Early Orthodontic Treatment
Early Orthodontic Treatment
At Jump Smile Orthodontics, we’re strong advocates for early intervention in children as young as age 7+, following the American & Canadian Association of Orthodontists’ recommendations.
Why Early Treatment?
The fact is that crooked teeth and narrow jaw problems rarely fix themselves. With today’s technology and our solid understanding of how jaws and teeth develop, many orthodontic concerns can be treated much earlier and more effectively - by preventing them from becoming more complex later.
Why treat during the Mixed dentition phase (When my child still has firm baby teeth)?
Firm baby teeth offer an extra opportunity to move the teeth and supporting bones (for one more round of growth guidance) before children enter the full adult dentition phase.
Traditionally, children didn’t start orthodontic treatment until around ages 12-13. By then, many issues had already set in. Now, we can step in sooner while the jaws are still growing and are still very adaptable.
Benefits of early treatment include:
Guiding the jaws and bite during early development
Reducing the need for extractions or jaw surgery later
Making space for permanent teeth to grow into more natural and proper positions
Helping children avoid extended treatment during their self-conscious teenage years
Building confidence, healthy oral habits and sustaining a more stable result much earlier and with less inconvenience later.
Our Early Treatment Techniques
Every child’s situation is very unique. Some may benefit from traditional expanders or partial braces; other children may benefit from clear aligners due to tiny teeth sizes and the need for gentler forces.
Invisalign First package: Designed for children in mixed dentition (with both baby and adult teeth), Invisalign First aligners guide teeth and jaw growth without interfering with baby teeth still present.
Invisalign Teen package: Created for adolescents, with features like eruption tabs and compliance indicators, helping manage growth and accountability.
Metal Braces: Sometimes braces remain the most efficient choice for certain bite or delayed eruption problems.
How Early Treatment Works: In Phases
Early treatment is not about rushing into “full braces” before your child is ready. We instead, we take a phased approach:
1. Phase One (early intervention): Address immediate bite or space problems using the baby teeth and the still moldable bony foundation.
2. Resting period: Allow adult teeth to emerge. During this time, teeth typically follow the path of least resistance created by Phase One correction. We monitor closely but often don’t need active treatment.
3. Phase Two (teenage years): Fine-tuning tooth positions once all adult teeth are in. This stage is usually shorter and simpler thanks to the foundation laid out in Phase One already.
Book a consultation today to see if Early Orthodontic Treatment is right for your child!
Mini FAQs:
Q: How many hours do aligners need to be worn?
A: For children in mixed dentition: at least 19–20 hours/day.
For teens and adults: 20–22 hours/day.
Less wear can slow or even reverse progress!
Q: Why can kids sometimes get away with slightly fewer hours?
A: Children’s jaws are still growing, and their bones are more adaptable, so tooth movement can be more forgiving. Still, consistency matters.
Q: What happens in the “resting phase”?
A: This isn’t a break from orthodontic care - it’s a monitored period while adult teeth come in. The groundwork laid in Phase One gives those adult teeth a much better path and healthier growth / development.
Q: Will early treatment mean my child avoids braces or aligners later?
A: Not always. But it usually makes Phase Two treatment shorter, simpler, and healthier for the teeth and gums.
Q: How old do you have to be to wear aligners or braces?
A: Our youngest patients are aged 6.5-7+ (usually partial braces or clear aligners), and the oldest patients are aged around 65+ (often combined with gum concerns or missing teeth which we also call a “multi-disciplinary treatment plan”!)