At what age should a child first visit the orthodontist?
- The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that most children should have an orthodontic screening by age 7. This allows Dr. Stephanie Phillis to determine when orthodontic treatment will be required and the best time for the patient to be treated.
Dr. Phillis generally recommends early orthodontic treatment when
- The problem will get worse if we wait
- We can treat the problem better and more efficiently now vs. later
- Growth alone will not correct the problem
- Patients are having social, emotional, or bullying concerns related to their smile
Common early orthodontic treatments we provide:
- Palate expanders
- Limited braces
- Tooth-moving retainers
- Space maintainers
Observation Appointments
- Patients that are not ready for orthodontic treatment are recommended to have periodic orthodontic check-ups.
- At these check-ups, Dr. Phillis will evaluate jaw growth, facial development, and eruption of permanent teeth.
- Observation appointments, or growth and development check-ups, are an important part of the orthodontic planning process.
- These appointments help us review the likely future timing of any necessary orthodontic treatment.
Contact Us!
Dr. Stephanie Phillis and her team are beyond happy to provide early orthodontic treatment for patients living in the following communities:
- Chelmsford, MA
- Westford, MA
- Lowell, MA
- Billerica, MA
- Littleton, MA
- Tyngsboro, MA
