Phase 1 Orthodontics in Miramar: Why Age 7 Matters (and Why You Shouldn't Wait)
Your seven-year-old comes home from school, and you notice something: their top teeth are coming in behind their bottom teeth. Or maybe their jaw seems a little off to one side. Your mom instinct kicks in—is this normal? Should you worry?
Here's what most parents don't know: age 7 is the exact moment the American Association of Orthodontists recommends your child have their first orthodontic evaluation. Not because something is wrong. But because this is the golden window where we can guide their growth in ways that prevent bigger problems down the road.
At SMILE-FX Orthodontics in Miramar, we see families from across Broward County—Pembroke Pines, Hollywood, Weston, Cooper City, Davie, and Fort Lauderdale—who wish they'd known this sooner. Not because they panic, but because they understand: early intervention isn't about fixing a crisis. It's about preventing one.
What Actually Happens During Phase 1 Orthodontics
Phase 1 treatment (also called interceptive orthodontics) typically begins when your child has a mix of baby and permanent teeth—usually between ages 6 and 10. This isn't about straightening every tooth yet. That comes later in Phase 2.
Instead, Phase 1 is about working with your child's growth. We're gently guiding jaw development, creating space for permanent teeth to erupt correctly, and correcting habits or growth patterns that could cause bigger issues later.
Think of it like steering a ship while it's still in the harbor, rather than trying to correct course once it's out at sea.
Signs Your Miramar-Area Child Might Benefit from Phase 1 Treatment
Not every child needs Phase 1 treatment—and we'll never pressure you into something unnecessary. But watch for these indicators:
- Crowding: Baby teeth are falling out, but permanent teeth seem too large or don't have enough space
- Crossbite: Upper teeth bite inside lower teeth (front or back)
- Open bite: Front teeth don't overlap when the back teeth are together
- Underbite: Lower jaw protrudes noticeably forward
- Mouth breathing: Your child breathes through their mouth, especially at night
- Thumb sucking or tongue thrusting: Habits that affect jaw and tooth development
- Speech or eating difficulties: Related to tooth or jaw alignment
If you're noticing any of these, that's your signal to schedule a free consultation. But here's what we tell parents: even if you see none of these, a professional evaluation at age 7 is still worth it. Sometimes the issues we catch early aren't visible to the untrained eye.
Why Age 7? The Science Parents Need to Know
At age 7, your child's jaw is still actively growing. Their permanent molars are just beginning to erupt. Their skeletal system is responsive to gentle guidance. This is the optimal time to influence development because we're working with nature, not against it.
Wait until age 12, and that growth window is closing. Suddenly, we might need more invasive treatment—or potentially surgical correction later.
The AAO recommends an orthodontic evaluation by age 7 for this exact reason. It's not a marketing tactic. It's evidence-based pediatric orthodontics.
What Your Child's First Visit Actually Looks Like
We know the thought of an orthodontist appointment can make kids nervous. That's why we've designed the entire experience around making your child feel safe, comfortable, and even excited.
Before You Arrive
You'll check in at our kid-friendly Miramar office. Bright, welcoming, zero clinical intimidation. We ask a few quick questions about your child's dental history and any concerns you have.
The Evaluation
Your child will meet one of our board-certified orthodontists—not a general dentist or hygienist, but a specialist trained specifically in children's orthodontics. We'll take photos, do a visual assessment, and if needed, low-dose digital X-rays or a CBCT scan. Everything is explained in kid-friendly language.
Making It Comfortable
We offer noise-canceling headphones, weighted blankets, and our VIP suite lets your child decompress between appointments. We have TV shows playing, snacks available, and games for the waiting area. We even have virtual reality experiences to help anxious kids relax.
The Conversation
We sit down with both you and your child and explain exactly what we found—in plain English, not clinical jargon. If treatment is recommended, we explain why and what the timeline looks like. If your child doesn't need treatment yet, we'll tell you that too (and we'll mean it, not upsell you).
The entire visit typically takes 45 minutes to an hour.
Low-Dose X-Rays and CBCT: What Parents Ask
"Are the X-rays safe for my child?"
Yes. Modern orthodontic X-rays use minimal radiation—less than you'd receive from a day of natural sunlight. Digital X-rays are even safer than traditional film. When we use CBCT (cone beam computed tomography), we use the lowest dose possible to get the information we need. We never take unnecessary images.
"Why do you need X-rays?"
X-rays show us what we can't see with our eyes: the root development of permanent teeth, bone density, and the exact position of teeth below the gum line. For Phase 1 evaluation, this information is crucial for planning appropriate treatment.
Does Your Child Really Need Braces Yet? How We Decide
This is the question parents ask most, and here's our honest answer: not every child needs Phase 1 treatment.
Some kids have naturally perfect growth patterns. Some have minor crowding that will resolve on its own as permanent teeth erupt. Some have habits (like thumb sucking) that will stop naturally.
Our job is to distinguish between what needs intervention and what doesn't—and to be completely transparent about the difference. We're not going to recommend Phase 1 treatment just to fill our schedule. Our reputation in Broward County depends on being trustworthy with your child's care.
That said, early intervention can prevent problems that would otherwise require extraction, surgery, or much more extensive treatment later. It's not about vanity. It's about giving your child the best foundation for healthy teeth and jaw function for life.
Phase 1 Treatment Timeline and What to Expect
If we recommend Phase 1 treatment, here's what you're typically looking at:
Duration: 12 to 24 months (varies by case)
Appliance: Typically a palatal expander, partial braces, or a combination tailored to your child's needs
Appointments: Usually every 4 to 8 weeks for adjustments
Commitment: Good oral hygiene and following instructions (we'll teach your child how)
After Phase 1, most kids will have a "resting period" while permanent teeth continue to erupt. Then, around age 11 or 12, they'll move into Phase 2—comprehensive braces or aligners to fine-tune the final result.
Why Board-Certified Specialists Matter (And Why It Matters at SMILE-FX)
Here's something we need to say directly: not all orthodontists are the same.
A general dentist can place braces. But an orthodontist is a specialist—someone who completed dental school, then 2-3 additional years of specialized orthodontic training. A board-certified orthodontist has gone further: they've passed rigorous board exams and maintain their credentials through continuing education.
This matters especially with kids. Phase 1 treatment requires deep expertise in growth patterns, skeletal development, and the timing of interventions. It's not a place to cut corners or use the cheapest option available.
At SMILE-FX, every orthodontist is board-certified. We're the trusted partner for pediatric dentists across South Florida because we deliver results, we respect your child's comfort, and we never compromise on quality.
Why Families from Across Broward Choose SMILE-FX for Phase 1
Parents from Pembroke Pines, Hollywood, Weston, Cooper City, Davie, and Fort Lauderdale come to our Miramar location because they know the difference between a generic orthodontist and a pediatric-focused specialist.
They choose SMILE-FX because:
- We specialize in kids. We've built our practice around making orthodontic care comfortable and effective for young patients.
- We use cutting-edge technology. Low-dose digital imaging, CBCT when needed, and the latest appliances—we stay at the forefront of orthodontic science.
- We're transparent. No pressure. No upselling. Just honest assessment and the best recommendation for your specific child.
- We respect your time. We offer flexible scheduling for working families and efficient appointments that don't feel rushed.
- We focus on outcomes. Not just straight teeth—we're building confident, healthy smiles that last a lifetime.
Questions Parents Always Ask (And Our Honest Answers)
1. Is age 7 really the right time, or is this just marketing?
It's not marketing—it's the American Association of Orthodontists' official recommendation. Age 7 is when early interceptive problems are most visible and most responsive to treatment. But every child is different. That's why we evaluate individually.
2. What if we wait until age 12? Isn't that what everyone does?
Many families do wait, and sometimes it works out fine. But you lose the advantage of growth guidance. Problems that could be corrected in Phase 1 may require more extensive treatment in Phase 2 or beyond. We're not saying everyone needs Phase 1—only that waiting means missing an opportunity for many kids.
3. Will my child be self-conscious about wearing appliances?
Most kids adjust quickly, especially when they understand why they're wearing them. We have options like ceramic braces or clear aligners (in certain Phase 1 cases) that are less noticeable than metal braces. And honestly? Most kids care less than adults think they will.
4. How much does Phase 1 treatment cost?
Pricing varies based on the complexity of your child's case. At SMILE-FX, we're transparent about costs upfront, we work with most insurance plans, and we offer flexible payment options. We'll never surprise you with hidden fees.
5. What if we do Phase 1 and my child still needs braces later?
That's normal. Phase 1 sets the foundation. Phase 2 (usually around age 11-12) fine-tunes the result. Together, they create a more stable, healthier outcome than Phase 2 alone.
6. Do you guarantee straight teeth?
We guarantee excellent treatment and beautiful results—but final outcomes depend on your child's growth, their cooperation with care instructions, and genetics. We're confident in our results because we're skilled and meticulous, but we're honest about what we can control.
7. What if my child refuses treatment?
We talk to your child directly about why treatment is recommended, what to expect, and how we'll make it comfortable. Most kids understand and cooperate when they feel respected and informed. Sometimes, if cooperation is a real concern, we recommend waiting. Forced treatment rarely works.
8. Do you accept insurance?
Yes. We work with most major dental insurance plans. We'll verify your coverage before your visit so there are no surprises.
The Real Reason to Act Now: Growth Doesn't Wait
Your child's jaw and teeth are developing right now. Every month, permanent teeth are moving into position. Growth is happening whether you're thinking about orthodontics or not.
The question isn't whether to invest in your child's smile—it's whether to invest strategically, during the window when we can guide growth, or reactively, when bigger problems demand more extensive (and expensive) solutions.
A free orthodontic evaluation at age 7 costs you nothing but 45 minutes. It might save your child years of treatment later. And it gives you the information to make an informed decision—whether that's to move forward with Phase 1, wait and monitor, or simply have peace of mind knowing everything is developing normally.
Schedule Your Child's Free Evaluation Today
We're conveniently located in Miramar, just minutes from Pembroke Pines, Hollywood, Weston, Cooper City, Davie, and Fort Lauderdale. Whether your child is showing obvious signs of misalignment or you simply want a professional opinion, we'd love to meet you.
Book a free consultation online, or call us to schedule. We'll spend time understanding your concerns, evaluating your child's specific needs, and answering every question you have—without any pressure.
At SMILE-FX, we believe every child deserves the best orthodontic care. We're here to make sure yours gets it.