Orthodontics for Children &
Early Treatment

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Orthodontics for Children & Early Treatment

A healthy smile starts early — and at West County Orthodontics, we’re here to guide your child every step of the way. Led by Dr. Al Khatib and Dr.Utreja, trusted Chesterfield orthodontists, we offer comprehensive orthodontic care for children, including early evaluations and interceptive treatment. Our goal is to identify potential issues early and support proper jaw and dental development while your child grows.

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Smile

Why Early Orthodontic Treatment Matters

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends children see an orthodontist by age 7 — even if they haven’t lost all their baby teeth. Why? Because early intervention can often:

  • Prevent more serious problems from developing
  • Guide jaw growth and tooth eruption
  • Create space for incoming permanent teeth
  • Improve bite alignment and facial symmetry
  • Reduce or eliminate the need for extractions or surgery later

While not all children need early treatment, those who do can benefit greatly from a head start.

SIGNS YOUR CHILD MAY NEED EARLY TREATMENT

Some orthodontic problems are easy to spot, while others can only be seen with a professional exam. You might consider a visit if your child:

  • Lost baby teeth too early or too late
  • Has difficulty chewing or biting
  • Breathes through the mouth
  • Has crowded, misplaced, or blocked-out teeth
  • Has a noticeable overbite, underbite, or crossbite
  • Sucks their thumb past age 5

As leading orthodontists in Chesterfield MO, Dr. Al Khatib and Dr.Utreja, we use 3D digital scanning (no goopy impressions!) and radiographs to evaluate growth, tooth alignment, and jaw positioning in a gentle and kid-friendly environment.

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Clear Aligners

What Is Phase I Treatment?

Phase I orthodontic treatment, also known as interceptive treatment, is designed for younger children (typically ages 6–10) while they still have a mix of baby and adult teeth. It may involve:

  • Limited braces or aligners
  • Expanders
  • Space maintainers
  • Habit appliances (for thumb-sucking or tongue thrust)

The goal is to correct problems early, laying the groundwork for a healthier, easier Phase II (teen) treatment — or sometimes eliminating the need for it altogether.

FAQs: Children’s Orthodontics & Early Treatment

Age 7 is the ideal time to evaluate growth patterns. It doesn’t mean your child needs braces right away — but early monitoring helps us time treatment perfectly if needed.

We’ll do a painless scan of your child’s mouth, review their bite and development, and discuss whether any treatment is recommended now or in the future.

Not always! Many children are placed in our “growth observation” program and monitored until the time is right.

Phase I happens during childhood to correct specific growth issues. Phase II (usually during the teen years) completes alignment with full braces or aligners.

Many plans offer partial coverage. We’ll help you review your benefits and provide clear pricing and payment options.

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A Friendly and Personalized Experience

At West County Orthodontics, we make children feel safe and excited about caring for their smiles. From the moment you walk in, you’ll experience a fun, supportive environment where every child gets individualized care. We will always take time to explain everything clearly — to both kids and parents — so you can make confident decisions together.