Why are so many 8-year-olds getting braces? Early-age orthodontic treatment might seem strange to parents who remember waiting until their teens, but there is a major shift in dental philosophy. When should a child first be seen, and does your child actually need early treatment?

What is Early-Age Orthodontic Treatment? Early-age orthodontic treatment is also known as Phase I or interceptive treatment. It includes any care performed before adult teeth fully develop.

The purpose is to minimize tooth or skeletal issues. This prevents interference with the normal growth of tooth structures, the bite, or the TMJ. Waiting to correct these patterns can lead to airway or aesthetic problems. It can even impact a child’s psychological well-being. In short, early treatment is preventative. It is most effective during growth and prepares the mouth for the best possible result.

The Best Time for a Screening In fact, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child have their first orthodontic screening no later than age 7.

The Controversy over One Phase vs. Two Phases Orthodontists sometimes disagree on this subject. One may recommend early treatment for every child, while another may recommend none at all.

The right answer depends on your child’s individual needs. Technology and our understanding of child development have advanced significantly. However, many practitioners still struggle to diagnose early-age problems or determine the best treatment timeline.

Risks of Delaying Preventive Care The risks of skipping preventive care during the developmental stage can be substantial. Most orthodontists find it easier to wait until all adult teeth erupt. However, ignoring early needs can lead to more invasive procedures later. This might include tooth extractions or even jaw surgery. Without early care, a doctor may be forced to “camouflage” a skeletal problem. While the results may be “good,” they will not be “exquisite.”

Will My Child Need a 2nd Phase of Treatment? The short answer is “it depends.” Some patients will not need a second phase. However, the majority will need it to fix minor irregularities that occur during the normal growth process.

Think of Phase 1 as orthopedic care, which normalizes the growth of the bones. Phase 2 is orthodontic, which focuses on the position of the teeth. Using two phases makes the process easier, shorter, and more predictable.