Services
Early Orthodontics
Early orthodontic care in NRH, TX is about timing, not just treatment. When children still have a mix of baby and permanent teeth, their jaws are actively growing, which creates a valuable opportunity to gently guide development. Rather than waiting for all adult teeth to come in, early evaluations allow potential concerns like crowding, bite misalignment, or uneven jaw growth to be identified before they progress. In fact, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends children have their first orthodontic check by age seven.
At McKelvain Orthodontics in NRH, we take a growth-guided approach focused on prevention and long-term stability. Early treatment may involve expanders, limited braces, space maintainers, or other customized appliances that support proper alignment and healthy jaw function. By addressing concerns at the right stage of development, we aim to simplify future treatment and help your child grow into a confident, healthy smile.
Early Orthodontics
Early Signs of Orthodontic Concerns in Children
Malocclusions
Malocclusion refers to a misaligned bite, meaning the upper and lower teeth do not come together properly when the mouth is closed. This can include overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites. When left unaddressed, bite problems may cause difficulty with chewing, speech development, and daily oral hygiene. Over time, they can also place uneven pressure on certain teeth, increasing wear and discomfort.
Crowding
Crowding develops when there is insufficient space in the jaw for permanent teeth to erupt in proper alignment. As a result, teeth may overlap, rotate, or shift out of position. Misaligned teeth are harder to brush and floss effectively, which can raise the risk of cavities and gum inflammation in children.
Thumb Sucking and Other Oral Habits
Extended thumb sucking, prolonged pacifier use, tongue thrusting, and habitual mouth breathing can influence how a child’s teeth and jaws develop. These habits may gradually affect alignment and overall jaw shape if they continue beyond early childhood.
Early Orthodontics
Why Early Orthodontic Care Makes a Difference in NRH, TX
By around age seven, a child’s smile is still in an active stage of growth, which makes this an ideal time to guide developing teeth and jaws. Because bone and facial structures are still forming, orthodontic concerns can often be corrected more efficiently than in the teen years. For families in NRH, TX, early treatment may reduce the likelihood of complex procedures later, such as tooth extractions, jaw surgery, or prolonged comprehensive braces treatment.
Early intervention can also help manage spacing concerns before permanent teeth fully erupt. Creating proper room in the arch supports straighter alignment and balanced bite function, helping to minimize crowding and discomfort as your child grows.
Addressing alignment at a younger age may also support clearer speech development, since tooth position plays a role in pronunciation. In addition to functional benefits, early orthodontic care can enhance the appearance of your child’s smile, encouraging confidence during important developmental years.
