Early Orthodontic Treatment in Broomfield, Colorado

Early orthodontic treatment in North Denver, Colorado helps guide your child’s smile as it develops—creating space, improving alignment, and setting the foundation for long-term oral health. Also known as Phase 1 treatment, this proactive approach allows us to address concerns early, often simplifying or reducing the need for more extensive treatment later on.

Why Choose Early Treatment?

Early orthodontic treatment identities and addresses potential issues around age 7-10 while your child is still growing. By guiding jaw development and creating space for incoming permanent teeth, we can help prevent more complex problems down the road.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an initial evaluation around age 7 to screen for early orthodontic issues. While early treatment is often prescribed for every young patient, Dr. Keri only recommends early treatment when it is truly necessary.

Phase 1 treatment is reserved for urgent corrections that will get worse if not addressed soon, growth modification, assistance breaking oral-habits, or anytime a child has self-confidence concerns. Whenever possible, we prefer treating patients once, comprehensively, after all permanent teeth have erupted and the patient is ready physically and emotionally. This conservative approach benefits enamel health, a child’s attitude about orthodontics, and family finances.

Top Benefits of Early Treatment

Builds confidence early by supporting a healthy, developing smile
Prevents irreversible damage to permanent teeth and gums
Guides jaw growth and improves overall facial balance
Creates space for incoming permanent teeth
Reduces the risks of crowding, impaction, or more complex issues later
Can shorten or simplify future orthodontic treatment
Helps address habits like thumb-sucking or tongue thrusting

How Early Treatment Works

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Consultation

Using digital imaging and clinical evaluation, we’ll evaluate your child’s smile and growth patterns. We’ll ask you about any social concerns and walk you through the best time to start treatment—whether that’s now or later—so you feel informed and confident in your next steps.

Custom Plan

After an in-depth conversation about your child’s needs, we create a personalized plan designed to guide your child’s dental growth and development. Most of our younger patients enter our observation program, and some patients will start Phase 1 Treatment.

Observation Program

If early treatment isn’t needed at this time, your child will join our Wild Child Kids’ Club, with check-ins every 6-15 months to monitor growth and keep you updated on timing for future treatment. These visits also allow kids to get comfortable in our office and help parents plan out insurance and HSA/FSA strategies.

Phase 1 Treatment

If early treatment is needed, appliances may include expanders, space maintainers, braces, aligners, or habit appliances that gently guide teeth, jaws, and tissues over time. We’ll monitor your child’s progress with regular visits every two months until our treatment goals have been met.

Smile Monitoring

After Phase 1 is complete, we give short-term retainers and continue to monitor growth and development as permanent teeth come in—setting the stage for a smooth transition into Phase 2 treatment around age 12-14.

Who Makes a Good Candidate?

Early treatment is typically recommended for children around ages 7–10, when a mix of baby and permanent teeth are present and jaw growth can still be guided. During your child’s consultation, we’ll assess their bite, teeth, tissues, and skeletal development to determine whether early treatment is beneficial—or if it’s best to continue monitoring for now.

Your child may greatly benefit from early treatment if they:

Have moderate to severe crowding or spacing
Show moderate to severe bite misalignment (crossbite, underbite, overbite)
Have early or delayed loss of baby teeth
Exhibit problematic habits like thumb-sucking or tongue thrusting
Show signs of jaw asymmetry or imbalance
Would benefit psychosocially from correcting misalignments now

Not every child needs early orthodontic treatment. It’s okay if your kid isn’t on the same orthodontic timelines as other kids in their grade. At Wildflower Orthodontics, we take a thoughtful, honest approach focused on your child. If treatment isn’t necessary yet, we’ll simply monitor your child’s growth with complimentary observation appointments every 6-15 months until it’s the right time to start.

“Most importantly, my daughter was very nervous before the appointment but left feeling comfortable and confident. Dr. Kenning is board-certified, and her expertise, along with the kindness of the entire staff, gave us a lot of confidence moving forward with treatment.”

Robin P.

Wildflower Patient

Cost, Timeline, & Maintenance

Early treatment is designed to be a proactive and simple first step in your child’s orthodontic journey.

At a glance:

Cost: Early treatment varies depending on the appliances used, treatment length, and goals. We offer flexible payment options and accept all major private insurance plans.
Timeline: Phase 1 treatment typically lasts 8–12 months. Afterwards your child will re-enter our Kids’ Club Observation Program to keep you updated on proper timing for Phase 2 treatment, if required.
Maintenance: Dr. Keri follows the KISS principle—keep it short and simple—with little ones in treatment, keeping early treatment easy and enjoyable for your child. Regular check-ins with Dr. Keri every two months will ensure everything stays on track, with parents kept up to date along the way.

During your consultation, we’ll walk through what early treatment looks like for your child specifically and answer any questions along the way. For a full breakdown of pricing, insurance, and payment options, visit our Financial Information page.

FAQ

Don’t see your question here? Contact us directly at [email protected] or (303) 469-4191.

At what age should my child see an orthodontist?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an initial evaluation around age 7 to identify any early concerns.

Does my child need braces at a young age?

Usually no. Many children are simply monitored until the timing is right. Early treatment is only recommended at Wildflower Orthodontics when it will truly benefit dental conditions, skeletal growth, or psychosocial development.

Is early treatment necessary for every child?

No—every smile is different. Some children benefit from early intervention, while others may not need treatment until their teenage years when they are more mature and have all their permanent teeth.

What are some signs my child needs early orthodontic treatment?

Crossbites, overbites, underbites, narrow bites, asymmetries, crowding, spacing, thumb or finger habits, missing teeth, extra teeth, recession, and psychosocial challenges related to teeth. Having complimentary digital x-rays and photographs reviewed by a board certified orthodontist is the best way to learn if your child needs Phase 1.

What happens after early treatment is finished?

After Phase 1, we give a short-term retainer(s) to be worn for a few years while we continue to monitor your child’s growth and development. If needed, Phase 2 treatment (typically Damon Braces or Invisalign) may be recommended later when all of the permanent teeth have erupted around age 12-14.

What is the difference between Phase 1 and Phase 2 orthodontics?

Phase 1 orthodontics occurs around age 7-10 when a child has both baby teeth and permanent teeth in their mouth. Phase 1 treatment is able to correct some, but not all, aspects of a malocclusion because only some, but not all, of the adult teeth have erupted at this age. Phase 2 orthodontics starts around the age of 12-14 when all of the permanent teeth have erupted, and it comprehensively addresses all esthetic, functional, and health issues of the malocclusion.

How can I get more information about my child’s treatment plan?

A great orthodontic office will give you clear instructions and expectations, with open lines of communication for when you need reassurance or assistance. If a previous office has left you searching the internet for more information, we invite you to join us for a second opinion. We take pride in transparent, easy to understand communication that leaves parents feeling confident in their kids’ care.