ORTHODONTICs for Kids

Early evaluation.
Thoughtful timing.

Some orthodontic problems are easiest to understand while a child is still growing. That does not mean every young child needs treatment.

At Ferrari Orthodontics, early evaluation is about recognizing developing bite, eruption and jaw relationships and deciding whether anything needs to be done now - or whether the best plan is simply to watch.

A smiling male orthodontist in navy scrubs sitting next to a young boy with brown hair wearing a light blue shirt, seated in a dental chair in a modern orthodontic office.
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When should my child see an orthodontist?

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Age 7 is a familiar guideline for an orthodontic evaluation, but it is not a rule that requires us to ignore an obvious concern in a younger child.

If a pediatric dentist or dentist identifies a crossbite, narrow upper arch, eruption concern or developing bite problem at age 5 or 6, an orthodontic evaluation can be appropriate.

An evaluation at this age does not commit your child to treatment. Sometimes the most useful answer is: “Not yet. Let's watch.”

What are we looking for?

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Dr. Martin evaluates how the upper and lower teeth fit together, how the jaws relate in width and position, how permanent teeth are developing and erupting, and whether a child is shifting the jaw to find a comfortable bite.

Findings such as posterior crossbite, a functional shift, significant transverse discrepancy or selected eruption problems may deserve closer attention during growth.

Does early evaluation mean Phase I treatment?

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No. Phase I treatment should have a specific purpose. If treating a developing problem now offers a meaningful advantage compared with waiting, early treatment may be recommended.

If it does not, observation may be the better choice. The goal is not to start orthodontics as early as possible. The goal is to recognize when timing matters.

What might treatment include?

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Depending on the diagnosis, treatment during childhood may include observation, palatal expansion, limited braces or another targeted orthodontic approach.

When braces are appropriate, Ferrari offers both metal and clear brackets. The specific appliance comes after we understand the problem we are trying to solve.

An orthodontist examining a young boy lying on a dental chair in a modern dental clinic.
An orthodontist wearing magnifying glasses and gloves shows a tray of colorful dental floss to a young boy lying in a dental chair.
A young boy with braces getting a orthodontic check-up from an orthodontist wearing black gloves.
An orthodontist in a black face mask and gloves examining a patient's mouth in a modern dental clinic.
A young boy with braces looking at himself in a mirror in a modern clinic, with a soap dispenser and a sink in the foreground.
A young boy with braces smiling, wearing a navy blue collared shirt, standing indoors with blurred greenery in the background.
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Kind Words from Our Patients

We had the best experience with Dr. Martin at Ferrari Orthodontics! My twin daughters had expanders, then braces, and now their retainers…Dr. Martin made every step comfortable, fun, and never scary. The technology he uses in office is fantastic and makes the experience a breeze.