When parents visit our practice, they often ask if starting orthodontic treatment early is worthwhile or if they can wait until all their permanent teeth have appeared. The answer is clear: choosing early intervention can mean the difference between an easy, comfortable treatment now and complicated jaw surgery in the future. At Las Cruces Orthodontics, we regularly help families avoid invasive surgery through timely orthodontic care.
Children’s jaws undergo significant development throughout childhood, creating a prime window for orthodontic corrections. Between ages 6 and 12, jawbones continue to grow and respond very well to guidance. We proactively correct bite problems, align teeth, and establish healthy jaw relationships before these issues become fixed structural concerns that might later require surgery.
We find that early orthodontic evaluations offer clear advantages for children and their families. Starting treatment at the right moment lets us intercept developing dental and skeletal problems before they escalate. Acting while the jaw is still malleable enables us to harness the body’s own growth patterns—often eliminating the need for future surgical interventions. Early evaluation doesn’t always mean that treatment needs to begin immediately, but it gives us the opportunity to carefully monitor your child’s dental and facial development, creating the best possible chance for a healthy future.
Early Detection Prevents Major Problems Down the Road
We recommend that children receive their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7, as advised by the American Association of Orthodontists. By this age, we can spot developing concerns like crossbites, overbites, underbites, or narrow palates that could escalate if ignored.
When we assess a young child, we meticulously examine their bite, jaw alignment, and the way their teeth erupt. We can recognize if they are developing patterns such as severe crowding, a crossbite, or jaw growth discrepancies that might worsen with time. For example, when we see a developing underbite in a child, we use appliances to guide how the jaw grows and foster proper upper jaw development. This solution is comfortable, relatively quick, and prevents the underbite from worsening. If we delay until jaw growth ends, however, correcting the issue almost always requires orthognathic surgery—moving the jaw bones, a lengthy recovery, and disruptions to daily life. This contrast shows the critical importance of timing in orthodontics.
We rely on X-rays, growth analyses, and hands-on examinations to ensure we identify even subtle issues. Because children’s bones are softer and more adaptable, early treatment can address these problems when they are most responsive to gentle correction.
Growth Modification: Working With Nature Instead of Against It
We use growth modification as one of our most effective tools in pediatric orthodontics. During childhood, we can guide the development of the jaws with special appliances that work with your child’s natural growth. This approach directly addresses skeletal problems, not just tooth position, and results in significantly better outcomes.
With early orthodontic treatment, we expand narrow upper jaws, guide lower jaw growth, and make room for permanent teeth to erupt correctly. By using devices like palatal expanders, headgear, or functional appliances, we achieve changes that simply aren’t possible once the jawbones stop growing. For instance, we can correct a crossbite or create space for permanent teeth by expanding the upper jaw. This not only helps avoid crowding and impacted teeth but often results in better facial balance and airway health.
These interventions achieve the best results while the growth plates remain active and the jawbones are developing. Once the jaw finishes maturing—usually around age 16 for girls and 18 for boys—these same problems almost always require surgery combined with extended orthodontic treatment.
We always monitor the pace and pattern of each child’s growth, adjusting our approach to match their individual development. Our goal is to ensure healthy, harmonious jaw and teeth relationships, paving the way for successful outcomes and reducing or eliminating the risk of jaw surgery down the road.
The Real Cost of Waiting: Financial and Personal Impact
When parents hesitate about early orthodontic care, hoping to wait until their child gets older, they often face more complicated and expensive treatments later. Orthognathic surgery can cost between $20,000 and $40,000, excluding the orthodontic work needed before and after surgery. Recovery also takes months, disrupting work, school, and overall well-being.
Beyond the financial expense, delayed intervention brings emotional and lifestyle challenges. Adults approaching jaw surgery can feel anxious about the procedure, concerned about missing work or school, and uneasy about recovery. Jaw surgery requires general anesthesia, the surgical repositioning of the jaws, and a liquid or soft food diet for an extended period. Post-surgery, patients experience significant discomfort and must plan for time off work, school, or regular activities. Recovery takes patience, support, and can impact self-esteem and confidence during the healing process.
In comparison, early orthodontic intervention costs much less, involves less disruption, and spares the patient and family unnecessary trauma—all while delivering excellent results. Children treated early often avoid years of embarrassment or discomfort from dental and facial issues. Families benefit from shorter, less complicated overall treatment and the peace of mind that comes with knowing they have proactively protected their child’s oral health and self-image.
Taking Action: Your Child’s Future Starts Today
Recognizing the link between early orthodontics and avoiding jaw surgery lets you make empowered decisions about your child’s oral health. We encourage every parent to schedule their child’s first orthodontic visit by age 7, even if you don’t notice any apparent problems. Orthodontic issues often develop slowly, and what appears minor now could become a primary surgical concern in the future.
At Las Cruces Orthodontics, we spot potential problems early, design treatment plans that guide proper development, and clearly explain options and timelines to every family. We spend extra time answering your questions to ensure you understand the advantages of timely intervention. We always strive to provide the least invasive, most effective treatment possible. Early intervention consistently helps us set children up for a lifetime of healthy, beautiful smiles.
We forge strong partnerships with families, creating treatment strategies that support growing children at every stage of development. When we collaborate with parents and monitor each step of their child’s development, we create optimal circumstances for achieving oral health. Our experience shows that active early care saves time, money, and worry—making those first orthodontic appointments a wise investment in your child’s lifelong health.
Frequently Asked Questions About Early Orthodontic Treatment
What signs should I watch for that might indicate my child needs early orthodontic evaluation?
Watch for early or late loss of baby teeth, trouble chewing or biting, mouth breathing or snoring, thumb sucking beyond age 5, crowded or misplaced teeth, shifting or noisy jaws, and speech difficulties. If your child’s face looks asymmetrical or they often bite their cheek or palate, bring them in for a professional assessment. Early evaluations allow us to monitor and address these issues before they become more serious.
Will early treatment mean my child won’t need braces as a teenager?
Early orthodontic treatment often reduces the length and complexity of future care. Many children still benefit from a second phase of treatment once all permanent teeth have come in, but this later care is usually shorter and less complex. Early intervention solves the underlying skeletal problems, so any later treatment simply fine-tunes tooth alignment—making it much more straightforward than if we hadn’t intervened early. We find that children who receive early care approach their teenage years with healthier, more confident smiles and less intensive orthodontic needs.
We are Las Cruces Orthodontics, proudly serving the Las Cruces community with expert orthodontic care tailored to every family. Our team combines advanced techniques with a personalized approach to create beautiful, healthy smiles that last a lifetime. If you’d like to learn more or schedule an appointment, please do not hesitate to contact us.