Some orthodontic problems are much easier to correct while a child is still growing. The American Association of Orthodontists and Dr. Kaleem Razi both recommend that children have an orthodontic evaluation at age seven. At our Wheaton office on North Main Street, that first visit is free, and for many children the answer is simply to keep watching. When early treatment is needed, it is short, focused and planned around your child's growth. Here is how early orthodontic treatment works at Razi Orthodontics.
What is early orthodontic treatment?
Early orthodontic treatment, also called Phase I or interceptive treatment, starts while a child still has some baby teeth, usually between ages 7 and 10. Its goal is not a perfectly straight smile. That comes later. Instead, Phase I guides jaw growth, creates room for permanent teeth that have not come in yet, and corrects habits or bite problems before they become harder to treat.
A child's jaw bones are more adaptable at this age. Working with growth instead of against it can reduce the need for more involved treatment later, such as removing permanent teeth to make space.
When should my child first see an orthodontist?
By age seven, enough permanent teeth have arrived that an orthodontist can spot developing concerns with the teeth and jaws, even when they are not obvious to parents. An evaluation at this age does not mean braces are coming. It means you will know whether there is anything to watch.
Signs that make an early visit especially worthwhile include:
- Baby teeth lost much earlier or later than usual
- Crowded, misplaced or blocked-out teeth
- Difficulty biting or chewing
- Thumb sucking or pacifier use that continues past the toddler years
- Mouth breathing or teeth grinding
- Speech challenges related to jaw alignment
- Jaws that shift or make noise
What happens at your child's first visit to our Wheaton office?
We want kids to leave their first orthodontic visit feeling excited, not nervous. Families are greeted by our team, can relax in the lounge or play at the iPad bar, and get a tour of the office before the consultation begins.
The free consultation starts with high-quality photos of your child's smile and a digital X-ray of the teeth and jaws. Dr. Razi reviews these records with you, explains what he sees, and tells you plainly whether he recommends treatment now, later or not at all. Parents can ask anything, and kids are welcome to ask questions too.
Dr. Razi would never recommend treatment a child does not need. Many children do not need early intervention, and that is a perfectly good outcome for a first visit.
What if my child does not need treatment yet?
If treatment is not indicated, Dr. Razi monitors the growth and development of your child's teeth and jaws with periodic checkups, and we provide this monitoring completely free. These short visits let us catch a change early, such as a tooth erupting in the wrong spot, and decide on the best time to begin care.
| What Dr. Razi finds | What happens next | Typical timing |
|---|---|---|
| Teeth and jaws developing well | Free growth monitoring visits | Until the right time for any treatment |
| A problem that is easier to fix during growth | Phase I early treatment | Usually 6 to 12 months |
| Phase I complete | Observation while adult teeth come in | Checkups every 6 to 12 months |
| Most permanent teeth have erupted | Phase II with braces or Invisalign, if needed | Often around ages 11 to 13 |
Which problems can early treatment correct?
Early intervention at Razi Orthodontics can:
- Create space for incoming permanent teeth
- Help prevent the removal of permanent teeth later
- Correct harmful oral habits, such as thumb sucking
- Redirect and guide jaw growth
- Improve how the upper and lower jaws fit together
- Improve self-esteem and confidence
Early treatment is also about function, not only appearance. A narrow upper jaw or a crossbite can affect chewing and breathing, and addressing it while a child is growing supports healthy development.
What appliances are used in Phase I treatment?
Depending on your child's needs, Phase I treatment may include a palatal expander, metal braces on some teeth, or both. A palatal expander fits on the upper molars and gradually widens the upper jaw to make room for teeth and improve how the jaws meet. Dr. Razi sees your child regularly during treatment to check progress and adjust the appliance as they grow.
Most children complete Phase I in six to twelve months. One part of our approach that kids appreciate: at Razi Orthodontics, children do not wear retainers after Phase I treatment is finished. Instead, they move into an observation phase and visit Dr. Razi every six to twelve months so we can decide when, or whether, Phase II is needed. Retainers come later, after comprehensive treatment, and our retainers page explains how they work.
How does Phase I connect to braces later?
Phase II is what most people picture when they hear the word braces. It usually begins once all or most permanent teeth are in, and focuses on final alignment and bite detail with metal braces, clear braces or Invisalign. Because Phase I has already handled the jaw and spacing work, Phase II is often shorter and less complicated than it would be if everything waited until the teen years.
Not every child who has Phase I will need Phase II, and not every child needs Phase I. Dr. Razi bases each plan on what is best for your child's long-term health, development and comfort.
Why do Wheaton families choose Razi Orthodontics for early treatment?
Dr. Razi earned his dental degree at the University of Pennsylvania and completed his orthodontic residency at the University of Louisville, where he received a Master of Science in Dentistry for his research in smile esthetics. He is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists, the Illinois Society of Orthodontists and the Midwestern Society of Orthodontists. You can learn more on his bio page.
Our Wheaton orthodontic office at 2212 N Main St. is designed with families in mind, and we see families from Wheaton, Carol Stream, Glen Ellyn, Winfield and West Chicago, with a second office in Naperville. We are in-network with most dental insurance plans, offer 0% interest financing, and help families use HSA and FSA funds. See financing and insurance for details.
Early orthodontic treatment FAQs
Is age seven too young for braces?
An evaluation at seven is about finding problems early, not putting braces on every seven-year-old. Many children seen at this age do not need treatment yet, and those children are monitored for free until the right time.
How long does early treatment take?
Most Phase I treatment lasts six to twelve months, though the timeline depends on your child's needs.
Will my child need braces again later?
Possibly. Because Phase I has already handled the jaw and spacing work, a Phase II that follows tends to be shorter and less complicated. Dr. Razi monitors your child every six to twelve months after Phase I and will tell you if and when Phase II makes sense.
Does early treatment cost extra to evaluate?
No. The first consultation is free, and if treatment is not recommended yet, growth monitoring is free as well.
Can my child's dentist decide whether early treatment is needed?
Your dentist may notice warning signs and refer you, and Dr. Razi works closely with family dentists. An orthodontist's evaluation adds specialized training in how the teeth and jaws grow, which is what timing decisions depend on.
Schedule your child's free orthodontic evaluation
If your child is around seven, or you have noticed any of the signs above, a free visit with Dr. Razi will give you a clear answer and a plan. Call (630) 614-1162 or schedule a free consultation at our Wheaton or Naperville office. You can also read what to expect on our new patients page.