Early orthodontic treatment, also called Phase 1, is care given to children while they still have some baby teeth, usually between ages 6 and 9. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic checkup by age 7. At Berkeley Family Orthodontics, Dr. Robert Iezman evaluates your child, treats only when it truly helps, and monitors growth when it does not.
As a parent, it is hard to know when (or whether) your child needs to see an orthodontist. The simple guideline from the American Association of Orthodontists is a first checkup by age 7. That does not mean braces at 7. It means an expert look at how your child’s jaw and teeth are developing, so any real concern is caught while it is easy to guide. At Berkeley Family Orthodontics, Dr. Robert Iezman has evaluated Berkeley children for 38 years, and families trust him to recommend treatment only when it genuinely benefits their child.
Why Children Are Evaluated So Young
By age 7, a child’s mouth usually has the 6-year molars and the first permanent front teeth, which gives Dr. Iezman enough information to spot developing bite and spacing problems. Catching these early can prevent them from becoming harder to fix later. Timely care can:
- Guide jaw growth so the upper and lower jaws develop in balance
- Make room for permanent teeth and lower the chance of impaction
- Reduce or avoid extractions of permanent teeth down the road
- Correct harmful habits such as thumb sucking or mouth breathing
- Simplify future treatment once all the permanent teeth arrive
Does Every Child Need Early Treatment?
No, and this is where an honest orthodontist matters. Many children do not need any early treatment. Some bite and alignment issues are best corrected in the teen years, once all the permanent teeth are in, and certain jaw concerns should only be addressed after more growth has happened. If Dr. Iezman decides your child is not ready for treatment, there is no rush to braces. Your child simply joins our Orthodontic Observation Program instead.
The Orthodontic Observation Program
For children who are not yet ready for treatment, our Observation Program keeps a close, no-pressure eye on their development. We watch as baby teeth fall out and permanent teeth come in, so we can start treatment at exactly the right moment (and not a day sooner than needed).
- Observation visits roughly every 6 to 12 months to track growth
- Small, timely steps such as removing a stubborn baby tooth when it will simplify later care
- Optimized timing so that if braces are needed, they are as short and effective as possible
There is no cost pressure here. The goal is to protect your child’s long-term smile and your family’s budget by treating at the right time.
Will Early Treatment Mean No Braces as a Teen?
Sometimes, but not always. Phase 1 treatment addresses the biggest concerns early, but many children still need a second, shorter phase of braces or clear aligners in their teens to fine-tune the bite once all the permanent teeth are in. Think of Phase 1 as laying a good foundation. It can make the second phase simpler, shorter, or occasionally unnecessary.
Keep Seeing Your Family Dentist
Orthodontic care does not replace regular dental visits. Braces and appliances make thorough cleaning harder, so your child should keep seeing the family dentist for checkups and cleanings every six months (or as often as your dentist advises) throughout treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Early Orthodontic Treatment
How early should my child see an orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic checkup by age 7. Many children are simply monitored at that age, with treatment (if any) starting later.
Is early treatment really necessary, or can we wait?
Only some children benefit from early treatment. Dr. Iezman recommends it when acting early prevents a harder problem later, and he is candid when waiting is the smarter choice. Waiting children join our free Observation Program.
Will my child need two rounds of treatment?
Not always. Some children need only Phase 1, some only teen treatment, and some a short second phase. A first evaluation tells you what to expect for your child specifically.
Does early treatment cost more overall?
Schedule Your Child’s First Visit in Berkeley
Give your child the best start. Call Berkeley Family Orthodontics at (510) 849-3613 or request an appointment online. Our office is at 2999 Regent Street, Suite 408, in Berkeley’s Elmwood neighborhood, a short distance from Berkeley’s schools and serving families across the East Bay.
