Phase 1 Orthodontics in Miramar: Why Age 7 Actually Matters
Your seven-year-old comes home from school, and you notice their adult teeth are coming in at odd angles. Maybe their jaw seems too small. Perhaps they're breathing through their mouth more than usual. As a parent, you wonder: is this normal? Should we be doing something now, or can we wait?
Here's what most parents don't know—and what pediatric orthodontists have been quietly recommending for years: age 7 is when you should have your child evaluated for orthodontics, even if they don't need braces yet. This isn't fear-mongering. It's science-backed early intervention that can actually prevent more serious problems down the road.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. At SMILE-FX, we follow this guidance because we've seen firsthand how early detection changes everything—not just for their smile, but for their growth, confidence, and long-term dental health.
Why Seven? The Growth Window That Changes Everything
At age 7, your child's jaw is still growing rapidly. Their permanent teeth are beginning to erupt. This is actually the perfect time to identify issues like crowding, crossbites, or jaw misalignment—because your orthodontist can work with your child's natural growth instead of against it later.
Think of it like this: if you catch a tree growing at an awkward angle when it's young, you can gently guide it. Once it's fully grown, straightening it takes a lot more force and effort. The same principle applies to your child's jaw and teeth.
During these growth years (ages 7–10), phase 1 orthodontics can:
- Guide jaw development in the right direction
- Create space for permanent teeth to erupt properly
- Prevent the need for tooth extractions later
- Reduce the time your teen spends in braces (phase 2)
- Improve breathing and sleeping patterns
- Build confidence early, before peer awareness kicks in
Many children who have phase 1 treatment actually need lighter or shorter phase 2 treatment as teens. Some don't need phase 2 at all. That's not just convenient—that's your child experiencing fewer years of treatment and a better long-term outcome.
What We're Actually Looking For at Age 7
Parents often ask: "Does my child really need braces now?" The answer is usually no—not full braces. But your child might benefit from early intervention.
At your child's first evaluation at SMILE-FX, we're screening for:
- Crowding: Are the permanent teeth too large for the available space? Early expansion can prevent extractions later.
- Crossbites: Is the upper jaw positioned behind the lower jaw? If so, we can guide it forward during growth.
- Open bites: Is there a gap between the front teeth even when the back teeth touch? Often linked to tongue thrust or thumb-sucking habits that we can address.
- Underbites: When the lower jaw protrudes beyond the upper jaw. Early guidance can help tremendously.
- Mouth breathing: Is your child breathing through their mouth instead of their nose? This affects jaw development and sleep quality.
- Habits: Thumb-sucking, tongue thrust, or lip-biting patterns that might benefit from early intervention.
Here's what makes our approach different: we don't recommend treatment just because we can. In fact, many children who come in for evaluation don't need anything yet. We tell parents honestly when to wait and when to act—and that honesty builds trust.
Phase 1 Treatment Doesn't Mean Full Braces
When phase 1 treatment is recommended, it usually involves:
- Expanders: Gently widen the upper or lower jaw to create space for permanent teeth
- Partial braces: Used strategically on specific teeth to guide development
- Functional appliances: Custom devices that guide jaw growth in the right direction
Treatment typically lasts 1–3 years. Then there's a rest period while we monitor your child's growth. Later, if needed, phase 2 (usually around age 12–14) fine-tunes the bite and aligns all the permanent teeth. But that second phase is usually shorter and simpler because we've already done the heavy lifting.
What Your Child's First Visit Actually Looks Like
We get it—bringing your kid to the orthodontist can feel intimidating. You're wondering if they'll be scared. We've designed our experience specifically so they won't be.
When you arrive at SMILE-FX in Miramar, your child steps into a pediatric-friendly space. No clinical sterility. No intimidation. We greet kids by name. Our team talks to them, not at them. The entire visit is designed to make your child feel like they're in control, not on display.
Here's what happens:
- Comfort first: Your child can bring headphones, watch their favorite show, or listen to music during the exam
- Low-dose imaging: We take digital X-rays and may use CBCT (3D imaging) to see exactly what's happening with jaw growth and tooth development. It's quick, painless, and uses minimal radiation
- Simple explanation: We show your child what we see—using their own images—so they understand what's happening with their smile
- No surprises: We explain everything before we do it. Kids feel safe when they know what's coming
- Parent involvement: You're part of the conversation. We answer your questions and make sure you understand the plan
The entire evaluation usually takes 30–45 minutes. We leave plenty of time for questions. And if your child doesn't need treatment yet? We tell you that clearly and give you guidance on what to monitor at home.
Why Families Across Broward County Choose SMILE-FX for Phase 1
Parents from Pembroke Pines, Hollywood, Weston, Cooper City, Davie, and throughout South Florida trust SMILE-FX because we combine early-intervention expertise with genuine child-friendly care.
We're board-certified orthodontists—not general dentists dabbling in orthodontics. We specialize in pediatric cases. We understand growth and development. We've trained extensively in interceptive treatment. And we're recognized by pediatric dentists throughout South Florida as the trusted partner for kids who need orthodontic care.
That distinction matters more than you might think. General dentists can place braces, but they're not trained in the nuances of growth guidance and phase 1 treatment planning. Choosing SMILE-FX means your child gets specialized expertise designed specifically for their developmental stage.
When Treatment is NOT Needed (And That's Important to Know)
One of our core values is honesty. Not every child needs phase 1 treatment. Some orthodontic concerns resolve naturally as the child grows. Some are purely cosmetic and can safely wait until the teen years.
If your child doesn't need treatment yet, we'll tell you:
- What we're monitoring
- When to come back for a follow-up evaluation
- What signs to watch for at home
- Whether certain habits (like mouth breathing or thumb-sucking) would benefit from intervention
This approach actually builds more trust than aggressively recommending treatment. Parents feel respected. They understand their child's orthodontic health. And when treatment becomes necessary, they're making an informed decision—not a pressured one.
The Confidence Factor Parents Don't Talk About Enough
Here's something we see all the time: when a child gets phase 1 treatment and sees their smile improving, their confidence shifts. Not just about their appearance—though that matters. But they realize they can work toward a goal. They see progress. They develop trust in their orthodontist (and their parents' decision-making).
By the time they're teenagers facing peer awareness and social pressure, they've already experienced orthodontic treatment as a normal, manageable part of life. There's far less resistance to phase 2 treatment because they've been through this before—they know what to expect, and they've seen the results.
Frequently Asked Questions About Phase 1 Orthodontics in Miramar
Does my child need treatment just because they have crooked teeth? Not necessarily. Some crowding is normal and may resolve on its own. We evaluate the whole picture—jaw size, growth patterns, bite relationship, and whether current issues will likely worsen. We only recommend treatment if it will meaningfully improve your child's outcome.
How much does phase 1 treatment cost? Costs vary depending on what your child needs. Some treatments are straightforward and less expensive; others are more complex. We discuss pricing transparently at your first visit and work with you on payment options and insurance.
Will my child need braces again after phase 1? Possibly, but likely for a shorter time and with simpler goals. Phase 1 does the foundational work—creating space and guiding growth. Phase 2 fine-tunes the final result. Many kids who have phase 1 treatment experience significantly shorter phase 2 treatment.
What if we wait until age 12 to get evaluated? You can, but you miss the growth window when intervention is easiest and most effective. At 12, your child's jaw is mostly done growing. Problems that could have been guided during growth now require more aggressive treatment. Early evaluation gives you options.
Ready to Give Your Child the Early-Intervention Advantage?
Schedule a free orthodontic consultation at SMILE-FX. We'll evaluate your child, answer all your questions, and give you honest guidance about whether treatment makes sense—and if so, what path forward looks like.
Our Miramar location is conveniently located and serves families throughout Broward County, including Pembroke Pines, Hollywood, Weston, Cooper City, and Davie. We make it easy to fit an evaluation into your schedule because we know you're busy.
Book your free consultation today. Let's make sure your child gets the early-intervention advantage that sets them up for a lifetime of healthy, confident smiles.