At Total Orthodontics, we believe that great smiles start with early awareness, not early over-treatment. Our approach to early orthodontic treatment is guided by experience, research, and one simple philosophy: we never recommend unnecessary treatment.
With decades of combined experience, Dr. Brooks Barefoot, Dr. Kevin Theroux, and Dr. Elizabeth Donahue take a conservative, personalized approach to caring for children. We evaluate growth and development carefully, only stepping in when early intervention truly makes a long-term difference.
That is why more than 90% of our patients have braces one time only. For those who are not yet ready for treatment, we offer our complimentary Orthodontic Supervisory Program (Kids’ Club) to monitor their growth and guide their smile at the right time.
What Is Early Orthodontic (Phase One) Treatment?
Early orthodontic treatment, also called Phase One treatment, focuses on guiding your child’s jaw growth and tooth development before all permanent teeth come in, usually between ages 7 and 10.
During this phase, our orthodontists may use limited braces, expanders, or other gentle appliances to:
Create space for incoming permanent teeth
Correct early bite or jaw alignment issues
Address habits like thumb sucking or speech-related concerns
Prevent future complications that could require extractions or surgery
If early care is not necessary, your child is simply enrolled in our Kids’ Club, a fun, no-cost monitoring program to track development every few months.
What Is the Orthodontic Supervisory Program?
Our Orthodontic Supervisory Program, also known as the Kids’ Club, is designed for children who are not ready for braces yet but should be observed as they grow.
Here’s how it works:
Regular Check-Ins: We see your child every 6 to 8 months to monitor tooth eruption and jaw development.
Preventive Guidance: We may recommend simple steps, such as early removal of baby teeth, to help permanent teeth come in properly.
No-Cost Visits: These appointments are complimentary and include updates to your family dentist.
Right-Time Treatment: When the time is just right, we will recommend the most efficient and effective orthodontic solution.
Many Kids’ Club patients eventually graduate without ever needing braces, and that is always our favorite success story.
Individualized Care for Every Child
Our doctors believe that two-phase orthodontic treatment is often over-prescribed. While early treatment can make a big difference for certain issues, some bite and alignment problems are best addressed once all permanent teeth have erupted, typically in the early teen years.
At Total Orthodontics, we design every treatment plan around your child’s unique growth pattern and needs, ensuring the best long-term results without unnecessary care.
Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment
Early orthodontic care offers many long-term advantages for your child’s health, comfort, and confidence. When started at the right time, treatment can:
Improve the balance and alignment of the jaw and teeth
Create space for permanent teeth to erupt naturally
Reduce the risk of impacted teeth or extractions later
Prevent trauma to protruding front teeth
Correct harmful oral habits, such as thumb sucking
Enhance speech development and chewing function
Simplify and shorten future orthodontic treatment
By identifying and addressing issues early, our doctors help children achieve healthy, confident smiles that last a lifetime.
Phase Two Treatment
Early treatment can correct or prevent significant bite and spacing issues, but because permanent teeth are not fully in yet, your child may need a shorter, simpler Phase Two treatment (like full braces or Invisalign®) as a teen.
This second phase focuses on perfecting alignment and bite position for lifelong results. In some cases, however, no additional treatment is needed at all.
Above all else, Total Orthodontics is known for one thing–conservative care.
" I have worked at TO since 2008, and our team is really experienced. This is especially important with our younger patients undergoing Phase One treatment. We make it fun and we are gentle! "
FAQ
How Long Does Early Orthodontic Treatment Take?
Phase One treatment typically lasts between 6 to 18 months, depending on your child’s needs. Our orthodontists customize each plan to achieve the best results with the least disruption to your child’s daily life.
Can Early Treatment Prevent Braces Later On?
In many cases, yes. Early orthodontic care can correct developing issues and prevent more serious alignment problems in the future. However, some children may still need a short second phase of treatment once all permanent teeth have come in.
What Are Signs That My Child Might Need Early Orthodontic Care?
Common signs include:
Crowded or overlapping front teeth
Early or late loss of baby teeth
Crossbite, underbite, or open bite
Thumb sucking beyond age 6
Difficulty chewing or speech concerns
If you notice any of these, schedule a complimentary orthodontic evaluation with our team.
Do You Work With Family Dentists?
Yes. We coordinate care with your family dentist and provide regular updates after each Kids’ Club or treatment visit to ensure complete continuity of care.
What If My Child Loses a Baby Tooth Early or Late?
Losing baby teeth too early or too late can sometimes affect how permanent teeth erupt. If this happens, schedule a quick visit so our team can evaluate whether early intervention is needed.
