A child’s bite is still taking shape through the elementary school years, and that growth is exactly what makes early orthodontic care so useful. At Premiere Orthodontics, Dr. Jason Battle evaluates young patients from across Winter Springs, many of them students at Lawton, Rainbow, Keeth and Indian Trails Elementary, to see how their teeth and jaws are developing and whether anything needs guidance now or simply watching.
Why the First Checkup Happens Around Age 7
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic evaluation by age 7, or sooner if a parent or dentist notices a concern. At that age, a mix of baby and permanent teeth is present, and the jaws are still growing. Dr. Battle can assess jaw growth, bite development and spacing while problems are still easier to influence.
That first appointment is about understanding, not selling treatment. Plenty of children do not need anything yet, and that is a perfectly normal result. What parents gain is a clear picture of how their child is growing and what, if anything, to expect over the next few years.
The exam itself is gentle. Instead of goopy putty, our team uses a TRIOS scanner to capture a 3D model of the teeth, and digital x-rays use a small sensor with lower radiation than traditional film.
Signs Your Child Should Be Seen
You do not need to wait for crooked teeth to book a visit. Watch for:
- Frequent mouth breathing
- Thumb sucking or tongue-thrusting habits
- Baby teeth lost very early, very late or out of order
- Crowded, crooked or widely spaced teeth
- Jaw shifting, popping or clicking
- Trouble chewing or biting, or complaints of jaw or facial pain
- A child who hides their smile
Some of these signs relate to the airway rather than the teeth alone. A narrow upper jaw can restrict airflow and contribute to mouth breathing, snoring and poor sleep, which is why Dr. Battle takes an airway orthodontics view of development. The broader list of common orthodontic issues can also help you decide whether a visit makes sense.
The Kids Club: Watching Growth Without Rushing
When a child is not ready for treatment, they join our Kids Club, an observation program built for growing smiles. About every six months, your child comes in for a complimentary check where we monitor tooth eruption, jaw growth, bite alignment and spacing. If the time comes when treatment would help, we walk you through the next step. Until then, we keep watching.
These visits are meant to feel friendly and familiar, so kids get comfortable with the orthodontist long before any appliance is involved. Parents can relax in our massage chairs, and because the practice is fully digital, staying in touch with our team is easy between appointments.
When Early Treatment Helps
Early intervention, sometimes called interceptive orthodontics, works with a child’s natural growth instead of waiting until the bones have finished developing. Guiding the jaws at the right time can head off severe bite problems and lower the chance of needing extractions or jaw surgery later.
Early care is often divided into two phases:
- Phase 1 usually takes place between ages 7 and 10. The goal is to create enough room for permanent teeth to come in well aligned, often with a palatal expander that gradually widens the upper jaw.
- Phase 2 generally begins in the early teen years once the permanent teeth have arrived, and uses braces or clear aligners to finish aligning the teeth and jaws.
Depending on the case, Dr. Battle may recommend other orthodontic appliances, such as a space maintainer to save room for incoming teeth or a reverse-pull facemask for young children with an underbite. If an appliance is part of the plan, we show you how to clean and care for it at home.
Braces and Aligner Options for Children
When a child is ready for full treatment, families can choose metal braces, Clarity™ clear ceramic braces or Clarity™ aligners, and every option carries the same price. Many kids enjoy choosing from a variety of metal braces colors, while others prefer brackets that blend in. For more background on how we treat younger patients, read about braces for kids at our practice.
Costs depend on your child’s needs and your insurance. We accept PPO, HMO and DeltaCare plans, offer a Medicaid discount and zero-interest in-house payment plans, and file claims for you. Children who complete full treatment are covered by our Lifetime Guarantee: if teeth shift later because a retainer was not worn, Dr. Battle replaces the braces, and parents pay only a nominal monthly adjustment charge and the cost of a new retainer.
Close to School and Home
Our office sits near Red Bug Elementary School, close to the intersection of Tuskawilla Rd and Red Bug Lake Rd and just off SR 417. Families from Circle Christian School, the Tuskawilla and Bear Creek Estates neighborhoods, and nearby Oviedo and Chuluota find it a short trip. Before the first appointment, you can check hours and directions for our neighborhood practice.
Kids’ Orthodontics FAQ
Does a first visit at age 7 mean my child will get braces?
No. Many children are not ready for treatment at that age. If that is the case, they join the Kids Club and we simply monitor their growth.
What is a palatal expander?
It is an appliance that gradually widens the upper jaw so permanent teeth have room to come in. It is common in Phase 1 care.
Is the Kids Club free?
Yes. Kids Club check-ins, held roughly every six months, are complimentary.
Ready to schedule your child’s first look? Call (407) 699-1200 or book a New Patient Exam. We see families Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.