Skip to content 
Early Screening/ Phase I
Your Smile Is Just The Beginning
Confident Smiles for Life
Early Orthodontics Treatment for Kids
At Simply Southern Smiles Orthodontics, we love helping kids build confident, healthy smiles that last a lifetime. With interceptive (early) orthodontics, we can detect, treat, and prevent potential issues before they become more serious.
We even offer free orthodontic checkups for children starting at age 7!
Why Age 7 Matters
When is the best age to get braces?
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that children receive their first orthodontic evaluation at age 7.
We know this sounds young, but don’t worry this doesn’t mean treatment has to begin at that age. Dr. Woods, your experienced children’s orthodontist in Statesville, will carefully evaluate your child’s smile, listen to your concerns, and create a personalized plan if treatment is needed.
Not every child needs orthodontic care right away, but those who do can benefit for a lifetime.
Healthy Growth & Prevention
Is Early Orthodontic Treatment Necessary?
Orthodontics isn’t just about straight teeth; it’s about supporting proper jaw growth, preventing future problems, and creating a healthy foundation for permanent teeth.
By treating certain bite or spacing issues early, we can often avoid more complex treatments (like extractions or jaw surgery) later in life. Early treatment means:
- More comfortable development
- Reduced risk of long, complicated treatment in the teen years
- Better outcomes for smile appearance and oral health
Step-by-Step Care
Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment
At Simply Southern Smiles, we often recommend a two-phase approach for children, designed to guide the natural growth of the jaw and teeth.
Phase 1 (ages 7–10)
The focus here is preparing the mouth for permanent teeth to emerge with enough room and healthy alignment.
- Treatment may include a palatal expander or other custom in-house appliances.
- This phase creates space, guides jaw development, and prevents crowding.
Phase 2 (early teens)
Once all permanent teeth are in, Phase 2 focuses on aligning the teeth and bite.
- Typically involves braces (clear or metal options available).
- Modern braces are smaller, more comfortable, and move teeth faster than ever.
- Treatment is personalized to ensure a healthy, beautiful smile.
Signs to Look For
Does My Child Need Braces?
If you’ve noticed any of these signs, it may be time for a complimentary consultation:
- Crowded, crooked, or overlapping teeth
- Too much space between teeth
- Jaw growth issues or disproportions
- Protruding teeth
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- Thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting habits
An early assessment gives you peace of mind and ensures your child is on the right path to a confident smile.
Personalized Options & Care
Braces for Kids at Simply Southern Smiles
Dr. Woods and our team specialize in providing braces for kids ages 7–19 right here in Statesville, NC. Whether your child needs early orthodontic treatment or a full set of braces, we’ll guide you every step of the way.
Real Stories, Real Smiles
Hear From Our Families
Nothing says more about the Simply Southern Smiles experience than the words of our patients and their parents.
Check out these real stories from families who’ve trusted Dr. Woods and our team to create healthy, confident smiles for their kids!
