early orthodontic treatment for children Bellevue, WA

Early Orthodontic Treatment in Bellevue

The earlier we identify problems with your child’s bite, the simpler they are to correct. At Dr. Wallace W. Wong, Orthodontics, Dr. Wallace Wong provides early orthodontic evaluations and Phase 1 treatment for children in Bellevue, WA , helping guide healthy jaw growth, reduce future treatment time, and set the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

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Early Orthodontic Treatment for Children in Bellevue

The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that children visit an orthodontist as soon as their dentist notices a potential problem, and no later than age seven. At this age, many children do not need treatment right away. Instead, we monitor their growth and development so we can begin treatment at the ideal time if a concern arises.

Why Age Seven Matters

Around age seven, the first adult molars erupt and establish the back bite. This allows Dr. Wong to evaluate how your child’s permanent bite is forming, both front to back and side to side. Because the jaws are still growing, certain problems are easier to correct now than after growth is complete. Early results are often better, may require less extensive work later, and can mean shorter time in braces and lower overall expense.

Benefits of Early Treatment

Phase 1 early treatment can help:

  • Make room for permanent teeth when there is overcrowding
  • Guide jaw growth and support facial symmetry
  • Reduce the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth
  • Correct crossbites, open bites, and other developing bite problems
  • Reduce the likelihood of needing tooth extractions later
  • Shorten the time needed in braces during the teen years

What Can Happen Without Early Treatment

According to the AAO, skipping needed orthodontic care can lead to lasting problems:

  • Crossbites can result in unfavorable jaw growth and uneven tooth wear.
  • Open bites can contribute to tongue-thrusting habits and speech difficulties.
  • Crowded teeth are harder to brush and floss, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease.
  • Protruding teeth are more likely to chip or break during falls and sports.

What to Expect at Your Child’s Visit

Your child’s evaluation is gentle and relaxed. We take low-radiation digital x-rays and photos, and may use our iTero® intraoral scanner for a quick, comfortable 3D scan without messy impressions. Dr. Wong will explain what he sees and whether your child would benefit from treatment now or from periodic monitoring. Depending on the concern, Phase 1 treatment may include appliances such as expanders, a MARA, or a Power Bar, sometimes combined with limited braces.

After Phase 1, many children enter a resting period while the remaining permanent teeth erupt. Some later benefit from a second phase of treatment with braces, clear braces, or Invisalign®, followed by retainers to maintain results.

Give your child a healthy start. Visit our New Patients page or call (425) 746-7126 to schedule your child’s free orthodontic evaluation.

Early Treatment FAQs

When should my child first see an orthodontist?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic evaluation by age seven, or sooner if your dentist notices a problem.

Does my child need braces at age seven?

Not usually. Many children only need monitoring at this age. Early treatment is recommended only when a problem is easier to correct during growth.

What is Phase 1 orthodontic treatment?

Phase 1 is early treatment for children, typically between ages 7 and 10, that addresses jaw growth, crowding, and bite problems before all permanent teeth erupt.

What problems can early treatment correct?

Early treatment can address crowding, crossbites, open bites, protruding front teeth, and jaw growth discrepancies.

Will my child still need braces later?

Some children need a second phase of treatment, but early treatment often makes it shorter and simpler.

Can early treatment prevent tooth extractions?

In many cases, creating space early can reduce the need to remove permanent teeth later.

Is the early orthodontic evaluation free?

Yes. Your child’s initial orthodontic consultation at our Bellevue office is free.