our team will help you find the right treatment plan for a healthier, more confident smile.