EARLY ORTHODONTICS · COLORADO SPRINGS
Is It Time for Your Child’s First Orthodontic Visit?
You don’t have to guess. An early evaluation helps you understand how your child’s teeth and jaws are developing, which concerns deserve attention, and whether the best next step is treatment or monitoring.
Complimentary consultation · 415 W. Rockrimmon Blvd #100
WHY AN EARLY VISIT MATTERS
A first checkup by age 7, or sooner if something catches your eye.
Between ages 6 and 10, your child has a mix of baby and permanent teeth. That window lets an orthodontist see how the bite and jaws are developing while growth is still underway.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic checkup by age 7. Many parents assume they should wait until every permanent tooth has arrived. You don’t need to. An early look gives you information now, so you can plan instead of react.
Age 7
Recommended first orthodontic checkup
$0
Complimentary consultation at our office
WHAT PARENTS MAY NOTICE
Good reasons to ask a question
This isn’t a diagnostic checklist. If you’ve noticed any of these, bring it up at your child’s visit and we’ll take a look together.
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Crowding
New teeth coming in overlapped, twisted, or without enough room.
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Teeth that don’t meet comfortably
Upper and lower teeth that overlap too much, too little, or shift to one side.
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Chewing difficulties
Trouble biting into or chewing certain foods, or favoring one side.
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Thumb or finger habits
Thumb or finger sucking that has continued past the toddler years.
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Jaw development
A jaw that looks set forward, set back, or uneven as your child grows.
GROWTH, BREATHING & THE BIGGER PICTURE
Looking Beyond Straight Teeth
Your child’s development involves more than the appearance of their smile. Tell us about breathing habits or sleep concerns you’ve noticed. We can discuss findings related to their teeth and jaws and whether evaluation by their pediatrician, ENT, or sleep specialist may be appropriate.
Worth discussing with your pediatrician
Persistent mouth breathing, habitual snoring, or restless sleep.
Our role
Assessing teeth, bite, and jaw development, and coordinating with your child’s other providers when appropriate.
UNDERSTAND YOUR NEXT STEP
Every evaluation ends with a clear answer
After the visit, your child’s recommendation will usually fall into one of three paths.
PATH A
Continued monitoring
Growth is on track or it’s too early to act. We schedule periodic checkups to follow development, with no treatment needed now.
PATH B
Recommended early treatment
A developing concern would benefit from attention now. We explain the options, timing, and what to expect before you decide.
PATH C
Coordinated care
Some findings call for input from another healthcare provider. When appropriate, we help coordinate with your child’s pediatrician or specialist.
WHAT PHASE ONE TREATMENT MEANS
An early stage of care for selected developing problems
Phase One is an initial stage of orthodontic treatment used when a specific concern is easier to guide while your child is still growing. Depending on your child’s needs, options may include:
Expander
Limited braces
Other appliance
An early evaluation does not mean your child needs early treatment.
THE FIRST VISIT
What happens when you come in
1
Introductions
Meet Dr. Sanders and our team, and help your child feel at home.
2
Your questions
Share what you’ve noticed, including any breathing or sleep concerns.
3
Examination
A gentle look at teeth, bite, and jaw development.
4
Records, if needed
Photos or imaging only when they’re clinically indicated.
5
Next steps
A plain-language explanation of what we recommend and why.
MEET THE DOCTOR
Dr. Sanders
Dr. Sanders brings advanced training in braces and clear aligners, and years of experience caring for families in Farmington, NM, to Colorado Springs. He’s known for putting kids and parents at ease, and for treating every patient like family.
“An early visit is about giving parents answers. Sometimes that means a plan for treatment, and often it simply means we keep an eye on things as your child grows.”
QUESTIONS PARENTS ASK
Frequently asked questions
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While baby and permanent teeth are both present, we can see how the bite and jaws are developing. Some concerns are easier to guide while a child is still growing. For many children, the visit simply confirms that things are on track.
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No. Many children only need periodic checkups so we can monitor growth. Early treatment is recommended only when a specific developing problem would benefit from attention now.
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Phase One addresses selected concerns while your child is still growing, often with an expander, limited braces, or another appliance. Later comprehensive treatment, usually after the permanent teeth arrive, focuses on final alignment and bite.
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Possibly. Phase One can address specific issues, but later comprehensive treatment may still be needed. We’ll explain what to expect for your child before any treatment begins.
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It depends on the cause. We assess teeth, bite, and jaw development and share what we find. Breathing and sleep concerns may also need evaluation by your child’s pediatrician, an ENT, or a sleep specialist, and we can help coordinate when appropriate.
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Your child’s first consultation at Sanders Orthodontics is complimentary. If treatment is recommended, we’ll walk you through costs, insurance, and payment plan options.
Clear Answers. Thoughtful Timing. A Plan for Your Child.
Request a complimentary early evaluation. A Patient Specialist will reach out to find a time that works for your family.
PREFER TO CALL?
415 W. Rockrimmon Blvd #100, Colorado Springs, CO 80919