If your child is around age seven, it may be the perfect time to start thinking about early orthodontic care, also known as interceptive orthodontics. This proactive approach helps guide jaw development, create space for incoming adult teeth, and address bite issues while your child’s mouth is still growing.
At Joy of Orthodontics, we’re proud to offer expert early treatment in a welcoming, family-friendly environment. With over 20 years of experience and two convenient locations in Wake Forest and Clayton, our team is here to make sure your child gets the care they need—before small issues turn into bigger ones.
Early orthodontic treatment—also called phase one treatment—starts when a child still has some or most of their baby teeth, usually around age seven. It focuses on guiding jaw growth, correcting bite issues, and making space for adult teeth before they come in.
Not every child will need early treatment, but catching issues early can make a big difference. It may prevent more serious problems later and often makes future orthodontic care faster, easier, and more comfortable.
Early treatment isn’t just about straightening teeth—it’s about guiding your child’s growth to support a healthy, confident smile for life. By identifying orthodontic issues while your child is still growing, we can often prevent more complex problems down the road. Here are some of the key reasons families choose early orthodontic care at Joy of Orthodontics:
Guiding jaw growth early can improve how the teeth and bite develop, setting the stage for a healthier, more balanced smile.
By creating space for adult teeth to come in properly, early orthodontics can reduce the chances of needing tooth extractions later.
Protruding front teeth are more likely to get bumped or damaged. Early care can help bring them into a safer position.
Fixing certain issues early can make any future orthodontic treatment faster, easier, and more affordable.
Improving the look and feel of a child’s smile early on can boost self-esteem during some of their most important growing years.
At Joy of Orthodontics, we offer several early orthodontic treatment options designed to support your child’s growth and set the stage for a healthy, confident smile. Whether your child needs minor adjustments or a more comprehensive plan, our team will guide you to the right solution.
Invisalign is the revolutionary, flexible alternative to braces and is perfect for kids! Parents and kids love that Invisalign clear aligners are comfortable and removable for eating, brushing, and flossing.
Joy of Orthodontics is a Diamond Provider of Invisalign, meaning we’ve treated hundreds of simple to complex cases.
Braces are the classic, tried-and-true method of correcting a wide variety of orthodontic problems.
At Joy of Orthodontics, we proudly offer Damon Braces, which are a self-ligating, more efficient, and sleeker type of braces. We also offer Damon Clear braces for a more discreet look.
Some children experience crossbites that can cause the bite to shift and result in uneven jaw growth. To promote healthy and normal jaw growth, we offer palatal expansion.
This type of treatment can increase the room in the upper and/or lower jaw to allow more space for all adult teeth. Palatal expansion is often combined with Braces to perfect your child’s smile.
Your child’s first visit is a relaxed, no-pressure appointment where we get to know you both and take the first step toward a healthy, confident smile. Dr. Joy will sit down with you and your child to understand their needs and put together a personalized care plan.
Here’s what you can expect during the complimentary consultation:
If you’re unsure whether braces are right for you or your child, our team is happy to help during your complimentary consultation!
If your child doesn’t need early treatment, that’s great—we’ll just keep an eye on their smile as they grow. Most children don’t need phase one treatment, but early check-ins give us the chance to catch any potential issues before they become bigger concerns.
That’s why we offer our complimentary Orthodontic Supervisory Program, designed to monitor your child’s development over time. We’ll schedule check-ins every 6 to 8 months to track how their teeth and jaw are growing, and we’ll keep your family dentist updated along the way. This ensures we can begin treatment at exactly the right time for the best possible results.
We’d love to help you take the next step. At Joy of Orthodontics, our experienced team is here to guide you through the process with honest answers and expert recommendations—no pressure, just care you can trust.
Schedule your child’s complimentary consultation today at our Wake Forest or Clayton office. We’ll help you feel confident about their smile, now and in the future.
