Early Orthodontics for Children in San Jose

Guiding Growing Smiles With Phase 1 Orthodontic Care in East San Jose

How it Works

When Your Child Should Have an Orthodontic Evaluation

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child receive their first orthodontic evaluation by age seven. By this age, enough permanent teeth have come in for a trained orthodontist to spot developing problems with jaw growth, tooth alignment, and bite relationships. The ideal window for Phase 1 treatment is typically between ages six and ten, while the jaw bones are still actively growing and can be guided more effectively than after growth is complete.

An early evaluation does not always mean immediate treatment. In many cases, our team will simply monitor your child’s development and act when the timing produces the best result. As part of our comprehensive orthodontic services, Dr. Zachary Hollander, a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics with advanced training from UCLA, leads our orthodontic program and works alongside our pediatric dentists to identify the right time to begin care for each patient.

Signs That May Indicate Early Treatment Is Needed

Certain indicators can signal that your child may benefit from orthodontic intervention before all permanent teeth have arrived. Catching these signs early gives our team more options and often leads to simpler, shorter treatment.

Difficulty chewing, mouth breathing, or thumb sucking past age five: These habits and functional issues can affect jaw development and tooth alignment if left unaddressed during critical growth periods.

Crowded, overlapping teeth or early and late loss of baby teeth: Premature or delayed tooth loss can point to spacing or eruption problems that may worsen without intervention.

A jaw that shifts, makes sounds, or teeth that do not meet properly: These are signs of a developing bite issue that can be corrected more easily while your child is still growing.

When Should a Child See an Orthodontist?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by the age of seven. This allows us to identify any potential issues early and create a treatment plan to address them.

Treatment Options We Provide

Palatal expanders: Gently widen the upper jaw to create space for permanent teeth and may improve breathing function. This is one of the most common Phase 1 appliances.

Traditional braces and space maintainers: Braces correct complex alignment issues including crowding, spacing, and bite problems. Space maintainers hold room for permanent teeth when baby teeth are lost early, preventing neighboring teeth from drifting.

Early intervention appliances: These devices guide jaw growth and tooth positioning before all permanent teeth have emerged, making Phase 2 treatment simpler or unnecessary in some cases.

How Phase 1 and Phase 2 Treatment Work Together

Early orthodontic care follows a two-phase approach designed to match your child’s development. Phase 1 focuses on guiding jaw growth and correcting structural issues during the mixed dentition stage, when both baby teeth and permanent teeth are present. This phase generally lasts between 12 and 18 months, depending on the specific issue being addressed. After Phase 1 is complete, there is usually a resting period while the remaining permanent teeth come in. Phase 2 then addresses final tooth alignment, typically with full braces or clear aligners, and generally lasts between one and three years depending on the case. Children who completed Phase 1 treatment often need shorter and less involved Phase 2 care.

Maintaining strong oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment is important, and our team provides guidance on brushing and flossing around appliances. Routine pediatric dental exams and cleanings continue throughout treatment so that cavities and gum issues are caught early. For children who feel anxious about orthodontic appointments, we offer sedation dentistry options to help them stay comfortable and relaxed. Properly aligned teeth are also easier to keep clean, which supports long-term oral health when paired with preventive treatments like fluoride applications and dental sealants. Beyond the health benefits, a straighter smile can give your child a real boost in confidence during the school years.

Based in San Jose

Schedule Your Child's Early Orthodontic Consultation at Pediatric Dentistry of San Jose

Our practice serves families throughout San Jose, East San Jose, Evergreen, Milpitas, and the surrounding South Bay communities. Dr. Hollander brings advanced orthodontic training from UCLA, board certification from the American Board of Orthodontics, and published research in the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics to every treatment plan. We accept most PPO dental insurance plans, and our staff is here to help you with claims and financing options.

If you have noticed signs of a developing bite or alignment issue, or if your child is approaching age seven and has not yet had an orthodontic evaluation, now is the time to schedule a visit. Contact Pediatric Dentistry of San Jose today to book your child's early orthodontic consultation.