Early orthodontic treatment in Westchase helps your child avoid bigger dental issues later. Book your free consult with Dr. Chacon today!
Early Orthodontic Treatment: Save Time, Money, and Smiles
Early orthodontic treatment can shape your child’s smile for life—while preventing bigger, more expensive dental issues down the road. At Chacon Orthodontics in Westchase, we believe that starting care early can give your child a healthy, confident smile with less stress and fewer surprises.
What Is Early Orthodontic Treatment?
Early orthodontic treatment focuses on guiding a child’s dental and jaw development before all adult teeth have come in. It’s often called Phase 1 treatment and typically begins between ages 7 and 9.
Definition and purpose of early orthodontic treatment
It helps fix bite problems, guide proper jaw growth, and make room for incoming teeth. This early phase can reduce or eliminate the need for more extensive treatment later.
Common dental issues addressed early
Problems like crossbites, severe crowding, open bites, and thumb sucking habits can be easier to correct at a young age. Early orthodontic treatment tackles these concerns while the bones are still developing.
Age recommendations from dental associations
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a check-up by age 7. At this stage, Dr. Omar Chacon can evaluate how your child’s teeth and jaw are developing—even if treatment isn’t needed right away.
Benefits of early evaluation
Early assessments allow us to monitor growth and spot potential issues before they become serious. It also builds trust and familiarity, helping kids feel more comfortable with orthodontic care.
Why Age 7 Is the Ideal Starting Point
The age of 7 is not a magic number—it’s a milestone in dental development. By this age, most kids have a mix of baby and adult teeth, allowing us to assess how everything is coming together.
Growth milestones that impact orthodontic needs
Around age 7, the first permanent molars and incisors are usually in place. This makes it easier to spot issues like crowding, misalignment, or improper bites.
Detecting jaw development issues early
Jaw growth can be influenced with simple, non-invasive treatments during early childhood. This can prevent painful or complex issues from forming later in life.
How early exams guide future treatment
Dr. Chacon uses advanced 3D scans to create a roadmap for your child’s smile. Even if no treatment is needed immediately, these early visits make future care easier and faster.
Monitoring without immediate braces
Not every child needs braces at age 7. Sometimes the best plan is “watch and wait”—and our free consultations make that decision simple and pressure-free.
How Early Orthodontic Treatment Saves Time
One of the biggest advantages of early orthodontic treatment is that it can simplify or shorten care later. Starting early can guide the mouth’s natural development, avoiding delays down the road.
Shorter treatment duration later in life
By addressing issues early, we often reduce the amount of time your child needs braces as a teen. That means fewer visits, quicker results, and more freedom.
Fewer complications in teenage years
Interceptive care can prevent complex dental conditions from developing. Your child may avoid problems that could require surgery or tooth extractions later.
Less invasive options when started early
Early orthodontic treatment allows us to use gentle solutions, like spacers or growth appliances, instead of more aggressive measures. This makes the process easier and more comfortable for your child.
Reduced need for future extractions
Creating room for adult teeth to come in properly reduces the likelihood of needing extractions. It also sets the stage for a more naturally aligned bite.
How Early Treatment Saves Money
Starting orthodontic care early doesn’t just help your child—it helps your budget too. Early intervention often prevents more expensive procedures and complex care later in life.
Avoiding costly corrective procedures later
Problems like jaw misalignment or impacted teeth can be costly to fix if left untreated. Early orthodontic treatment minimizes the risk of needing surgery or longer, more expensive treatment.
Lower risk of dental trauma or damage
Correcting bite issues early lowers the chance of tooth injuries from sports, falls, or accidents. A properly aligned bite helps protect your child’s smile from trauma.
Efficient use of insurance benefits
When early care is planned properly, your insurance coverage can often stretch further. We’ll help you understand your benefits so you get the most out of your plan.
Cost comparisons: early vs. late treatment
Treating problems early can cut costs significantly compared to waiting until the teen years. Less treatment time, fewer devices, and fewer visits all add up to big savings.
What to Expect at Your Child’s First Visit
Your child’s first visit to Chacon Orthodontics is comfortable, educational, and free of pressure. We believe that early orthodontic treatment starts with building trust and making families feel at home.
Warm, bilingual environment for families
Dr. Chacon and our team speak both English and Spanish, so you and your child feel understood and supported. We create a friendly, kid-centered space where families can relax.
What happens during the initial consultation
We’ll take a few digital scans, do a gentle exam, and explain what we see in clear, simple terms. You’ll leave knowing exactly where your child’s smile stands.
Use of 3D imaging and digital scans
Our advanced technology lets us see your child’s mouth in incredible detail—without messy impressions. These tools help us create the most accurate, customized plan possible.
Personalized plan with no-pressure guidance
Whether treatment is needed now or later, you’ll get a clear plan tailored to your child’s needs. There’s no pressure—just honest advice from a board-certified orthodontist.
Why Families Trust Chacon Orthodontics in Westchase
Chacon Orthodontics has built a reputation for expert care, advanced technology, and a welcoming, bilingual experience. Families across Westchase and Tampa count on us for early orthodontic treatment that works.
Dr. Omar Chacon’s board certification and experience
With more than 10 years of experience, Dr. Chacon has helped hundreds of kids get healthy, confident smiles. As a board-certified orthodontist, he brings a high level of skill and care to every visit.
Bilingual care for English and Spanish speakers
We’re proud to offer seamless communication in both English and Spanish. Our goal is to make every family feel supported and confident in their child’s care.
Personalized treatment and advanced technology
No two smiles are alike, and that’s why every plan is customized. With digital imaging and modern tools, we deliver care that’s precise, comfortable, and efficient.
Real stories from local Westchase families
Parents love how Dr. Chacon explains every step and makes kids feel comfortable. From the first visit to the final results, families know they’re in good hands here.
Conclusion
Start Early, Smile Longer
Early orthodontic treatment isn’t just about straightening teeth—it’s about building a strong foundation for your child’s future smile. By starting early, you help prevent problems before they begin, making treatment easier, faster, and more affordable in the long run.
The Chacon Orthodontics Advantage
At Chacon Orthodontics, your child gets personalized care from a board-certified orthodontist who treats every patient like family. With advanced digital tools and a bilingual team, we make sure every visit is simple, educational, and comfortable.
Book Your Free Consultation Today
Whether you have concerns about your child’s bite or just want peace of mind, we’re here to help. Call us at (813) 730-8890 or Schedule Your Free Consultation today—virtual and in-person appointments are available.
See what our patients are saying: Chacon Orthodontics Google Reviews
FAQs
Q: What is early orthodontic treatment?
A: Early orthodontic treatment, also called Phase 1, focuses on guiding jaw and tooth development in children between ages 7 and 9.
Q: Does my child need braces at age 7?
A: Not always. Many children are only monitored at this age. Treatment starts only if it will help avoid more serious issues later.
Q: How do I know if my child needs early orthodontic treatment?
A: Signs include crowded teeth, early or late loss of baby teeth, thumb sucking, or bite issues. A consultation can give you clear answers.
Q: Is early treatment really more affordable?
A: Yes. It can reduce or eliminate the need for more complex—and more expensive—care later in life.
Q: Does Chacon Orthodontics offer free consultations?
A: Yes! We offer free, no-pressure consultations for children, including digital scans and a full exam with Dr. Chacon.
