Orthodontics for Children

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age seven. At that age, enough permanent teeth have come in for Dr. Younis to see how the jaw is developing and whether the bite is forming correctly. Most children who are evaluated at seven do not need treatment yet, but it establishes a baseline and catches issues early enough to guide them.

The first visit is an evaluation, not the start of treatment. Dr. Younis reviews your child's dental history, examines how the teeth and jaw are developing, and takes digital images or X-rays if needed. He then explains what he sees and whether anything should be watched or addressed. No child leaves that appointment with braces, and no referral is needed to schedule it.

Interceptive orthodontics is early treatment that addresses developing problems while a child is still growing, usually between ages seven and ten when both baby and permanent teeth are present. Rather than waiting until all permanent teeth arrive, it uses the child's natural jaw growth to create space and guide teeth into better position. It is often called Phase 1 treatment.

Usually not. Finding something early often means monitoring it rather than treating it. Dr. Younis may recommend regular check-ins to track growth and step in only when the timing is right. Early evaluation is about knowing what is coming, not starting treatment sooner than necessary. When treatment is recommended, he explains why that timing matters for your child specifically.

Braces are not painful, though most children feel some soreness for a few days after they are placed and after adjustments. That soreness typically fades quickly and responds well to soft foods and over the counter pain relief. Dental wax helps if a bracket rubs against the cheek. Most kids adjust within a week and stop noticing their braces entirely.

Phase 1 happens while your child still has baby teeth and focuses on guiding jaw growth and creating space for permanent teeth to come in properly. A resting period follows, during which the remaining permanent teeth erupt naturally. Phase 2 begins once most of those teeth are in and aligns the full bite. Not every child needs both phases.

Early treatment often uses smaller, targeted appliances rather than full braces. A palatal expander widens a narrow upper jaw to make room for incoming teeth. Space maintainers hold room open when a baby tooth is lost early. Habit appliances help stop thumb sucking. Partial braces may be placed on a few teeth. Dr. Younis selects based on what your child needs.