Early Treatment

Did you know that the American Association of Orthodontists recommends every child have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7? At David Ross Orthodontics, board-certified orthodontist Dr. David Ross provides early orthodontic treatment to help your child build a strong foundation for a healthy, confident smile. With more than 20 years of experience, advanced training in dentofacial orthopedics, and three convenient offices in Hanover, PA, Lutherville-Timonium, MD, and Westminster, MD, our team is here to give your child the best possible start.

Your child’s first visit is always free, no cost and no pressure.

What Is Early Orthodontic Treatment?

Early orthodontic treatment, also called Phase 1 orthodontics, is a focused course of care that addresses developing jaw and tooth alignment issues before all permanent teeth have come in. It is typically recommended for children ages 7 to 10.

At this age, your child still has a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth. That combination actually gives Dr. Ross a unique window of opportunity. Because the jaw is still growing, he can guide its development, make room for incoming adult teeth, and correct bite problems while the bones are still flexible and responsive to treatment.

Phase 1 orthodontics is not about giving your child a full set of braces at a young age. It is about addressing specific problems early so that future treatment — if needed — is simpler, shorter, and more predictable.

Signs Your Child May Need Early Treatment

Not every child needs early orthodontic treatment. Some children benefit from waiting until their teen years when all permanent teeth have erupted. However, certain signs may indicate that an early evaluation with Dr. Ross would be a good idea.

Watch for these common indicators:

• Crowded or overlapping teeth — teeth that are already tight or crooked as they come in
• Crossbite — upper teeth sitting inside the lower teeth when biting down
• Thumb sucking or finger habits — prolonged habits beyond age five that push teeth out of alignment
• Early or late loss of baby teeth — losing teeth well before or after the typical timeline
• Mouth breathing — breathing through the mouth regularly, which can affect jaw development
• Difficulty chewing or biting — trouble eating that may signal a developing bite problem
• Protruding front teeth — upper teeth that stick out and are more vulnerable to injury
• Jaw shifting or clicking — uneven jaw movement when opening or closing the mouth

If you notice any of these signs, scheduling a complimentary evaluation is a smart step. Even if treatment is not needed right away, Dr. Ross can begin monitoring your child’s growth and development.

Benefits of Early Treatment

Starting treatment at the right time can make a meaningful difference in your child’s long-term dental health. Here are the key benefits of early orthodontic treatment at David Ross Orthodontics:

• Guide jaw growth — Correct narrow or uneven jaw development while the bones are still growing, reducing the chance of more involved treatment later
• Create space for adult teeth — Help permanent teeth come in straighter by managing crowding before it becomes severe
• Reduce the need for extractions — Making room early can often prevent the need to remove permanent teeth down the road
• Protect protruding teeth from injury — Front teeth that stick out are more likely to be chipped or damaged during sports and play
• Correct bite problems — Address crossbites, open bites, and underbites before they lead to uneven jaw growth or tooth wear
• Break harmful habits — Appliances can help redirect thumb sucking and tongue thrust habits that affect tooth position
• Simplify Phase 2 treatment — Children who complete Phase 1 often need a shorter, less complex course of braces or Invisalign during their teen years

Dr. Ross creates a personalized treatment plan for every child based on their specific needs and growth patterns. If early treatment is not yet necessary, your child will be placed in our supervision program with check-ups every 6 to 12 months so we can monitor development and start treatment at the ideal time.

What to Expect During Your Child’s First Visit

Your child’s first appointment at David Ross Orthodontics is designed to be welcoming, comfortable, and completely free of charge. Here is what the visit looks like:

1. A warm welcome — Your family is greeted by our team, shown around the office, and introduced to Dr. Ross
2. A thorough examination — Dr. Ross evaluates your child’s bite, jaw alignment, tooth eruption pattern, and overall oral development
3. Digital imaging — If needed, we take X-rays or digital scans to get a complete picture of what is happening beneath the surface
4. An honest conversation — Dr. Ross shares his findings with you, explains whether treatment is recommended now or later, and answers every question you have
5. A personalized plan — If early treatment is appropriate, we walk you through the recommended approach, timeline, and financing options

There is never any pressure to start treatment. Our goal is to give you the information you need to make a confident decision for your child.

Early Treatment Options

Dr. Ross uses a range of age-appropriate appliances and techniques during Phase 1 treatment. The right approach depends on your child’s specific needs:

• Palatal expanders — Gently widen the upper jaw to correct crossbites and create more space for permanent teeth
• Space maintainers — Hold open the space left by a baby tooth lost too early so the permanent tooth can come in properly
• Partial braces — Brackets placed on select teeth to guide specific teeth into better positions
• Habit appliances — Devices that help break thumb sucking or tongue thrust habits by redirecting oral posture
• Growth modification appliances — Guide the development of the upper or lower jaw to improve facial balance and bite alignment

Each of these tools is chosen specifically for your child’s situation. Phase 1 treatment typically lasts 9 to 12 months, followed by a rest period where we monitor growth before determining whether Phase 2 is needed.

Phase 1 vs. Phase 2 Treatment

Many parents wonder what the difference is between Phase 1 and Phase 2, and whether their child will need both. Here is a simple breakdown:

Phase 1 (Early Treatment) happens while your child still has a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth, usually between ages 7 and 10. It focuses on jaw development, space management, and correcting problems that are best addressed early.

Phase 2 (Comprehensive Treatment) typically begins in the teen years once all or most permanent teeth have erupted. It focuses on fine-tuning the alignment of every tooth and perfecting the bite. Phase 2 usually involves full braces or Invisalign.

Not every child who goes through Phase 1 will need Phase 2. And for those who do, Phase 2 is often shorter and less complex because the major structural work was already completed. Dr. Ross will keep you informed every step of the way so there are no surprises.