Holt Orthodontics

Not every child needs two phases of orthodontic treatment.

In fact, one of the most important decisions an orthodontist can make is determining whether early treatment is truly necessary. Throughout my 30+ years in practice, I've taken a conservative approach because I believe treatment should be recommended based on a child's individual growth and developmental needs - not simply their age. While some children benefit greatly from early intervention, many can achieve excellent results with a single phase of treatment started at the ideal time.

This is why the American Association of Orthodontists and I strongly recommend an orthodontic evaluation around age seven and why Holt Orthodontics offers complimentary Growth & Development Visits. These visits allow us to monitor facial growth, airway expansion, bite relationships, and to help avoid impacted or “fang” teeth. By carefully observing these changes, we can identify the ideal treatment window for each individual child.

Early evaluations are not about starting treatment early. They are about gathering information, identifying potential concerns, and making informed decisions about timing. In many cases, the best recommendation is simply to continue monitoring growth until treatment can be completed more efficiently and effectively.

When early intervention is necessary, it can be incredibly valuable. Certain bite discrepancies, jaw growth concerns, impacted teeth, or developing problems are best addressed while a child is still growing. However, if those conditions are not present, waiting for the optimal treatment window can often save families significant time, additional appointments, and thousands of dollars in treatment costs - all while still achieving an outstanding result.

My goal has always been to provide the right treatment at the right time. By carefully monitoring growth and development, we can often avoid unnecessary treatment phases while still achieving outstanding results. Every child is different, which is why individualized timing, not a one-size-fits-all approach, is such an important part of our philosophy at Holt Orthodontics.