Phase 1 Orthodontics in Miramar for Ages 6–10
If you’re a parent in Miramar or greater Broward wondering, “Does my 7‑year‑old really need to see an orthodontist?” you’re in exactly the right place. As a mom‑ and dad‑heavy practice, we built SMILE‑FX Orthodontics & Clear Aligner Studio to feel less like a clinic and more like a calm, techy lounge where kids happen to get world‑class orthodontic care.
This guide will walk you through Phase 1 orthodontics for ages 6–10 in plain parent language: why age 7 matters, what happens at that first visit, how we decide when treatment is not needed, and why so many Broward families quietly decide, “If we’re doing this for our child, we’re doing it at SMILE‑FX.”
What Is Phase 1 Orthodontics (Ages 6–10)?
Phase 1 (or interceptive orthodontics) is early treatment done while your child still has baby teeth mixed with adult teeth. The goal is not a “perfect” final smile yet. The goal is to:
- Guide jaw growth so there’s room for adult teeth
- Correct bite issues that can get much harder (and more expensive) later
- Break habits like thumb sucking or chronic mouth breathing
- Protect teeth from trauma (for example, very protruding front teeth)
It can involve simple expanders, limited braces on a few teeth, habit appliances, or sometimes just monitoring growth with no treatment yet.
Why Age 7 Matters (Without Fear or Pressure)
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that every child have an orthodontic evaluation by age 7. At that age, we can see how the jaws are growing, how the new permanent teeth are lining up, and whether anything is drifting off course.
Important: an age‑7 visit does not mean braces at 7. It usually leads to one of three paths:
- Watch & grow: no treatment now, just free periodic check‑ins and X‑rays as needed
- Short, targeted Phase 1: 6–12 months of early treatment to fix a specific issue
- Urgent interceptive care: in rare cases where delaying would clearly make things worse or require surgery later
Our job at SMILE‑FX is to protect your child’s future options, not to rush them into braces “because everyone else is doing it.”
Common Signs Parents Should Watch For (Ages 6–10)
You don’t have to be a dentist to notice early warning signs. If you’re seeing any of these, it’s worth a visit:
- Crowding: teeth fighting for space, overlapping, or twisting even with baby teeth still in
- Crossbite: top teeth biting inside the bottom teeth when your child bites down
- Underbite or overbite: bottom jaw jutting forward, or top teeth sticking way out
- Open bite: when front teeth don’t touch even when the back teeth are closed
- Mouth breathing: lips apart most of the time, snoring, dry lips, or narrow upper jaw
- Thumb or finger sucking past age 4–5: especially if you see front teeth flaring forward
- Early or late loss of baby teeth: losing baby teeth very early or still having many at 11–12
- Chipped front teeth or speech difficulty because of tooth or jaw position
Seeing these signs does not automatically mean, “Your child needs braces now.” It means, “Let’s get a board‑certified orthodontist’s eyes on this and make a smart plan.”
What Happens at Your Child’s First Orthodontic Visit?
Here’s exactly what your child’s first visit to SMILE‑FX Miramar looks like, step by step, so you can walk in already relaxed.
1. A Kid‑Comfortable Welcome
From the moment you walk through the door, it’s clear this isn’t a rushed, high‑volume clinic. Kids are greeted by name, offered snacks, and shown to our games & entertainment zone. Depending on your child’s age and preferences, we offer:
- Video games and tablets
- Virtual reality experiences
- TV shows and movies in private VIP suites
- Weighted blankets and noise‑cancelling headphones for our anxious or sensory‑sensitive kids
2. Quick, Low‑Dose Imaging (Explained in Parent Language)
If imaging is needed, we use low‑dose digital X‑rays and, when appropriate, 3D CBCT scans. In simple terms:
- They’re fast (seconds, not minutes)
- They’re low‑dose, following ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) principles
- They let us see developing adult teeth, roots, and jaw joints in detail
We’ll show you the images on screen and translate them from “doctor‑speak” into clear, parent‑friendly visuals: “This is where the adult canine is hiding,” “This is why there isn’t enough room yet,” and “This is what happens if we just let this grow on its own.”
3. Comprehensive Growth & Smile Evaluation
Every new child exam is done by a board‑certified orthodontic specialist—never a general dentist. Your doctor will:
- Check how your child bites, smiles, and breathes
- Evaluate jaw growth and face symmetry
- Review thumb sucking or other habits
- Look at airway and mouth breathing patterns
We answer your questions in the order you’re actually thinking them: “Do we need to do anything now?”, “What happens if we wait?”, and “How will this affect my child when they’re a teen?”
4. Honest Recommendation: Treat Now or Wait
This is where trust gets built. At SMILE‑FX, a large percentage of age‑7 visits end with: “Your child looks great. Let’s just monitor and we’ll see you in a year, no charge.”
When we do recommend Phase 1 treatment, we explain:
- The why: what we’re trying to prevent or make easier later
- The what: expander, limited braces, habit appliance, etc.
- The how long: typically 6–12 months for most Phase 1 treatments
- The impact on teen braces: how it can shorten or simplify Phase 2
You leave with a clear, written plan—no pressure, no “sign today or lose your discount” tactics.
When Your Child Does NOT Need Treatment Yet
One of the fastest ways to know you chose the right orthodontist is when they confidently say, “Your child doesn’t need braces yet.” That’s a normal outcome here.
We’ll often recommend a Growth & Smile Monitoring Program for kids 6–10, which usually means:
- Check‑ins every 6–12 months
- Occasional X‑rays to track baby tooth loss and adult tooth eruption
- Watching for changes in bite, growth, and habits
This lets you sleep at night knowing a specialist is tracking your child’s growth curve. If anything starts to drift, we catch it early. If everything looks great, then fantastic—you avoided unnecessary treatment.
Why Families from Miramar & Broward Choose SMILE‑FX
Parents drive to our Miramar, FL location from across Broward and South Florida—Pembroke Pines, Hollywood, Weston, Cooper City, Davie, Fort Lauderdale, and beyond—because they want one thing: a place that treats their kids like their kids, not like a number.
Here’s what sets us apart for Phase 1 care:
- Only board‑certified orthodontists: no general dentists doing braces on the side
- Trusted by pediatric dentists: we’re the go‑to referral partner for many kids’ dentists across South Florida
- Cutting‑edge technology: 3D imaging, digital scanners (goodbye gooey impressions), and modern appliances that are smaller and more comfortable
- Comfort‑first design: VIP suites, entertainment, VR, weighted blankets, and headphones to make visits genuinely low‑stress
- Parent‑friendly scheduling: after‑school and select Saturday options, plus virtual consults so you don’t pull kids out of class for every question
- Transparent finances: clear pricing, flexible payment plans, and no surprise fees
We are minutes from major routes like I‑75 and the Florida Turnpike, making our Miramar location an easy hub for families in nearby cities who are used to commuting for school, sports, or specialized medical care. If you’d drive across town for the right pediatric specialist, SMILE‑FX is the orthodontic equivalent.
Driving Distance & “Worth the Drive” Logic
From most nearby Broward communities, the drive to SMILE‑FX is about the length of a school drop‑off line:
- Pembroke Pines: roughly 10–20 minutes, depending on traffic
- Hollywood: around 20–25 minutes via main routes
- Weston & Davie: about 20–30 minutes via I‑75
- Cooper City: often 15–25 minutes
- Fort Lauderdale: typically 25–35 minutes
We’re easy to plug into your daily routine—near schools, shopping, and major roads. When you consider that the right early plan can change your child’s teen years (and sometimes avoid surgery), that extra 10–15 minutes is one of the best parenting “ROI” decisions you can make.
City‑Specific FAQs for Broward & South Florida Families
Miramar & Pembroke Pines
Q: My child’s pediatric dentist in Miramar mentioned early crowding. Should I wait until middle school?
A: If crowding is obvious in early elementary school, it’s smart to get an orthodontic evaluation now. In some cases we simply monitor; in others, a brief Phase 1 treatment can create space so adult teeth come in more naturally and reduce future extraction or surgery recommendations.
Q: We have kids at schools in Pembroke Pines with busy after‑school activities. Can you work around that?
A: Yes. Our scheduling is built around school and sports calendars, with early‑morning and after‑school appointments, plus efficient visits that respect your time. Many families stack siblings’ visits to cut down on trips.
Hollywood & Cooper City
Q: We live in Hollywood and already have a general dentist. Do we really need a separate orthodontist?
A: General dentists are great for cleanings and cavities. Orthodontists complete additional years of specialty training focused entirely on tooth movement and jaw growth. For decisions that affect your child’s face, bite, and airway, a board‑certified orthodontic specialist is the safest choice.
Q: Is the drive from Cooper City to Miramar worth it for Phase 1?
A: For most families, Phase 1 means 6–12 months of visits every 6–8 weeks. Many Cooper City parents decide a 15–25‑minute drive is minor compared to the peace of mind of being with a specialist practice trusted by pediatric dentists across the region.
Weston, Davie & Fort Lauderdale
Q: There are orthodontists closer to us in Weston. Why do some families still drive to SMILE‑FX in Miramar?
A: Parents tell us they’re willing to drive for three things: board‑certified specialists, advanced technology, and an environment where their child actually feels comfortable coming back. Many want a practice focused on growth and airway, not just straight teeth.
Q: Our Fort Lauderdale pediatrician mentioned mouth breathing and snoring. Is that an orthodontic issue?
A: Often, yes. Narrow jaws, crossbites, or certain bite patterns can contribute to airway issues. During a Phase 1 consult, we evaluate bite and breathing together and, when appropriate, coordinate with pediatricians, ENTs, and sleep specialists.
How SMILE‑FX Uses Cutting‑Edge Tech for Little Smiles
Phase 1 at SMILE‑FX isn’t “old school” metal everywhere. We use:
- Digital scanning instead of goopy impressions for most appliances
- 3D‑planned expanders and appliances for precision and comfort
- Modern low‑profile brackets when braces are needed, making them smoother on cheeks
- Advanced analytics and growth tracking so we treat at the right moment, not too early, not too late
This keeps appointments faster, appliances smaller, and kids more comfortable—so cooperation improves and treatment finishes on time.
Parent‑First Philosophy: You Stay in the Driver’s Seat
Our entire approach is built around one belief: informed parents make the best decisions. We see our role as your guide, not your salesperson. That means:
- We give you options with pros, cons, and timing
- We clarify what is medically recommended vs. what is cosmetic or optional
- We answer every “What if we wait?” question in detail
- We respect your budget and never use fear or guilt to push treatment
Quietly, a lot of parents walk out thinking, “If I went anywhere else and didn’t get this level of explanation, I’d be doing my kid a disservice.” That’s exactly the standard we hold ourselves to.
Helpful Internal Resources for Next Steps
To keep things simple, you can explore more about our team, technology, and treatment options directly on our site:
- Learn why SMILE‑FX is different on our Why SMILE‑FX and How We’re Different pages
- Meet your board‑certified specialists and read patient stories on our Board‑Certified Specialist and Patient Reviews pages
- See our cutting‑edge technology in action on our VIP Tech section
- Compare braces and clear aligners on our Braces, Invisalign, and Clear Aligners pages
- See common treatable cases, other pediatric‑friendly treatments, and explore our Smile Quiz and Virtual Consult options
- View our Miramar location details and contact info on our Location and Contact Us pages
FAQ: Phase 1 Orthodontics for Ages 6–10
Q1: Does my 7‑year‑old really need braces?
A: Not necessarily. Age 7 is the right time for an evaluation, not automatically for braces. Many kids are placed on a monitoring plan with no treatment yet. If we do recommend early treatment, it’s because it meaningfully improves growth, comfort, or future options.
Q2: Will early treatment mean my child avoids braces as a teen?
A: Sometimes Phase 1 reduces the need or length of Phase 2, but it doesn’t always eliminate teen treatment. Think of Phase 1 as laying the foundation—making teen treatment easier, shorter, more predictable, and in some cases preventing more invasive procedures.
Q3: How long does Phase 1 treatment usually last?
A: Most Phase 1 plans are 6–12 months, depending on the specific goal (like expanding the upper jaw or correcting a crossbite). We’ll give you a realistic timeframe up front and keep you updated at each visit.
Q4: Is Phase 1 covered by insurance?
A: Many orthodontic insurance plans cover a portion of medically necessary Phase 1 treatment. Our financial team will verify your benefits, explain them clearly, and design a payment plan that fits your budget. There are no surprise fees.
Q5: My child is anxious about doctors. How do you help them feel comfortable?
A: This is our specialty. We slow down, explain everything in kid‑friendly language, and offer tools like VR, TV shows, games, weighted blankets, and noise‑cancelling headphones. Parents are always welcome chairside. Most kids quickly realize “this isn’t scary at all” and actually look forward to visits.
Q6: What if we wait and skip Phase 1 completely?
A: For some children, waiting is perfectly safe—and we’ll tell you that. For others (severe crossbite, jaw imbalance, airway issues, very protrusive teeth), delaying can limit options and increase the likelihood of extractions or surgery later. Part of your consult is a clear, honest discussion of the risks of waiting vs. benefits of early treatment for your specific child.
Q7: How often will we need appointments during Phase 1?
A: Most kids are seen every 6–8 weeks. We group appointments around school schedules and try to minimize missed class time. When possible, minor checks can be done via virtual visits after an in‑office exam.
Q8: Do you use metal braces only for Phase 1?
A: Not always. Depending on the case, we may use limited braces, expanders, or other appliances. All are chosen to be as small, smooth, and comfortable as possible, and we’ll show your child exactly what to expect before anything goes in.
Q9: Is SMILE‑FX only for Miramar families?
A: No. We serve families from across Broward & South Florida, including Miramar, Pembroke Pines, Hollywood, Weston, Cooper City, Davie, Fort Lauderdale, and neighboring communities. Many parents choose us precisely because we are a regional pediatric and teen orthodontic hub, not just a neighborhood office.
Q10: How do I know if SMILE‑FX is the right fit for my child?
A: The simplest way is to come in and experience it. Meet the doctor, let your child explore the office, ask every question you have, and see how thoroughly we walk you through options. Most parents know by the end of the visit that this is where they want their child’s smile—and facial growth—managed.
Ready to Check “First Ortho Visit” Off Your Parent To‑Do List?
You don’t need to diagnose your child from Google. You just need a trusted, board‑certified orthodontic partner who treats your child like family and explains every decision in language that makes sense.
Book your child’s free orthodontic consultation at SMILE‑FX Orthodontics & Clear Aligner Studio in Miramar, serving families across Broward and South Florida. Whether we recommend treatment or simple monitoring, you’ll leave with clarity, a plan, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing you chose the standard your child deserves.
Call now or schedule online to book your free orthodontic consultation. Your future teen will thank you.