Phase 1 Orthodontics in Miramar for Ages 6–10
If you’re a parent in Miramar or Broward wondering, “Is it too early to see an orthodontist?” this is for you. I’m going to walk you through exactly what Phase 1 (early) orthodontics is, why the American Association of Orthodontists recommends an evaluation by age 7, and what it actually looks like for your child at SMILE-FX Orthodontics & Clear Aligner Studio in Miramar.
What Is Phase 1 Orthodontics (Ages 6–10)?
Phase 1, or interceptive orthodontics, is gentle, targeted treatment done while your child still has baby teeth mixed with adult teeth (usually between ages 6–10).
It is not about rushing your child into full braces. It is about:
- Guiding jaw growth while bones are still flexible
- Creating space for incoming adult teeth
- Improving the way the teeth and jaws fit together (the “bite”)
- Helping with habits like thumb sucking or mouth breathing
- Reducing the need for extractions or complex treatment later when possible
Sometimes the best Phase 1 plan is to do nothing but monitor and give you peace of mind. A big part of what we do at SMILE-FX is help parents know when to act—and when to safely wait.
Why Age 7 Matters (AAO-Aligned, No Scare Tactics)
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends every child have an orthodontic evaluation by age 7. That does not mean every 7-year-old needs braces.
By age 7:
- Key adult teeth are starting to come in
- We can see how the upper and lower jaws are growing
- We can spot bite problems that are much easier to guide early
At SMILE-FX, we follow AAO guidance closely. An age 7 visit is about information, not pressure. You’ll walk out knowing:
- If treatment is recommended now, later, or not at all
- What we’re watching for as your child grows
- How often we’ll check in (many kids just visit us once a year in a fun “growth & guidance” program)
Early Signs Parents in Miramar Should Watch For
You don’t need to be an orthodontist to notice potential issues. Here are some common signs that it’s smart to schedule a free orthodontic consultation at our Miramar office:
Crowding
- Teeth overlapping, twisting, or fighting for space
- Baby teeth that look “jammed together”
Crossbite
- Top teeth biting inside lower teeth (front or back)
- Jaw shifting to one side when your child bites down
Mouth Breathing
- Your child mainly breathes through their mouth, especially at night
- Snoring, restless sleep, or always looking tired
Thumb or Finger Sucking
- Thumb or finger habit continuing past age 4–5
- Front teeth starting to flare or open a gap
Other “Trust Your Gut” Clues
- Early or very late loss of baby teeth
- Chipped or worn teeth from an awkward bite
- Your pediatric dentist suggested an orthodontic check
You don’t have to diagnose anything—that’s our job. If something feels “off,” it is absolutely reasonable to get an expert opinion.
What Happens at Your Child’s First Orthodontic Visit
Think of the first visit at SMILE-FX in Miramar as a low-pressure, high-information hangout—with really smart people who happen to be board-certified orthodontists.
1. A Warm, Kid-Friendly Welcome
- Easy parking right by our Miramar office, close to families coming from Pembroke Pines, Hollywood, Weston, Cooper City, Davie, and Fort Lauderdale
- Check-in is quick; our team knows you by name, not by chart number
- Kids see games, snacks, TV shows, and a fun, modern vibe instead of a scary clinic
2. Comfort-First Office Tour
- We show your child where they’ll sit, what they’ll see, and what each space is for
- They can choose from:
- Virtual reality experiences
- Noise-cancelling headphones
- Weighted blankets
- Personal VIP suite-style chairs with TVs
Our goal: your child feels in control, not trapped.
3. Gentle Photos & Low-Dose Imaging (If Needed)
If we need X-rays or CBCT to fully understand your child’s growth, we explain it in kid language first:
- We use low-dose digital X-rays / CBCT with strict safety protocols
- We take only what is necessary—no “extra” images just because the machine is there
- You can be right there with your child (when appropriate) so they never feel alone
4. Growth & Smile Evaluation (Board-Certified Only)
At SMILE-FX, your child is only evaluated and treated by experienced, board-certified orthodontists—never a general dentist doing orthodontics “on the side.”
During the exam we look at:
- Jaw growth and facial balance
- How the teeth fit together when biting, chewing, and resting
- Spacing or crowding patterns
- Habits (thumb, tongue thrust, mouth breathing)
5. Clear, Parent-First Conversation
We sit down with you (and your child if they want to be involved) and walk through:
- What we see—and what it means in real life, not in medical jargon
- What needs attention now vs. what we can safely watch
- Any Phase 1 treatment options, timing, and expected duration
- How this may simplify or shorten treatment in the teen years
If treatment isn’t needed yet, we tell you that plainly. That honesty is one reason SMILE-FX is a #1 trusted orthodontic partner for pediatric dentists across South Florida.
When Treatment Is NOT Needed (And Why That Builds Trust)
Many Miramar kids we see at age 7–8 do not start braces or appliances right away.
Common scenarios where we recommend “watchful waiting”:
- Mild crowding that may self-correct as jaws grow
- Bite that is functional and comfortable, even if not perfectly straight yet
- No red flags for jaw discrepancies, airway concerns, or trauma risk
In these cases, we:
- Enroll your child in a complimentary growth & guidance program
- See them once or twice a year for quick, fun checkups
- Update you on timing so you’re never “behind” on treatment decisions
This is where many parents quietly realize: “If SMILE-FX wanted to sell me something, they could. Instead, they’re protecting my kid from unnecessary treatment.”
Why Phase 1 at SMILE-FX Is Different
| SMILE-FX Orthodontics | General Dentist / Discount Ortho |
|---|---|
| Only board-certified orthodontists direct treatment | Often general dentists or high-volume providers |
| AAO-aligned timing and conservative decisions | May start treatment early to “lock in” patients |
| Comfort-first care: VR, weighted blankets, VIP suites, headphones | Standard chairs, minimal kid-focused comfort |
| Personalized plans, not one-size-fits-all appliances | Template protocols to move faster through more patients |
| Strong relationships with pediatric dentists across Broward & South Florida | Less collaboration, less specialized pediatric focus |
This is why many parents quietly think: “If I went somewhere else just to save a little, I’d be cutting corners on my child’s growth.”
Why Families From Miramar & Nearby Cities Choose SMILE-FX
Our Miramar location is designed for busy South Florida families who want top-tier pediatric orthodontic care without heading into Miami traffic.
Convenient From All Over Broward & South Florida
- Miramar & Pembroke Pines: Just minutes away—easy after-school visits before dinner or sports
- Hollywood & Cooper City: Quick hop via major roads; many families stop by on the way home from work
- Weston, Davie, Fort Lauderdale: Straight shot on major highways; parents often tell us, “It’s absolutely worth the drive for this level of care.”
We are located in Miramar with easy access from surrounding schools and neighborhoods (think after pick-up from schools in Miramar, Pembroke Pines, or Cooper City). You’ll see us pop up on your favorite maps app when you search “orthodontist in Miramar” or “braces near Pembroke Pines.”
Pediatric-Friendly Scheduling
- Before- and after-school appointment options
- Efficient visits designed to get you in and out on time
- Virtual check-ins for certain follow-ups using our virtual consultation tools
We know you’re juggling school, homework, sports, and maybe multiple kids. Our job is to make orthodontic visits the easiest part of your week.
Cutting-Edge Technology, Kid-Sized Experience
At SMILE-FX, we invest in VIP-Tech, cutting-edge technology (you can peek behind the scenes on our technology page) because it directly improves your child’s comfort and outcomes:
- Digital scans instead of goopy impressions whenever possible
- Low-dose imaging with clear, 3D visuals to plan precise treatments
- Advanced braces and appliance systems designed for shorter, smoother appointments
This is the difference between “just getting braces” and having a carefully engineered growth plan for your child.
City-Specific FAQs: Miramar & Broward Parents
1. My child is 7 and in Miramar schools. Is that too young for braces?
At 7, we’re usually not putting a full set of braces on. We’re checking jaw growth, bite, and space. Many Miramar kids at this age simply join our observation program with quick, fun visits once or twice a year.
2. We live in Pembroke Pines. Is it worth driving to Miramar instead of using a general dentist nearby?
Phase 1 orthodontics involves guiding jaw growth and bite function. That is the core specialty of orthodontists, especially board-certified ones. Many Pembroke Pines parents tell us that the 10–20 minute drive is worth knowing their child is with a team that does this all day, every day.
3. Do you work with our pediatric dentist in Hollywood or Davie?
Yes. SMILE-FX is a trusted partner for many pediatric dentists across Broward & South Florida. We routinely coordinate care, share records, and keep your child’s whole dental team on the same page.
4. How long does Phase 1 treatment usually last?
It depends on the goal. Many Phase 1 treatments last about 9–18 months. The focus is on solving specific growth or bite issues now so that Phase 2 (teen braces or aligners) is simpler, shorter, or sometimes even unnecessary.
5. Does insurance cover Phase 1 orthodontics?
Many family and orthodontic plans do include coverage that applies to early treatment. At your free consultation, our team will check your benefits, explain real-world costs in Miramar/Broward, and create a payment plan that works for your family.
Internal Resources to Explore Next
- Learn more about why families choose SMILE-FX
- Meet our board-certified orthodontic specialists
- See real parent and patient reviews
- Explore our braces options and clear aligner solutions for later teen phases
- Check if your child is a candidate with our quick Smile Quiz
- See our Miramar location details and directions on our location page
Ready to See If Your Child Needs Phase 1 Treatment?
If you’re a parent in Miramar, Pembroke Pines, Hollywood, Weston, Cooper City, Davie, Fort Lauderdale, or anywhere in Broward & South Florida, you don’t have to guess whether your 6–10-year-old needs early orthodontic care.
Next best step: schedule a free orthodontic consultation with our SMILE-FX team.
Your child gets a comfortable, kid-centered visit. You get a clear, AAO-aligned plan from a board-certified orthodontist. And you leave knowing you’ve done right by your child—without pressure, fear, or rushed decisions.
Book your free orthodontic consultation at SMILE-FX in Miramar and see why so many Broward & South Florida parents say, “We’d drive even farther for this level of care.”