Club Smile

The observation phase (also known as Growth and Development) is a proactive, doctor-guided period where we monitor your child’s growth and dental development before braces are needed. Many children are first evaluated around age 7, when early signs of orthodontic concerns can appear, but treatment may not be needed just yet. During this phase, your orthodontist checks in every 6 -12 months to track growth and ensure your child’s smile is developing as expected.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an initial evaluation by age 7 because this is when the jaws, bite, and emerging adult teeth start to show patterns that can affect long-term oral health. Early evaluations allow us to:

• Detect jaw growth concerns early
• Monitor how baby teeth are lost and adult teeth erupt
• Identify bite issues that may benefit from early intervention
• Plan the right treatment at the right time, not too early, not too late

Your child’s first orthodontic visit is gentle, informative, and stress-free. There’s no pressure to start treatment or commit to future treatment on that day. It’s about understanding how your child’s teeth and jaws are growing. Here’s what typically happens:

• Review of History - We’ll start by asking about your child’s dental and medical history, any habits (like thumb-sucking or mouth breathing), and your concerns.
•  Visual Exam of Teeth, Bite & Jaw -  The orthodontist will gently look at how the teeth fit together; how the jaw moves and grows; any early signs of crowding or bite issues.
• Imaging & Records - We’ll take digital photographs, and low-dose X-rays or 3D scans. These help us see where adult teeth are coming in and check beneath the gum line.

After the exam, we’ll create a tracking plan if we’re watching development over time. Appointments are typically 30-45 minutes. 

Not necessarily. This phase allows us to make informed decisions based on how your child grows.

Our goal is always to:

• Time treatment for the most effective results
• Reduce the length and complexity of future braces when possible
• Take early action when needed

Each child’s timeline is unique. And that’s why regular check-ins matter. The observation phase depends upon:

• Your child’s age at their first visit
• How quickly they’re growing
• When adult teeth begin to erupt
• Whether early treatment becomes beneficial

At each visit, we carefully evaluate:

• Jaw growth and alignment
• Loss of baby teeth
• Eruption of permanent teeth
• Bite concerns, such as:
  • Crossbite
  • Overbite
  • Underbite
  • Open bite
• Spacing or crowding
• Habits like thumb-sucking or tongue thrusting

Small changes over time can tell us a lot, and guide us toward the best next step.

Parents play an important role during the observation phase. Let us know if you notice:

• Difficulty chewing or biting
• Early or late loss of baby teeth
• Adult teeth coming in crooked or blocked
• Jaw shifting or popping
• Mouth breathing or snoring
• Thumb-sucking beyond age 6–7
• Teeth that don’t touch when biting down
• One side of the jaw growing differently than the other

If something doesn’t look or feel right, don’t wait, we’re always happy to check.

Children grow quickly, and dental changes can happen fast. Regular observation visits allow us to:

• Catch concerns early
• Monitor growth patterns
• Step in at the ideal moment if treatment is needed

These visits are about staying ahead, not waiting until a problem becomes bigger.

No. X-rays are not taken at every follow-up appointment during the observation phase. Orthodontists follow strict clinical guidelines using low-dose digital X-rays.  X-rays are only taken when they provide important new information that can’t be seen during a visual exam. X-rays may be recommended at the initial consultation (to see developing adult teeth and jaw structure), and if there’s a significant growth change. Your orthodontist will always explain why an X-ray is needed before taking it.

In some cases, yes. Early intervention can:

• Guide jaw growth
• Create space for adult teeth
• Reduce the need for tooth extractions
• Shorten or simplify future braces

If early treatment is recommended, your orthodontist will explain why, when, and how it helps.

Phase 1 treatment (also called early interceptive treatment) is orthodontic care that begins while a child still has a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth, typically between ages 7–10. The goal isn’t to straighten every tooth yet, it’s to guide jaw growth, improve bite function, and create space so permanent teeth can come in more easily. Phase 1 treatment is not full braces and it’s not just “prep work” either. It focuses on specific developmental issues that are best corrected while a child is still growing. Some children may wear:

• A partial set of braces (on select teeth)
• A palatal expander
• Other orthodontic appliances designed to guide growth

Phase 1 may be recommended if your orthodontist sees:

• Narrow or crowded dental arches
• Crossbite, underbite, or severe overbite
• Jaw growth that’s not balanced
• Adult teeth erupting in the wrong position
• Risk of impacted or blocked teeth
• Harmful oral habits affecting development (thumb-sucking, tongue posture)

After Phase 1, there is usually a resting or observation period where remaining baby teeth fall out naturally and adult teeth continue to erupt.

Keep it simple and encouraging:

• Explain that these visits help keep their smile healthy
• Celebrate milestones like losing baby teeth
• Reassure them that many visits are “just check-ups”

We strive to make every visit comfortable, educational, and kid-friendly.

Observation ensures we’re not guessing. We’re making decisions based on real growth data. Waiting can sometimes mean:

• More complex treatment later
• Longer time in braces
• Increased risk of jaw or bite issues becoming harder to correct

One of the biggest benefits of the observation phase is time, time to plan, save, and make informed decisions before treatment begins. Even small steps now can make orthodontic care feel much more manageable later.

Absolutely. Many families use the observation years to:

• Set aside small monthly amounts
• Use tax-advantaged savings accounts
• Review insurance options ahead of time

If you have a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA), these can be powerful tools for orthodontic care.

• HSA & FSA funds can be used for orthodontic treatment, including braces and many appliances
• Contributions are made pre-tax, which can lower your overall cost
• HSAs roll over year to year, making them ideal for long-term planning
• FSAs are often “use it or lose it,” so planning ahead matters

Even if treatment is a year or two away, starting to set aside funds now can make a big difference.

Yes, this is a great time to explore your options. During the observation phase, you can:

• Review whether your current dental plan includes orthodontic benefits
• Check age limits, waiting periods, and lifetime maximums
• Compare plans during open enrollment if coverage is limited
• Ask whether benefits apply to early (Phase 1) treatment and/or full braces later

We create custom payment plans to assist families without orthodontic insurance. Your orthodontic team can help explain estimated costs and timing so you can plan realistically.