At OP Smiles, we help kids get ahead of orthodontic problems with early care timed to their growth, not a generic schedule. The right guidance now means treatment later is simpler, shorter, or sometimes not needed at all.
At OP Smiles, we help kids get ahead of orthodontic problems with early care timed to their growth, not a generic schedule. The right guidance now means treatment later is simpler, shorter, or sometimes not needed at all.
For children between ages 7 and 10, early orthodontic evaluation is all about timing and guidance during growth. While many people assume this means starting braces right away, that is not our approach.
At OP Smiles, we take a conservative, observation-first approach. Many children benefit most from simple monitoring or minor interventions that guide development as they grow. When needed, we step in early to address concerns such as jaw development, airway support, or eruption issues. This helps prevent more complex problems later and build the best possible foundation for future treatment.
Your child’s first visit is designed to give you a clear, expert understanding of how their teeth, bite, and growth are developing, and what, if anything, needs attention right now.
We begin with a comprehensive evaluation, including digital scans, photos, and a low-radiation x-ray to assess your child’s teeth, jaw development, and overall growth.
Our orthodontists carefully review this information to evaluate not just tooth alignment, but also bite function, jaw position, airway, and facial balance. By understanding how everything works together early, we can identify concerns before they become more complex and guide development in the right direction from the start.
You will leave with a clear, personalized plan so you know exactly what to do now and what to expect as your child grows.
We believe every family deserves access to great orthodontic care. Our practice partners with OrthoFi to help families customize payment options, manage accounts online, and make the most of their insurance benefits. OrthoFi verifies coverage at your initial exam and assists with filing claims so there are no surprises.
Based on your child’s growth and development, we create a personalized plan that outlines the right next step, whether that is early guidance or continued monitoring.
Using our 10 Pillars framework, The OP Smile™, we evaluate how your child is developing and determine when and where guidance will have the greatest impact.
In many cases, this may include simple, targeted appliances like retainers, space maintainers, or habit appliances designed to support proper development. When needed, we may recommend treatment to guide jaw growth, improve function, or create space for teeth to come in naturally.
If your child is not ready for treatment yet, they will be placed in our Kids Club observation program, where we monitor development and begin treatment only when it will have the greatest impact.
We guide how the upper and lower jaws develop and fit together. Establishing a healthy bite early supports proper function, protects the teeth and joints, and reduces the need for more complex correction later.
We evaluate how jaw growth supports facial balance, breathing, and lip posture. When needed, we use targeted appliances to improve jaw positioning and support natural, healthy development.
If there is not enough room for incoming teeth or development is off track, we use simple appliances like retainers, space maintainers, or expanders when appropriate. Guiding arch development early helps create space for teeth to come in naturally and supports a fuller, more balanced smile.
When early Phase 1 treatment is recommended, our focus is on guiding growth and addressing the most important developmental factors at the right time, not simply straightening teeth too soon. This phase builds the foundation for a complete OP Smile™ later.
Phase 1 is not about finishing every detail. It is about addressing the right things at the right time so that Phase 2, when all adult teeth are present, can focus on refining function, alignment, esthetics, and long-term stability. This early focus often simplifies or expands the options available later.
For many children, the next step is Kids Club, our structured program for monitoring growth and guiding treatment timing.
Whether your child is not ready for treatment yet or has completed Phase 1, Kids Club allows us to track development over time and step in at exactly the right moment.
Through check-ins every 6 to 12 months, we monitor how your child’s teeth, jaw, and airway are developing. This allows us to catch changes early and begin treatment when it can be most effective and often less complex.
Kids Club keeps your child engaged in their care while giving you confidence that nothing is being missed and that every decision is based on timing, not guesswork.
A healthy, confident smile supports proper function, long-term health, and lasting confidence as your child grows. The first step is simple. Schedule a complimentary consultation at our Boone or North Wilkesboro office, and we will take a close look together.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first evaluation by age seven. At that stage, we can identify developing concerns and determine whether early guidance or continued monitoring is the better path. Most children do not need treatment right away, but understanding how they are developing gives your family a meaningful head start.
Early treatment is orthodontic care that takes place before all adult teeth have come in, typically between ages seven and ten. It is recommended when specific concerns are best addressed while the jaw is still growing. Not every child needs early treatment, but when indicated, it can guide development, improve function, and reduce the complexity of future treatment.
Phase 1 treatment focuses on addressing key developmental concerns, but it does not always eliminate the need for additional treatment later. Many children benefit from a second phase once all adult teeth are present, when we can refine alignment, function, and long-term stability. We will set clear expectations from the beginning so you know what to expect.
This is determined during your child’s evaluation. We assess their teeth, bite, and growth to determine whether treatment is needed now or if monitoring is the better approach. You will receive a clear, personalized recommendation based on what will have the greatest long-term benefit.
Most families schedule directly with us, and a referral is typically not required. If your insurance requires pre-authorization, we will help guide you through that process.
Kids Club is our structured growth monitoring program for children who are not ready to begin treatment yet. Through periodic check-ins, we track how the teeth, jaw, and airway are developing so we can begin treatment at the ideal time. This approach allows us to guide development proactively while avoiding unnecessary early treatment.
Treatment length depends on the complexity of your child’s case, the type of treatment, and how well they follow through with instructions and appointments. Early treatment typically focuses on specific goals and may be shorter, while full treatment later is often completed once all adult teeth are present. We will provide a clear timeline at your consultation and keep you informed throughout.
Spark clear aligners can be a good option for children who are mature enough to wear them consistently. We will help you determine whether they are an appropriate fit based on your child’s needs and habits. For many children, braces remain the more reliable option, especially when consistent wear may be a concern.
Through OrthoFi, we offer flexible payment options designed to fit most family budgets. Our team will walk you through your options at the consultation so you have a clear understanding of costs, insurance coverage, and monthly payments.
