When Should My Child See an Orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic check-up by age 7. At this stage, your child will still have a mix of baby teeth and adult teeth, which allows the orthodontist to evaluate how the mouth is developing overall. Even if braces aren’t needed right away, this early visit gives us a valuable opportunity to catch potential issues and plan ahead.
Many parents are surprised to learn that some orthodontic problems are much easier to treat while a child is still growing. By identifying these issues early, we can often guide jaw development, create space for incoming permanent teeth, and avoid the need for extractions or surgical intervention in the future.
What Is Phase 1 Treatment?
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In cases where early treatment is recommended, your child may undergo what’s known as Phase 1 orthodontics. This type of treatment typically occurs between the ages of 7 and 10 and is focused on intercepting problems before they progress. Phase 1 treatment may involve limited braces, expanders, space maintainers, or other appliances that guide proper growth and development.
Common reasons for early intervention include severe crowding, crossbites, overbites, underbites, and habits like thumb sucking or tongue thrusting that may affect oral development. By addressing these concerns early, we give your child the best possible foundation for their future orthodontic care—often making Phase 2 (later treatment with full braces or aligners) shorter and more predictable.
How Do I Know If My Child Needs Early Treatment?
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Not all children will need early treatment, which is why an evaluation is key. During your child’s complimentary consultation, Dr. Ramírez will assess tooth eruption patterns, jaw alignment, bite development, and facial growth. If no treatment is needed yet, we’ll simply monitor their progress over time with regular growth checks.
However, there are some signs that your child may benefit from early orthodontic care. These include early or late loss of baby teeth, difficulty chewing or biting, mouth breathing, speech challenges, protruding teeth, crowded front teeth, or visible jaw shifts when opening and closing the mouth. If you’ve noticed any of these signs—or if your child just seems like they might need a little help developing a healthy smile—it’s a good idea to schedule an evaluation.
A Comfortable, Family-Friendly Approach
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We understand that taking your young child to a specialist can feel intimidating. That’s why we go out of our way to make your experience easy, calm, and positive. At Sonríe Orthodontics, our office is warm and welcoming, and our bilingual team speaks both English and Spanish to make communication clear for every family.
We take time to explain what we’re seeing, what it means, and what you can expect in simple, reassuring terms. If treatment is recommended, we’ll walk you through your options, answer all your questions, and provide a plan that aligns with your child’s health and your family’s schedule.
We also offer flexible appointments—including after school—and affordable payment plans starting at just $99 down, making early treatment accessible to all families in Hialeah.
Give Your Child the Gift of a Healthy Smile
Early orthodontic treatment is about more than just straight teeth—it’s about setting your child up for long-term success with their oral health, function, and confidence. By identifying issues early and taking action when needed, you can often reduce the complexity and length of future treatment.
If you’re wondering whether it’s the right time for your child to see an orthodontist, we invite you to schedule a complimentary consultation with Sonríe Orthodontics. As a leading Orthodontist in Hialeah, FL, Dr. Ramírez will give you honest guidance and a personalized plan designed to support your child’s best smile—now and in the future.
Reach out today and take the first step toward proactive, compassionate orthodontic care for your child. We’re here when you’re ready.
ORTHODONTIST IN HIALEAH!
Emergency Care FAQs
What qualifies as an orthodontic emergency?
- True orthodontic emergencies are rare, but severe pain, injury to your mouth, or a broken appliance causing significant discomfort should be addressed immediately. If you’re unsure, contact our office for guidance.
What should I do if I have a loose bracket or wire?
- If a bracket or wire becomes loose but isn’t painful, you can temporarily cover it with orthodontic wax until your next visit. If it’s causing discomfort, call us so we can schedule a repair.
What qualifies as an orthodontic emergency?
True orthodontic emergencies are rare, but severe pain, injury to your mouth, or a broken appliance causing significant discomfort should be addressed immediately. If you’re unsure, contact our office for guidance.
What qualifies as an orthodontic emergency?
True orthodontic emergencies are rare, but severe pain, injury to your mouth, or a broken appliance causing significant discomfort should be addressed immediately. If you’re unsure, contact our office for guidance.
A Personalized Experience at Every Step
At Sonríe Orthodontics, we believe your treatment should reflect your needs and your lifestyle. Whether you choose traditional braces, ceramic brackets, or Invisalign, your smile transformation will be guided by expert hands and cutting-edge technology. Our practice uses 3D imaging, digital impressions, and modern orthodontic systems to enhance accuracy and comfort from start to finish. But beyond technology, it’s the human experience we focus on most—creating a supportive, bilingual environment where every patient feels cared for, informed, and excited about their progress.
Choosing the right type of braces is the first step toward achieving the smile you deserve. At Sonríe Orthodontics, we’re proud to serve the Hialeah community with advanced, personalized care for patients of all ages. Our knowledgeable team and warm, welcoming environment make every visit something to smile about.
If you’re searching for an Orthodontist in Hialeah, FL, we invite you to schedule a complimentary consultation today. Let us help you discover the perfect braces for your smile and start your journey with confidence.
See What Our Patients Say
At Sonríe Orthodontics in Hialeah, FL, we love creating confident smiles! Hear from our happy patients about their journey with us.
Dr. Carolina Ramírez and her team are very professional, kind and very caring. We are very happy with the results, which have been wonderful, an incredible change in my child’s smile, I sincerely recommend them.
Yanet Lopez
