When most people think about orthodontics, they picture teenagers wearing braces and rubber bands. Orthodontic treatment doesn’t always start in the teen years, though. In fact, it’s often better when it doesn’t. Dr. Manzella sees patients from West Seneca, Buffalo, Orchard Park, and the surrounding areas.
One of the things he looks for at Manzella Orthodontics, especially in younger patients, is timing. The right timing often starts around age seven. That might sound early. However, most kids have a mix of baby and adult teeth by this age, and their jaws are still developing. That combination makes it the perfect time to catch problems while they’re still easy to correct. This doesn’t mean your child is getting braces in second grade. It means you’re giving them a head start before things get complicated.
Spotting Small Problems Before They Grow
Waiting until all the adult teeth are in sounds logical, but by that point, some alignment issues might already be well established and harder to fix. By age seven, there’s enough to work with for an orthodontist to see how things are shaping up. Some of the most common things Dr. Manzella looks for in early evaluations include:
- Crowded teeth
- Gaps that aren’t closing on their own
- Jaw misalignment (like underbites, overbites, or crossbites)
- Extra or missing teeth
- The impact of thumb-sucking or prolonged pacifier use
- Issues with how the jaws are growing together
Even if your child’s smile looks “fine” to you, there could be things happening beneath the surface, especially with how their bite functions. That’s the stuff you can’t always see, but it matters later on.
What Happens During an Early Evaluation
These visits are low-key. There’s no immediate treatment, and no rush. Dr. Manzella will take a look at how your child’s teeth and jaws are developing, take any needed X-rays, and let you know if anything stands out.
Most kids won’t need any treatment right away. However, if something is off, this early check-in gives you time to plan and catch it before it turns into a bigger issue.
Phase I Orthodontics Can Make Things Easier Later
In some cases, kids benefit from early orthodontic treatment, also known as Phase I or interceptive treatment. This doesn’t mean a full set of braces. It’s more about guiding the development of the jaw or teeth so future treatment is simpler. Here is what that might include:
- Palatal expanders to widen a narrow upper jaw and make space for adult teeth
- Space maintainers are used if a baby tooth is lost early
- Limited braces or clear aligners to shift just a few teeth into better positions
- Tooth removal if a baby tooth is stuck or blocking an adult tooth from coming in
Not every child needs Phase I treatment. When it’s recommended, it’s because waiting would make things more complex later on. This type of early care can sometimes prevent extractions, jaw surgery, or long stretches in braces as a teen.
How Invisalign, Metal Braces, and Clear Braces Fit In
Eventually, most kids will need a second phase of treatment. That usually happens in the early teen years, once all their adult teeth have come in. By that time, you will have some options.
- Invisalign: Clear, removable trays that are great for kids who are responsible enough to wear them consistently. Invisalign is discreet and low-maintenance, but it only works if your child wears it.
- Metal braces: The metal braces we offer now are smaller, more comfortable, and customizable with colored bands. They’re also the most efficient for correcting more complex alignment issues.
When that time comes, Dr. Manzella will help you decide what fits best, not just based on dental needs, but also personality, habits, and goals.
Why Age 7 Is the Best Time to Start Looking
It’s easy to think, “We’ll wait until there’s a problem.” Orthodontic issues don’t usually show up overnight. They develop slowly and often quietly. That’s why that first evaluation around age seven matters.
At this stage, the mouth is still growing and flexible. This gives orthodontists the ability to guide development in a way that’s simply not possible later on.
The goal is to create a plan that makes sense for your child’s growth pattern. You’re getting ahead of problems instead of playing catch-up later.
What If Everything Looks Fine?
If everything looks good, you can leave with peace of mind. That’s still a win for your family. If your child doesn’t need treatment now, or even soon, you will know. Dr. Manzella can keep tabs on their development through simple check-ins every six to 12 months. That way, if anything changes, you’ll be ready.
What You’re Gaining
Here’s what early evaluations can help you avoid down the line:
- Jaw surgery
- Permanent teeth are coming in at the wrong angles
- Teeth stuck under the surface
- Tooth extractions that could’ve been prevented
- A longer (or more expensive) round of braces in the future
You’re also setting your child up for a smile that feels good and works the way it should, without constant headaches, jaw pain, or wear from an uneven bite.
Care That Grows With Your Child
One of the things families appreciate about Manzella Orthodontics is that it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach. Dr. Manzella listens, observes, and makes decisions based on your child’s individual needs, not just a checklist.
Whether your child ends up with Invisalign, metal braces, or a simple expander, the care plan is built around real results and long-term health.
Your Next Step Is Simple
If your child is close to age seven or older and hasn’t had an orthodontic evaluation yet, now’s the time to book one. Manzella Orthodontics serves families in West Seneca, Buffalo, and Orchard Park. Dr. Manzella will walk you through everything with zero pressure and all the clarity you need.
Early evaluations don’t mean early braces. They mean fewer surprises, better outcomes, and a plan that works for your child. Reach out for a free consultation to get started.