Early Orthodontic Treatment in Mililani
Reviewed by Dr. David Dung, board-certified orthodontist
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child have a first orthodontic check-up by age 7. Most kids won’t need treatment that early, but a board-certified orthodontist can spot developing problems while the jaw is still growing, when they’re easiest to guide. At Mililani Orthodontics, that first visit is always a free exam, with no referral needed.
Early treatment isn’t about putting braces on a 7-year-old. It’s about timing, catching the issues that are far simpler to correct now than later.
What Age Should My Child First See an Orthodontist?
By age 7. By this age, enough permanent teeth have come in for us to evaluate the bite and the way the jaws are developing. Even if your child’s teeth look fine, a quick check can catch a hidden crossbite, crowding, or a growth pattern worth watching. If nothing needs doing yet, we’re happy to see your child every 6 to 8 months to keep an eye on their growth.
What Is Phase 1 (Early) Treatment?
Phase 1 (early or interceptive treatment) is a short, focused round of treatment in a growing child, usually around ages 7 to 10, designed to correct or prevent a specific problem before it gets worse. It might use a palatal expander to widen a narrow upper jaw, create room for incoming permanent teeth, or address a crossbite or underbite. Phase 2, typically full braces or Invisalign® in the early teens, comes later if needed, and is often shorter and simpler because of the groundwork laid in Phase 1.
Signs Your Child May Benefit from Early Treatment
Worth an evaluation if you notice:
- Early or late loss of baby teeth, or difficulty chewing or biting
- Crowded, blocked-out, or noticeably crooked front teeth
- A crossbite, underbite, or open bite, or a jaw that shifts to one side
- Mouth breathing, or thumb- or finger-sucking past age 5
- Teeth that don’t meet properly, or don’t meet at all
How Early Treatment Helps
By guiding growth at the right moment, early treatment can create space for permanent teeth, reduce the need for extractions later, lower the risk of impacted teeth, and shorten or simplify future treatment. We design every plan from a comfortable iTero® digital scan, no goopy impressions, and revisit it as your child grows.
Why a Board-Certified Specialist for Your Child
Timing is everything in early treatment, and knowing when to treat and when to wait is the expertise of a specialist. Every orthodontist at Mililani Orthodontics is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics. We also make it easy for busy Central Oʻahu families, including military families near Schofield and Wheeler, with Saturday morning hours and insurance we file for you. Meet our doctors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age should my child first see an orthodontist?
By age 7, as recommended by the American Association of Orthodontists. Most children won’t need treatment then, but it’s the ideal age to catch developing issues early. The first exam at Mililani Orthodontics is free.
Does early treatment mean my child will avoid braces later?
Not always, but it often makes later treatment shorter and simpler. Phase 1 treatment corrects specific problems early; some children still benefit from braces or Invisalign in their teens, with a better foundation to build on.
Schedule Your Child's Free Exam
The best first step is a free check-up. Schedule your child’s free new-patient exam at our office inside the Town Center of Mililani, 95-1249 Meheula Pkwy #135.