Early Orthodontic Treatment
Give your child a head start on a healthy smile! Early screening can save you time and money.
When Should My Child See an Orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7, or at the first sign of potential orthodontic issues. While treatment may not be needed right away, a thorough exam with our experienced Onalaska orthodontic team can help spot early signs of dental concerns — including jaw growth and airway development — and determine the best time to begin care.
The best part? At Kujak Orthodontics in Onalaska, WI, we provide free monitoring of your child’s growth and development. Regular check-ins help us catch concerns early — potentially saving your family time and money down the road. Give us a call or click the “Request Free Consultation” button to schedule your child’s visit and start their journey toward a confident, healthy smile!
What is Early Orthodontic Treatment?
Early orthodontic treatment — also called Phase I orthodontics — is all about helping young smiles grow strong and healthy! Typically recommended for children between the ages of 6 and 10, this specialized care focuses on guiding jaw development and creating space for permanent teeth to come in properly. Because kids at this age still have a mix of baby and adult teeth, it’s the ideal time to catch and address issues like crowding, overbites, underbites, or habits like thumb-sucking before they become bigger concerns. Early treatment also allows us to evaluate and support healthy airway development. By identifying and addressing jaw and facial growth patterns that may impact breathing and sleep, we can help set the foundation for better long-term health and overall wellness — giving your child the best chance to thrive.
Our goal with early orthodontic treatment is to correct small problems now so future treatment is easier, shorter, and more comfortable. Starting early can often reduce the need for more invasive treatments later on — and it gives your child the confidence to smile brightly as they grow! While not every child in Onalaska or the La Crosse area needs early treatment, a quick consultation with our friendly orthodontic team can help determine what’s best for your child’s smile.
At Kujak Orthodontics in Onalaska, WI, we’re proud to provide trusted orthodontic care for kids and young patients in Onalaska, WI, and beyond. We’re here to ensure every young smile gets the attention and care it deserves!
Types of Early Orthodontic Appliances
Early orthodontic treatment may involve the use of appliances such as:
- Braces to gently straighten the upper front teeth
- Palatal expanders to widen the upper jaw and create space
- Headgear to correct bite alignment issues
- Retainers to maintain progress and support healthy growth
Supporting Healthy Airway Development
Early orthodontic evaluations are not just about straight teeth — they’re also an important opportunity to assess your child’s airway and jaw development. Identifying airway concerns early can help address issues like mouth breathing, snoring, or poor sleep quality, which can affect overall growth, focus, and long-term health. By guiding jaw growth and creating adequate space for the tongue and airway, early orthodontic care can support better breathing, healthier sleep, and improved overall wellness as your child grows. At Kujak Orthodontics in Onalaska, WI, we offer free consultations and complimentary monitoring as your child develops, so you can feel confident knowing their smile and health are on the right track.
The Benefits of Early Treatment
Not all children need early orthodontic treatment, but an evaluation by an orthodontist can help determine whether it’s necessary. Early intervention can make future treatments easier and more effective.
- Prevents more severe orthodontic issues down the road
- Shortens the time needed for braces later on
- Improves facial appearance and self-confidence
- Reduces the need for extractions or more invasive treatments in the future
Creates room for crowded teeth
Creates facial symmetry by influencing jaw growth
Reduces the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth
Preserves space for unerupted teeth
Reduces the need for tooth removal
Reduces treatment with braces
Malocclusions
Orthodontics is not merely for improving the aesthetics of the smile; orthodontic treatment improves bad bites (malocclusions). Malocclusions occur as a result of tooth or jaw misalignment. Malocclusions affect the way you smile, chew, clean your teeth or feel about your smile.
Early evaluation provides both timely detection of dental concerns and greater opportunity for more effective treatment, preventing serious issues later. When orthodontic intervention is not necessary, an orthodontist can carefully monitor growth and development and begin treatment when it is ideal.
