As a parent, you want to give your child the right start in every way – and that includes their smile. Many people assume orthodontic treatment begins in the teenage years, but in reality, healthy alignment often starts much earlier. Early orthodontic treatment in Putnam, can play an important role in helping your child’s smile develop properly and comfortably.
At Green Valley Orthodontics, we believe every child deserves a confident, healthy smile. Understanding when and why early orthodontic care matters can help you make informed decisions for your family’s dental health.
What Is Early Orthodontic Care?
Early orthodontic treatment in Putman focuses on evaluating and guiding the growth of your child’s teeth and jaws – often before all their adult teeth have come in. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. An orthodontic evaluation at this age is crucial because children have a mix of baby and permanent teeth, which gives an orthodontist a wealth of information about future development. By examining this mixed dentition, your orthodontist can identify any existing or developing problems early. Our orthodontist in Putman can then advise you on the recommended treatment plan, including the ideal time to begin treatment and the estimated duration
Why Early Evaluations Are Important
1. Guiding Jaw Growth and Tooth Alignment
As children grow, their jaws and teeth are still developing. Early orthodontic care can help guide this growth so that teeth have the right amount of space to come in properly. For example, expanders or limited braces can gently create more room for permanent teeth, reducing the need for extractions or complex treatments later.
2. Early Detection of Issues
Early orthodontic evaluations are key to detecting potential issues with your child’s teeth and jaw alignment before they become obvious. Problems like crowding, crossbites, overbites, or underbites may be developing but aren’t yet visible to the untrained eye. Catching these concerns early ensures your child has the best chance for effective and less invasive treatment later on.
3. Monitoring Healthy Habits
Early visits allow orthodontists to identify habits such as thumb sucking or mouth breathing that can influence jaw development. Addressing these patterns early makes future treatment more predictable and comfortable.
5. Building Positive Dental Experiences
An early introduction to orthodontic care helps children become familiar with the environment and with an orthodontist in Putnam, easing potential anxiety. These appointments are gentle, informative, and designed to make kids feel comfortable and confident about their smiles.
Signs Your Child May Need Orthodontic Care
| Sign | What It May Indicate | How an Orthodontist Can Help |
| Early or Late Loss of Baby Teeth | Losing baby teeth too soon or too late can cause permanent teeth to erupt out of alignment or become crowded. | Our orthodontist in Putnam can monitor growth patterns and guide teeth into proper position, preventing more complex issues later. |
| Difficulty Chewing or Biting | Persistent discomfort while eating may point to misaligned teeth or bite problems affecting how the jaws work together. | Through a gentle evaluation, our orthodontist can identify bite issues early and recommend solutions to improve comfort and function. |
| Mouth Breathing | Breathing primarily through the mouth can influence jaw and facial growth, sometimes leading to an open bite or narrow palate. | Early orthodontic treatment can help correct these structural issues and support healthier breathing habits. |
| Jaws Shifting or Clicking | Noticeable shifting, popping, or clicking in the jaw may suggest Misalignment or uneven bite pressure. | Our orthodontist can assess jaw function, diagnose the cause, and Design a plan to align the bite and reduce strain on the jaw joints. |
| Cheek Biting | Frequent cheek or lip biting may mean the upper and lower teeth do not fit together properly during chewing. | Treatment can reposition the teeth and bite to prevent soft tissue injury and ensure a more comfortable, balanced smile. |
| Facial Imbalance | Misaligned jaws or teeth can influence how the chin, lips, and cheeks appear, affecting facial balance and harmony. | Orthodontic evaluation helps detect and correct these imbalances, supporting healthy growth and a well-proportioned facial profile. |
About the practice: Green Valley Orthodontics blends personalized care with trusted technology to create positive experiences for every patient. Meet the team on our About page.
What Putnam Parents Are Saying
“The orthodontists at Green Valley Orthodontics are experts in invisible liners and braces. I am excited to know they are doing early intervention orthodontics to enable children to breathe through their nose more freely.” – Kimbal S.
Curious if your child could benefit from early orthodontic care?
Learn more about our team and why Putnam families trust Green Valley Orthodontics and book a visit at (860) 481-8211!
FAQs
What happens during a child’s first orthodontic visit?
Your youngster’s initial exam will address five essential questions: Is there an orthodontic problem and what is it, what are the treatment options, how long will treatment take, what will it cost, and finally, how we can help. Have questions before booking? Call us about early orthodontic treatment in Putnam at (860) 481-8211!
How do I prepare my hesitant child for braces?
Preparing an unsure child for braces requires positive communication. Parents/ guardians should emphasize the benefits of the experience and assure them that our orthodontist in Putnam and team are dedicated to making the entire process as smooth and comfortable as possible. Visit our Braces page to discover and share more details with them!
What types of appliances are used in early orthodontic care?
Common appliances include palatal expanders, space maintainers, and partial braces. Each is designed for a specific purpose, such as creating room for new teeth, preventing shifting, or gently aligning select teeth. We’ll recommend only what your child truly needs after a thorough assessment. Ready to schedule their visit? Call us at (860) 481-8211!
Is early orthodontic treatment in Putnam uncomfortable for kids?
Customized orthodontic care is designed with comfort in mind. Most children adapt quickly to their appliances, and any initial soreness usually fades within a few days. We’ll provide easy home care tips, recommend soft foods, and encourage your child throughout the process. If you ever have questions or need support, connect with us at (860) 481-8211!
What happens if my child does not get orthodontic treatment?
Generally, untreated orthodontic problems will worsen over time. Lack of treatment can lead to serious issues, including tooth decay, gum disease, bone destruction, tooth loss, abnormal enamel wear, and difficulties with chewing and digestion. Schedule a no-pressure, in-person visit with us to discuss this further through our Contact page !