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Early Orthodontic Treatment in Great Falls, Havre, and Glasgow, MT

Wondering when your child should first visit an orthodontist? According to the American Association of Orthodontists, kids should have their first screening by age 7. By this age, most children have a mix of baby teeth and adult teeth, making it easier to spot and correct potential orthodontic problems early—often without surgery.

During this initial evaluation, Dr. Robert Marshall can check how your child’s teeth and jaws are developing and decide whether early treatment would be helpful. In some cases, your family dentist may also recommend an earlier visit if they notice a concern.

Why Evaluate a Child’s Smile So Early?

Catching orthodontic problems early allows us to guide jaw and dental development and prevent bigger issues later. Early treatment can:

  • Correct and guide jaw growth

  • Widen narrow arches

  • Create more room for crowded teeth

  • Prevent the need for permanent tooth extractions

  • Reduce the risk of injury to front teeth that stick out

  • Improve speech and help stop habits like thumb-sucking

For many kids, early treatment can make any future orthodontic care easier and shorter.

Signs Your Child Might Need Orthodontic Help

Not sure if your child needs to see an orthodontist? Here are a few things to look out for:

  • Early or late loss of baby teeth

  • Trouble chewing or biting food

  • Mouth breathing

  • Thumb or finger sucking

  • Crowded, misplaced, or blocked teeth

  • Popping sounds in the jaw

  • Teeth that don’t come together properly

  • Teeth or jaws that seem out of proportion with the face

  • Crowded front teeth around age 7 or 8

Will Early Treatment Eliminate the Need for Braces for Kids Later?

Early care can fix big issues and make future treatment simpler, but not always eliminate it. Since not all adult teeth have erupted yet, your child may still need a second phase of treatment (Phase II) with full braces as a teen. However, this phase is often shorter and less complicated, and sometimes not needed at all.

Functional Benefits of Orthodontics

Orthodontic treatment improves more than just appearance. A well-aligned bite can:

  • Improve how your child chews and speaks

  • Make brushing and flossing easier

  • Help prevent uneven tooth wear

  • Support long-term oral health

Don’t Skip the Dentist!

Even during orthodontic treatment, it’s important for your child to keep seeing the family dentist every 6 months for cleanings and checkups. Braces and appliances can trap food and plaque, so regular care helps keep their teeth and gums healthy throughout the process.

Palatal Expander and What It Does

Some children may need a palatal expander to gently widen the upper jaw. This appliance works by putting light pressure on the upper molars to gradually increase space. Once the desired expansion is reached, the appliance stays in place for a few months to hold the results and prevent the jaw from moving back.

We’ll provide easy instructions on how to use it and guide you every step of the way in a printable PDF document.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about early orthodontic treatment, including what to expect at your child’s first visit, treatment timing, comfort, treatment length, and costs associated with early care.

When should my child first visit a pediatric orthodontist?

According to the American Association of Orthodontists, children should have their first orthodontic screening by age 7. By this age, they have a mix of baby and adult teeth, making it easier to detect and correct potential orthodontic problems early—often without surgery.

Most early treatments cause only mild pressure or soreness as teeth move, but children adapt quickly. We focus on gentle, age-appropriate care to make the process comfortable and positive.

Warning signs include early or late loss of baby teeth, difficulty chewing, mouth breathing, thumb or finger sucking, crowded or misplaced teeth, popping sounds in the jaw, and teeth that don’t align properly.

Treatment time varies by case but typically lasts 6–18 months. Once complete, we often use retainers or follow-up care to maintain results and monitor growth until all adult teeth erupt.

Costs depend on the type and length of treatment, but many insurance plans offer partial coverage for orthodontic care. Our team can review your benefits and provide an affordable payment plan.