Why Early Orthodontics Can Save Your Child Time and Money Later

Many parents are surprised to learn that orthodontic treatment can begin long before their child’s teenage years. In fact, identifying alignment issues early—sometimes as young as age seven—can significantly reduce the time, cost, and complexity of future orthodontic care.

At Silver Creek Family Dentistry in Butte, Montana, we offer orthodontic evaluations for children and teens to help families make proactive decisions. Early orthodontics, also known as interceptive orthodontics, can pave the way for a healthier bite, improved facial development, and a more confident smile.

If you’re wondering whether your child needs braces or when to start thinking about orthodontic care, this blog is for you.

What Is Early Orthodontic Treatment?

Early orthodontics refers to the evaluation and possible treatment of dental and jaw alignment issues in children before all their permanent teeth have erupted. While traditional braces are often placed between ages 12 and 16, early orthodontic treatment typically begins between ages 7 and 10.

This phase of treatment focuses on guiding jaw growth, correcting harmful oral habits, and addressing early signs of crowding or bite issues—before they become more severe.

According to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), children should receive their first orthodontic evaluation no later than age 7. This allows dental professionals to detect subtle problems with jaw growth and emerging teeth, even if baby teeth are still present.

Common Issues Detected Through Early Evaluation

An orthodontic assessment at Silver Creek Family Dentistry may reveal several potential concerns that can benefit from early intervention:

• Crossbite
• Underbite or overbite
• Crowded or overlapping teeth
• Protruding front teeth
• Early or late loss of baby teeth
• Thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting habits
• Speech or chewing difficulties

Many of these issues can worsen over time if left untreated, potentially leading to more invasive procedures in the teen or adult years.

The Benefits of Early Orthodontics

Early orthodontic treatment can provide long-term benefits for both oral health and financial planning. Here are some key reasons to consider scheduling an orthodontic evaluation for your child.

Reduces Need for Future Extractions or Surgery

When orthodontic issues are addressed early, there is a greater chance of correcting jaw development before it becomes fixed. This can reduce the likelihood of needing permanent tooth extractions or corrective jaw surgery later in life.

A study in the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics found that early treatment of severe overjet (protruding front teeth) significantly reduced the need for jaw surgery in adolescence.

Shortens Future Treatment Time

Interceptive treatment can make future orthodontic care more efficient. For example, a child who receives a palatal expander or space maintainer early on may need braces for a shorter period—or potentially not at all—during their teen years.

According to the AAO, early treatment can decrease the time spent in full braces by an average of 6 to 12 months.

Improves Facial Balance and Speech

Jaw discrepancies can affect more than just teeth. Early orthodontics can promote proper facial development and even support improved speech articulation in some cases.

By guiding growth at an early age, we can help create a more balanced profile and reduce the appearance of asymmetry as your child grows.

Prevents Emotional Stress and Teasing

Children with visibly crooked teeth or bite issues are often more self-conscious about their smiles. Early correction can boost self-esteem, helping children feel more comfortable in social settings, especially as they transition into middle school and high school.

What to Expect at Your Child’s Evaluation

At Silver Creek Family Dentistry, our orthodontic assessments for children are gentle, educational, and customized to each child’s needs. During the visit, we will:

• Review your child’s dental and medical history
• Take digital images or x-rays if needed
• Examine bite alignment, jaw movement, and tooth eruption
• Identify any signs of developing orthodontic concerns
• Create a personalized treatment recommendation, if necessary

Not all children will need immediate treatment. In many cases, we simply monitor development until the appropriate time. If early treatment is recommended, it may involve tools like:

• Space maintainers
• Palatal expanders
• Limited braces or aligners
• Habit-correcting appliances

Braces vs. Clear Aligners: What’s Best for Kids?

If your child does need orthodontic correction, both traditional braces and clear aligners are available options. Braces are often preferred for younger children because they remain fixed in place, making them ideal for more complex cases or kids who may struggle with compliance.

Clear aligners, such as Simplyclear or similar systems, are a great choice for responsible older children and teens who prefer a more discreet solution. At Silver Creek Family Dentistry, we offer both types and will help you determine the best option based on your child’s needs and lifestyle.

Orthodontic Care in Butte, Montana That Fits Your Budget

We understand that orthodontic treatment is a significant investment for families. Our Butte office offers transparent pricing, flexible scheduling, and financing options to make early orthodontics more accessible.

We work with many major insurance providers and offer additional support through CareCredit, Cherry Payment Plans, and an in-house membership program for those without insurance. Our goal is to help you plan confidently and avoid unexpected expenses later by addressing issues early.

How Montana Families Benefit from Local, Preventive Dental Care

In rural communities like Butte, having access to a family dental office that offers both preventive and orthodontic services under one roof is a major advantage. Instead of coordinating care across multiple providers, families can rely on our experienced team for comprehensive, continuous care—from cleanings and exams to braces and beyond.

By taking a proactive approach to your child’s dental development, you can set them up for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

Schedule Your Child’s Orthodontic Evaluation in Butte Today

If your child is around age 7 or showing signs of bite or alignment concerns, it’s time to book their first orthodontic checkup. At Silver Creek Family Dentistry, we’re proud to offer early orthodontic assessments right here in Butte, making expert care more convenient and accessible for Montana families.

Contact us today to schedule your child’s appointment and learn more about how early orthodontics can lead to better, faster, and more affordable results.