For Children
Early treatment now will give your child a healthy, beautiful smile for the future.
Orthodontic Care Designed Specifically for Growing Smiles
Children’s smiles change rapidly — and early orthodontic guidance can make a major difference during these developmental years. At Gladwell Orthodontics, we specialize in gentle, growth-focused care that supports healthy bite development and sets kids up for a lifetime of confident, stable smiles.
When Should Children See an Orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an evaluation by age 7. At this stage, your child has a mix of baby and permanent teeth, making it the ideal time to spot developmental issues such as:
- Early crowding
- Crossbites
- Open bites
- Overbites or underbites
- Narrow jaw or palate
- Thumb-sucking effects
- Early tooth loss patterns
Early detection doesn’t always mean early braces. It simply means early awareness.
Treatment Options for Children
Depending on your child’s needs, treatment may include:
-
Phase I Braces
Gently guide early tooth movement to correct developing alignment issues.
-
Expanders
Widen the upper jaw to create adequate space for proper tooth alignment and improved breathing
-
Space Maintainers
Preserve space for permanent teeth after early loss of primary teeth
-
Habit Correctors
Address thumb sucking and other oral habits that can affect dental development
-
Growth Guidance Appliances
Direct jaw development to achieve optimal facial balance and bite relationship
-
Early Invisalign® First Clear Aligners (case-dependent)
Clear aligners designed for children to correct early alignment needs with a comfortable, removable option.
Our approach focuses on gentle correction, guiding natural growth rather than forcing adult-style treatment on developing jaws.
Why Early Treatment Helps
Early treatment can:
- Shorten or simplify Phase II teenage treatment
- Reduce the need for tooth extractions
- Improve facial balance and jaw development
- Prevent bite problems from worsening
- Protect protruding teeth from injury
- Improve breathing and airway function in select cases
A healthy foundation now leads to better long-term stability.
A Kid-Friendly Experience
Our team works hard to make every visit comfortable and fun.
Digital Scanning
No goopy impressions
Comfortable Visits
Kid-friendly environment
Caring Team
Building confidence
We're committed to positive experiences that help kids feel at ease.
Set Your Child Up for a Healthy Smile
Early prevention is one of the best investments you can make for your child’s oral health.Schedule a consultation, and we’ll guide you through every step of the process.