“Does my child need braces already?” It’s one of the most common questions we hear from parents at Wildflower Orthodontics — and more often than not, the answer is: not yet, and that’s a good thing.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child have an initial orthodontic evaluation around age 7. But an early evaluation doesn’t automatically mean early treatment. For most kids, it means something simpler and much less intimidating: joining our Kids’ Club Observation Program.
What Is the Kids’ Club Observation Program?
Kids’ Club is our way of keeping an eye on your child’s growing smile without jumping straight to appliances or treatment. If Dr. Keri determines that early treatment (Phase 1) isn’t needed yet, your child will join Kids’ Club instead — with complimentary check-ins every 6–15 months to monitor jaw growth, tooth eruption, and bite development.
Early Treatment Only When Truly Necessary:
- Urgent corrections that would worsen if left untreated
- Important growth modifications best done at a young age
- When a child’s confidence is affected
Treating Comprehensively Once, If Possible:
- Once all baby teeth have been lost
- Once all permanent teeth have erupted
- Once skeletal growth is at the proper stage
- Once your child is ready behaviorally and emotionally
Whenever possible we prefer a conservative approach, treating comprehensively once. It’s easier on their enamel, their attitude towards orthodontics, and your family’s finances.
Why Does Observation Matter?
Skipping straight to treatment isn’t always the best move — but skipping evaluations altogether isn’t either. Regular observation lets us catch true concerns early while giving kids who don’t need treatment yet the freedom to just keep growing.
Benefits of the Kids’ Club Observation Program
- Complimentary visits every 6–15 months — no cost, no pressure
- Tracks jaw growth, incoming permanent teeth, and bite development over time
- Flags issues like crowding, crossbites, asymmetries, or habits (thumb-sucking, tongue thrusting) early
- Routine appointments give kids and parents a comfortable place to discuss self-confidence issues about their smile
- Helps you plan ahead for insurance, HSA, and FSA strategies before treatment is needed
- Gets kids comfortable in our office long before they ever need a single appliance
What Happens at a Kids’ Club Visit?
Each visit is a quick and fun evaluation. Dr. Keri will check your child’s bite, teeth, and jaw development, often with digital imaging, and let you know whether things are progressing normally or if it’s time to start a conversation about orthodontic treatment. If treatment isn’t needed, you’ll simply see us again in 6–15 months.
Our Philosophy on Early Treatment
Not every child needs braces at age 8 or 9 or 10— and it’s okay if your kid isn’t on the same orthodontic timeline as their classmates. At Wildflower Orthodontics, we take a thoughtful, honest approach focused on your child specifically, not a one-size-fits-all protocol.
That means:
- We only recommend early treatment when it will genuinely benefit your child’s dental growth or confidence
- We follow the KISS Principle — “keep it short and simple” — for our littlest patients
- You’ll always understand why we’re recommending (or not recommending) treatment, with clear, transparent communication every step of the way
Ready to Get Started?
Whether your child is due for their first orthodontic evaluation or you’re just curious about what to expect, we’d love to meet your family. No referral from a dentist is needed. Schedule your complimentary consultation with Wildflower Orthodontics today and let us help you figure out exactly what your child’s smile needs – and when.
