Early Orthodontic Treatment in East Greenwich, RI

A healthy, confident smile starts with early attention to your child’s dental development. Orthodontic visits at a young age can help spot small concerns before they become bigger issues, making sure your child’s smile grows strong.

When Should My Child First Visit the Pediatric Orthodontist?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic screening by age 7. At Mattioli Orthodontics, this early check-up lets Dr. Robert Mattioli see if treatment is needed now or later, and plan for the ideal time to begin.

Your family dentist might refer your child even earlier if they notice bite or jaw issues.

Will Early Treatment Eliminate the Need for Braces for Kids Later?

Sometimes, but not always. Phase I (early treatment) often handles the biggest concerns and prevents problems from getting worse. Since not all permanent teeth are in yet, final alignment might not be fully corrected until later.

In most cases, a shorter Phase II with full braces in the teen years completes the process. In some cases, further orthodontic care may not be needed at all.

Why Evaluate Children So Early?

Early diagnosis and treatment can:

• Guide erupting teeth into a better position

• Preserve space for permanent teeth

• Reduce the risk of fracturing protruding front teeth

• Support healthy jaw growth and bite development

If early treatment is recommended, Dr. Mattioli can also:

• Regulate the width of the upper and lower dental arches

• Create space for permanent teeth to erupt naturally

• Lower the chance of impacted permanent teeth

• Avoid the need for permanent tooth extractions in many cases

• Correct thumb-sucking habits

• Address abnormal swallowing or certain speech issues

In many cases, starting early can simplify and shorten treatment later, after all permanent teeth erupt.

Does Every Child Benefit from Early Orthodontic Treatment?

Not always. Some orthodontic issues are best corrected in the teen years, once all permanent teeth are in. Certain skeletal orthodontic problems shouldn’t be addressed until growth is more advanced.

That’s why Dr. Mattioli develops a personalized plan for each child’s needs. If your child isn’t ready for treatment, they’ll be placed in our Orthodontic Recall Program.

Our Orthodontic Recall Program

This program is for children who aren’t ready for braces yet but still need monitoring. Here’s how it works:

• Visits every 6 months to track jaw growth and tooth eruption

• Early removal of certain baby teeth if it can improve eruption patterns and reduce the treatment time needed for braces

• Coordination with your child’s dentist on any recommendations

There’s no fee for this program, and it makes sure we start treatment at the perfect time for the best results.

Beyond a Beautiful Smile, Functional Benefits of Braces

Orthodontic care isn’t just cosmetic. Braces and Invisalign can:

• Improve bite function and chewing

• Make teeth easier to clean

• Prevent uneven wear

• Increase the longevity of natural teeth over a lifetime

Dental Checkups During Orthodontic Care

Even during orthodontic treatment, kids should see their family dentist every 6 months for check-ups and cleanings. Braces and appliances require extra care to keep teeth and gums healthy, and regular visits help maintain a strong smile throughout the orthodontic journey.