A Healthy Smile Starts Early
At D’Ascoli Orthodontics, we know that the foundation for a confident, lifelong smile begins in childhood. That’s why, in line with recommendations from the American Association of Orthodontists, we suggest scheduling your child’s first orthodontic evaluation by age seven.
Why Start So Young?
In the early years, a child’s jaw and facial bones are growing rapidly. By evaluating growth patterns early, we can spot potential issues before they develop into bigger concerns. While most children won’t need treatment right away, these early checkups allow us to monitor progress and plan the ideal time to begin care—if needed.
Signs Your Child May Benefit from Early Orthodontic Evaluation:
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- Difficulty chewing or biting
- Mouth breathing
- Thumb sucking beyond age five
- Speech challenges
- Protruding or crowded teeth
- Jaws that shift or click when opening/closing
- Snoring or teeth grinding
- Teeth that don’t come together properly
If any of these signs sound familiar, it might be time to schedule an early consultation with our experienced team.
Beyond Straight Teeth: Dentofacial Orthopedics
Orthodontics isn’t just about aligning teeth—it’s also about guiding proper facial and jaw development. At D’Ascoli Orthodontics, Dr. D’Ascoli is not only a Board-Certified orthodontist but also trained in dentofacial orthopedics, a specialty that focuses on how a child’s facial bones grow and develop.
What Is Dentofacial Orthopedics?
While all orthodontists start as dentists, those who pursue dentofacial orthopedics receive an additional 2–3 years of specialty training. Orthodontics corrects the position of the teeth; dentofacial orthopedics guides the growth of the bones that support them.
This type of treatment typically occurs during Phase I—before all permanent teeth have erupted—and is especially helpful in treating issues like narrow jaws, crossbites, underbites, or severe crowding. It can make later treatment simpler, shorter, or in some cases, unnecessary.
Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment
For certain cases, Dr. D’Ascoli may recommend a Two-Phase Treatment approach.
Phase One (Typically Ages 7–9):
- Guides jaw growth
- Helps create space for incoming permanent teeth
- Addresses skeletal issues that may worsen over time
- May involve expanders, partial braces, or other orthopedic appliances
Phase Two (Usually After Age 11):
- Focuses on aligning the permanent teeth
- Fine-tunes the bite and smile for long-term stability
- May involve full braces or Invisalign®
This approach allows us to treat complex issues early and more effectively, often avoiding surgery or more aggressive treatment in the future.
How Your Child Benefits from Early Treatment
- Helps avoid future extractions or surgical procedures
- Promotes proper speech and breathing
- Supports balanced facial growth and jaw alignment
- Improves long-term bite and dental health
- Builds confidence with a proactive, comfortable approach
We understand that every child is different, and we only recommend treatment when it’s truly necessary. Many times, early evaluations simply give parents peace of mind that their child is developing as expected—and we’ll continue to monitor growth over time.
Learn more about when your child should get their first evaluation.
Schedule a Complimentary Appointment with Our Pediatric Orthodontist in Reno, NV & Surrounding Areas Today!
When you are ready to learn more about how orthodontic treatment can help your child achieve their healthiest smile, call 775-535-8736 to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation D’Ascoli Orthodontics Smile Assessment today. Your child’s appointment includes a discussion of your goals, an in-depth oral exam, 3D scan, digital x-rays, a personalized treatment plan, and free bonus teeth whitening if you commit to Invisalign treatment the same day – a $395 value, for FREE!
You may also click here to use our online scheduling form. We look forward to helping your child achieve their happiest, healthiest smile!
As one of the premier orthodontic practices in Reno, NV our doctor and team at D’Ascoli Orthodontics also provide 5-star orthodontic care to patients from Carson City, Gardnerville, Incline Village & Fernley, NV, South Lake Tahoe, CA and Surrounding Areas.
