Why Age 7? The Science Behind Early Orthodontic Evaluations
It might seem early, but age seven is the sweet spot. By this age, your child typically has a mix of baby and permanent teeth, giving Dr. Sharp a unique window to assess jaw development, bite alignment, and tooth eruption patterns before they become harder to correct.
An early evaluation does not always mean early treatment, but it does mean we can identify any developing issues and create a proactive plan. In many cases, catching a problem at age 7 or 8 can prevent the need for tooth extractions or jaw surgery down the road. What we look for at your child's first visit:
● Crowding or insufficient space for permanent teeth
● Excessive spacing between teeth
● Protruding or "buck" teeth
● Crossbites, overbites, underbites, or open bites
● Jaw growth problems or asymmetries
● Early or late loss of baby teeth
● Habits such as thumb-sucking or tongue thrusting
What Is Phase 1 (Early) Orthodontic Treatment for Children?
Phase 1 treatment, also called early interceptive treatment, is orthodontic care that takes place while a child still has some baby teeth, typically between ages 7 and 10. It is designed to guide jaw growth, create space for incoming permanent teeth, and correct bite problems while the bones are still developing and most responsive to treatment.
Not every child needs Phase 1 treatment. Many children are best served by simply being monitored until all permanent teeth have erupted. When Phase 1 treatment is recommended, though, it can make the eventual Phase 2 treatment (braces or aligners during adolescence) shorter, simpler, and less invasive. Conditions that may benefit from early treatment include:
● Severe crowding
● Crossbites (posterior or anterior)
● Significant underbites
● Excessive overjet (protruding front teeth)
● Narrow arches that restrict the airway or tongue posture
● Jaw growth discrepancies
Children's Orthodontic Treatment Options at Sharp Orthodontics
At Sharp Orthodontics, every child's treatment plan is as unique as they are. Dr. Sharp offers a full range of orthodontic solutions tailored to children's growing smiles and the real demands of family life.
Traditional Metal Braces for Kids
Metal braces remain one of the most reliable and effective orthodontic treatments available for children. Today's braces are smaller, more comfortable, and more efficient than ever before. Kids can even choose colorful elastic bands to make their braces their own, a surprisingly popular feature! Metal braces are an excellent choice for treating a wide range of alignment and bite issues, from simple crowding to more complex corrections.
Ceramic Braces for Children
For children who prefer a less noticeable option, ceramic (clear) braces use tooth-colored or clear brackets that blend beautifully with the teeth. They work just like metal braces but are far less visible, perfect for kids who are a little self-conscious about their smile during treatment. As with any braces, good oral hygiene habits are especially important with ceramic brackets.
LightForce Custom Clear Braces
Sharp Orthodontics is proud to offer LightForce braces, the world's first fully customized, 3D-printed clear braces. Each bracket is designed precisely for the individual shape of your child's teeth, delivering more targeted tooth movement, greater comfort, and often faster results with fewer in-office adjustments. For families seeking a high-precision option with great aesthetics, LightForce is a wonderful choice.
Invisalign First® — Clear Aligners for Kids
Invisalign First® is a specially designed clear aligner system for children in Phase 1 treatment, designed to address a broad range of teeth and jaw issues in growing mouths. The removable, nearly invisible aligners make eating, brushing, and flossing completely normal, no brackets, no wires, and no food restrictions. They are especially popular with children who participate in sports, play musical instruments, or simply prefer a more discreet option.
Remote Monitoring — Fewer Trips, Same Great Results
We know how busy family life can be. That is why Sharp Orthodontics offers DentalMonitoring® remote monitoring technology for eligible patients. Dr. Sharp is a key opinion leader with DentalMonitoring®, meaning he was among the first orthodontists in the country to use and teach this technology. Using a simple app on your phone, your child can share progress scans from home, and Dr. Sharp reviews them remotely. This means fewer in-office visits without ever compromising on the quality of care, a true win for busy families in Springfield and Branson.
Why Springfield & Branson Families Choose Sharp Orthodontics for Their Kids
There are many orthodontic practices in the area. Here is why parents keep choosing and recommending Dr. Sharp for their children's care:
- Board-certified expertise: Dr. Sharp is board-certified by the American Board of Orthodontics, a distinction fewer than one-third of orthodontists earn.
- Diamond+ Invisalign Provider: Dr. Sharp is recognized as a Diamond+ provider, placing him among the top tier of Invisalign practitioners in the country.
- Technology-forward care: From iTero digital scanning (no messy impressions!) to 3D printing and DentalMonitoring®, we use the most advanced tools available.
- Flexible scheduling: Virtual and in-person consultations available, with convenient appointment times designed around school and activity schedules.
- Two convenient locations: Springfield and Branson, MO.
- A team that genuinely loves kids: We create a warm, fun, low-pressure environment where children feel comfortable from their very first visit.
The Long-Term Benefits of Children's Orthodontic Treatment
Investing in your child's smile today pays dividends for a lifetime. Here is why early orthodontic care matters beyond just straight teeth:
● Improved oral hygiene: Straight teeth are significantly easier to clean, reducing the lifetime risk of cavities and gum disease.
● Better bite function: Proper alignment improves how your child chews, speaks, and breathes.
● Increased self-confidence: A healthy smile positively impacts social interactions, school performance, and how your child sees themselves.
● Shorter treatment later: Children who receive early intervention often have simpler, shorter Phase 2 treatment as teens.
● Reduced risk of dental injury: Protruding teeth are more vulnerable to trauma during sports and play; early correction reduces this risk.
● Guided jaw growth: Properly aligned jaws support better facial development and, in some cases, improved airway health.
Ready to Give Your Child a Healthy, Confident Smile?
The best gift you can give your child is a smile they will love for the rest of their life. At Sharp Orthodontics, we offer complimentary orthodontic consultations, virtual or in-person, so that starting the conversation is easy, convenient, and completely pressure-free.
Dr. Sharp and our team are here to answer every question, walk you through every option, and support your family every step of the way. Families across Springfield and Branson trust us for a reason, and we would love the chance to earn your trust, too. Contact us today and schedule a consultation, or call us: Springfield (417) 888-3030 | Branson (417) 337-8020
Frequently Asked Questions About Children's Orthodontics
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children have an orthodontic evaluation by age seven. At this age, Dr. Sharp can assess your child's bite, jaw development, and the eruption of permanent teeth. Many children will not need treatment right away, but an early evaluation allows us to catch any developing issues and plan, which can save time, discomfort, and cost down the road.
Not at all, and this is one of the biggest misconceptions about early evaluations. Most children who come in at age seven simply go on a complimentary monitoring schedule and do not begin active treatment until they are older. An early visit is about gathering the right information so we can make the best decision for your child at the right time.
Phase 1 (early interceptive) treatment happens while your child still has some baby teeth, typically between ages 7 and 10. It addresses specific jaw or bite issues that are easier to correct while the bones are still growing, such as crossbites, severe crowding, or protruding teeth. Phase 2 is the more comprehensive treatment (braces or aligners) that takes place after most or all of the permanent teeth have come in, usually during the early teen years. Some children need both phases; many need only Phase 2.
Yes! Dr. Sharp offers Invisalign First® for younger children who are candidates for Phase 1 treatment, as well as Invisalign for older children approaching their teen years. Clear aligners are a fantastic option for kids who play sports, play instruments, or simply prefer a more discreet treatment. Dr. Sharp is a Diamond+ Invisalign provider, one of the highest designations available, so your child is in exceptionally experienced hands.
Treatment length varies depending on the type and complexity of the case. Phase 1 treatment typically lasts 9 to 18 months. Phase 2 treatment generally ranges from 12 to 24 months. During your consultation, Dr. Sharp will give you a realistic estimate based on your child's specific needs. With remote monitoring technology available at Sharp Orthodontics, we can often reduce the total number of in-office visits while keeping treatment right on track.