Orthodontics
Early Orthodontic Treatment for Kids
Sometimes a little guidance early makes a big difference later. Early (Phase 1) treatment works with your child's natural growth to set up a healthier smile, and often a simpler path ahead.
Works with growth
We guide the jaw while it's still developing, when change comes easiest.
Simpler care later
Early guidance can shorten, simplify, or sometimes prevent later braces.
Only when it helps
We recommend treatment only when it genuinely benefits your child.
What Is Early (Phase 1) Treatment?
Early treatment is orthodontic care for younger children, often around ages 7 to 10, while the jaw is still growing. It guides jaw development, creates room for incoming teeth, and addresses problems while they're easiest to correct.
The goal is simple: make later treatment with braces shorter, simpler, or sometimes unnecessary.
How an Early Evaluation Works
It starts with a simple, no-pressure look. Here's the path.
- 1
Evaluate by age 7
Dr. Chu checks how the jaw and adult teeth are developing.
- 2
Watch or act
Many kids just need monitoring at regular visits. Some benefit from acting now.
- 3
Gentle guidance
If treatment helps, we may use an appliance like a palatal expander to create room.
- 4
Simpler Phase 2
When the adult teeth arrive, any remaining treatment is shorter and easier.
Why Timing Matters
A child's jaw is still growing, which means problems like severe crowding, crossbites, protruding front teeth, and bite-affecting habits like thumb sucking can be guided rather than forced. Wait until growth is finished, and the same corrections often take longer and demand more. Acting at the right moment is what makes early treatment so effective.
Who It's For, and Does It Replace Braces?
Children around ages 7 to 10 with developing bite problems are the typical candidates. Early treatment doesn't always replace braces: some children still need a later phase once their adult teeth are in, but early care often makes that phase easier. We'll only recommend treatment when it genuinely benefits your child, and if waiting is smarter, we'll simply keep watch.
An early look costs nothing but a visit, and it can save your child years of more involved treatment down the road.
Where to Find Us in West Jordan
Our Southpoint office sits near 9000 South and 1300 West in West Jordan, just east of Redwood Road and about a mile east of Bangerter Highway. We're minutes from Gardner Village, Veterans Memorial Park, and Jordan Valley Medical Center, with free parking right out front.
Wasatch Pediatrics Dentistry & Orthodontics: Southpoint 9071 S 1300 W Suite 100 West Jordan, UT 84088 (801) 676-3700 Call to BookAlso Serving Families Near West Jordan
Just outside West Jordan? We welcome patients from across Salt Lake County.
Common Questions About Early Treatment
At what age should my child be evaluated?
An orthodontic evaluation by around age 7 is a good idea. It lets us catch and guide issues early, even if treatment does not start right away.
Will my child still need braces later?
Sometimes. Early treatment can shorten or simplify a later phase, and in some cases it avoids more involved treatment altogether.
What if my child doesn't need treatment yet?
Then we simply keep an eye on things at regular visits, at no pressure to you, and start only if and when it truly helps.
Wondering if it's time for an evaluation?
Call (801) 676-3700 and we'll take a friendly, no-pressure look.