A child’s smile changes a lot between the ages of 6 and 13. Baby teeth fall out, adult teeth begin to come in, and the jaws continue to grow. During this time, some bite and tooth problems become easier to spot. A few may also be easier to treat before all permanent teeth appear.
Early orthodontic treatment, often called Phase 1 treatment, focuses on certain problems during this stage of growth. It does not mean every child needs braces at age 7. Some children need treatment, while others only need regular checks as their teeth develop.
For parents in Ludington, Michigan, the goal is to know what signs to watch for and when to seek an expert opinion. An early visit with an orthodontic provider can help answer those questions without rushing a child into treatment.
What Is Early Orthodontic Treatment?
Early orthodontic treatment is care given while a child still has a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth. This is known as the mixed dentition stage. It often begins around age 6 and continues until about age 12 or 13, though every child develops at a different pace.
The purpose is to address a problem that may affect how the teeth, jaws, or bite develop. Treatment may help guide incoming teeth, protect space for permanent teeth, or improve the way the upper and lower jaws fit together.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic checkup by age 7. This is an age for an assessment, not a rule that treatment must begin then.
After the exam, the recommendation may be to start treatment, watch the child’s growth, or wait until more permanent teeth appear. Each child needs a plan based on their own dental development.
Which Problems May Need Attention Before All Permanent Teeth Appear?
Not every crooked tooth needs early care. Some changes are part of normal growth. However, certain problems deserve a closer look because they can affect the bite, tooth eruption, or jaw growth.
1. Crossbite
A crossbite occurs when one or more upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth when the child bites down. It can affect the front teeth or the back teeth.
A child with a crossbite may shift the jaw to one side to bring the teeth together. Over time, this can lead to uneven tooth wear or an uneven bite.
An early exam helps the dentist or orthodontic provider see whether the crossbite is likely to correct on its own or needs care. In some cases, an appliance can help guide the teeth or widen a narrow upper jaw while the child is still growing.
2. Severe Crowding
Crowding happens when there is not enough room for teeth to fit in the dental arch. A parent may notice teeth coming in at an angle, overlapping, or turning out of place.
Mild crowding can change as the jaw grows and more teeth appear. Severe crowding needs closer review, especially when permanent teeth seem unable to find enough space.
Early care may help guide tooth position or protect space for teeth that have not erupted yet. It does not always remove the need for braces later. The aim is to manage the current problem and support better development.
3. Underbite
An underbite occurs when the lower front teeth sit ahead of the upper front teeth. It may be linked to tooth position, jaw growth, or a mix of both.
Some underbites become more noticeable as a child grows. An early assessment can help identify whether the issue is dental or related to jaw size and position.
When jaw growth is part of the problem, timing can matter. A treatment plan may use an appliance to guide growth or improve the bite. The right approach depends on the child’s age, growth pattern, and the cause of the underbite.
4. Excessive Overbite
An overbite is the vertical overlap of the upper front teeth over the lower front teeth. A deep overbite occurs when this overlap is too large.
In some children, the lower front teeth may press into the gum behind the upper front teeth. The teeth may also be more exposed to injury if they stick out.
An orthodontic exam can show how much the teeth overlap and whether the jaw position adds to the problem. Treatment may be considered if the bite causes damage, discomfort, or a risk of injury.
5. Open Bite
An open bite occurs when the upper and lower front teeth do not touch when the back teeth are together. A child may have trouble biting into foods such as a sandwich or an apple.
Long-term thumb sucking, finger sucking, or tongue thrusting can play a role in some cases. The cause matters because moving teeth without addressing the habit may not give lasting results.
A dental professional can check the bite and discuss ways to help the child stop a habit. If the open bite remains, orthodontic care may be part of the plan.
6. Early Loss of Baby Teeth
Baby teeth do more than help children chew. They also hold space for the permanent teeth that will replace them.
If a baby tooth is lost too early due to decay, injury, or removal, nearby teeth may drift into the open space. This can leave less room for the permanent tooth to come in.
A space maintainer may be advised in some cases. It holds the space until the adult tooth is ready to erupt. Not every early tooth loss needs one, so the dentist must check the child’s age, tooth position, and expected eruption time.
7. Teeth Coming In Out of Position
Some permanent teeth do not follow the expected path as they erupt. They may come in behind, in front of, or far away from the space where they should appear.
A tooth may also stay trapped under the gum or fail to appear when expected. Extra teeth or missing permanent teeth can affect the way the rest of the smile develops.
An exam, and sometimes dental imaging, can help show where the teeth are and whether they have enough room. Early guidance may help protect space or improve the path for an incoming tooth.
8. Habits That Affect Tooth and Jaw Growth
Thumb sucking, finger sucking, and tongue thrusting are common in young children. Many children stop these habits as they grow. But if a habit continues for a long time or happens with strong pressure, it may affect tooth position or jaw shape.
Parents may notice front teeth that stick out, an open bite, or changes in the way the child speaks or swallows.
The first step is to understand the habit and how it affects the mouth. A dentist can offer age-appropriate advice. An appliance is not needed for every child, and the child’s readiness to stop the habit matters.
Quick Guide: Which Problems May Need Early Review?
| Dental concern | Why it matters | Possible next step |
| Crossbite | May cause an uneven bite or jaw shift | Check bite and jaw position |
| Severe crowding | May limit room for permanent teeth | Review space and tooth growth |
| Underbite | May involve jaw growth | Assess jaw relationship |
| Deep overbite | May raise the risk of tooth or gum injury | Check tooth overlap |
| Open bite | May affect biting and speech | Review habits and bite |
| Early loss of baby teeth | Nearby teeth may move into the space | Check if a space maintainer is needed |
| Teeth erupting out of place | A tooth may lack space or follow an unusual path | Review tooth position and eruption |
This guide is for general information. A dental exam is needed to decide whether treatment should begin now or wait.
Does Early Treatment Mean a Child Will Avoid Braces Later?
No. This is one of the most important points for parents to understand.
Early treatment may correct a specific problem, reduce the risk of certain issues, or make later treatment simpler. But it does not guarantee that a child will never need braces.
Some children benefit from two stages of care. The first stage addresses a problem while the child is still growing. The second stage, if needed, aligns the permanent teeth after more have come in.
Other children do not need early treatment at all. They may only need checkups until the right time for a full orthodontic plan.
A clear treatment plan should explain what the first stage is meant to achieve, what it cannot fix, and whether more care may be needed later.
When Should Parents Schedule an Assessment?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic checkup by age 7. At this age, many children have their first permanent molars and front teeth. These teeth give a dental professional useful clues about how the bite is forming.
You do not need to wait until a child turns 7 if you notice a concern earlier. Book an assessment if your child has trouble biting or chewing, the jaw shifts when closing, teeth are very crowded, or permanent teeth seem delayed or out of place.
A checkup does not mean your child will need braces. It gives the dental team a chance to review growth and explain what to watch for.
What Happens During an Early Orthodontic Assessment?
An early assessment looks at more than whether the teeth appear straight. The dentist or orthodontic provider may review:
- Tooth position: Are the teeth coming in at the expected angle and place?
- Bite: Do the upper and lower teeth meet in a healthy way?
- Jaw growth: Does the upper jaw fit well with the lower jaw?
- Available space: Is there room for the permanent teeth to come in?
- Oral habits: Is thumb sucking or tongue pressure affecting the bite?
- Dental history: Has the child lost baby teeth early or had an injury?
The provider may also recommend dental X-rays or other images if they are needed to check tooth position, roots, or jaw development. These images are not required for every child.
The findings help the dental team decide whether to treat a problem now, keep checking it, or wait until more permanent teeth appear.
How Lakewinds Dental Centre Supports Dental and Orthodontic Care
Children benefit from dental care that tracks changes in their teeth and gums as they grow. At Lakewinds Dental Centre in Ludington, Michigan, the listed services include orthodontic screenings and Six Month Smiles. Parents can ask the dental team whether a child’s concern can be assessed at the practice and whether a referral to an orthodontic specialist is needed for a full early-treatment plan.
The practice website lists Dr. Jason Martin, DDS, and Dr. Jason Schlueter, DDS. Dr. Martin earned his dental degree from the University of Michigan in 2006 and has completed hundreds of hours of continuing education. Dr. Schlueter also earned his dental degree from the University of Michigan and describes a focus on preventive care and a minimally invasive approach.
These details help parents understand the dentists’ backgrounds. They do not, by themselves, establish that either dentist is a specialist in orthodontics. If a child may need Phase 1 treatment, parents should ask who will provide the assessment and treatment, what training they have, and whether a specialist referral is appropriate.
For families looking for an orthodontist in Ludington, the most useful first step is a clear review of the child’s bite, tooth development, and treatment needs. The practice is located at 409 W Ludington Ave, Suite 101, Ludington, MI 49431.
What Parents Can Do at Home
Parents cannot control every part of jaw growth, but a few habits can support healthy dental development.
- Help your child brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
- Encourage daily cleaning between teeth when the spaces are tight.
- Keep regular dental checkups, even when baby teeth seem healthy.
- Ask the dentist about any baby tooth lost early.
- Talk with your child about stopping thumb or finger sucking if the habit continues.
- Watch for changes in chewing, speech, or how the teeth meet.
- Avoid trying to move teeth at home with bands or other devices.
If your child says a tooth hurts, the jaw feels sore, or chewing is difficult, arrange a dental check rather than waiting for the next routine visit.
Conclusion: The Right Time Matters More Than the Earliest Time
Early orthodontic treatment can help with certain problems while a child’s teeth and jaws are still developing. Crossbites, severe crowding, underbites, open bites, early tooth loss, and unusual eruption patterns are all reasons to seek an assessment. But not every child needs treatment before all permanent teeth appear.
A careful exam helps parents understand what needs attention, what can be watched, and when treatment may offer a real benefit. For families in Ludington, Lakewinds Dental Centre can be a starting point for discussing a child’s dental development and whether further orthodontic care is needed.
If you have concerns about your child’s bite or the way permanent teeth are coming in, contact Lakewinds Dental Centre to arrange an evaluation and discuss the next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the best age for a child’s first orthodontic checkup?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first checkup by age 7. A child can be seen earlier if a parent or dentist notices a concern.
2. Does my child need braces if their teeth look crowded?
Not always. Some crowding changes as the jaws grow and more teeth come in. An exam helps show whether the crowding needs treatment or monitoring.
3. Can a child receive orthodontic treatment while baby teeth are still present?
Yes. Some problems can be treated during the mixed dentition stage. The need for treatment depends on the child’s bite, growth, and tooth development.
4. Will early treatment prevent braces during the teenage years?
Not in every case. Early care may address a specific problem, but some children still need a later stage of treatment to align their permanent teeth.
5. What happens if a baby tooth falls out too soon?
Nearby teeth may move into the open space and reduce room for the permanent tooth. A dentist can check whether a space maintainer is needed.
6. Can thumb sucking affect a child’s bite?
Yes. Long-term thumb or finger sucking can affect the position of the front teeth and the shape of the bite. The effect depends on how often and how strongly the child sucks their thumb.
7. Is an early orthodontic assessment painful?
No. The first visit usually involves looking at the teeth, bite, and jaw. X-rays may be advised when needed, but treatment does not have to start at that visit.
8. Should parents wait until all permanent teeth have appeared?
No. Some problems are best reviewed while baby and permanent teeth are both present. Waiting for every baby tooth to fall out may delay the chance to assess a concern at the right stage.
