What Is Orthodontic Assessment?
Orthodontic assessments allow us to evaluate the growth and development of your child’s teeth, jaw, and bite. These evaluations typically begin around age 7, when permanent teeth start to come in and early signs of crowding, spacing, or bite issues may appear. Through visual exams, imaging, and growth monitoring, we can identify whether orthodontic care might be needed now or in the future.
By assessing your child’s alignment early, we’re able to plan for the right timing and approach to treatment. Some children benefit from early intervention, while others may need orthodontic care later during adolescence. These assessments give us the information we need to support long-term dental health, facial balance, and proper function. We use a comfortable, pressure-free approach to explain what we’re seeing and answer all your questions. Even if treatment isn’t needed right away, regular monitoring helps us stay ahead of any concerns and ensure your child’s developing smile stays on the right track.
Why Trust Altoona Smiles Family and Cosmetic Dentistry?
We believe early orthodontic evaluation is one of the most valuable ways to support your child’s long-term dental health. Our approach is gentle and informative, giving children a chance to understand their developing smile while we look for early signs of orthodontic needs. We aim to make the process relaxed and reassuring, never rushed or overwhelming.
Our team carefully evaluates jaw growth, tooth position, and bite patterns to determine the best path forward. We take time to explain what we see and whether any future steps might be needed. If we believe early treatment could help prevent more complex issues later on, we’ll walk you through the options clearly. Even when treatment isn’t necessary, these assessments allow us to track development with confidence and care. Our goal is to help your child achieve proper alignment, improved function, and a healthy smile that lasts a lifetime.
Benefits of Orthodontic Assessment
- Identifies Problems Early
Early assessments help us detect issues like crowding, bite misalignment, or jaw discrepancies before they worsen. This allows us to create a plan that may reduce the need for more extensive orthodontic treatment later. - Guides Proper Growth and Development
By monitoring how your child’s teeth and jaw are developing, we can intervene when it’s most effective. This guidance can help ensure proper spacing and alignment as permanent teeth emerge. - Improves Long-Term Function and Comfort
Correcting orthodontic issues at the right time can improve chewing, speaking, and even breathing. A well-aligned bite also reduces the risk of uneven wear or jaw discomfort as your child grows.
Featured Treatments
Family &
General Dentistry
Our aim at Altoona Smiles is to provide exceptional dental care.
Children’s
Dentistry
A baby’s first tooth can erupt as soon as 6-12 months of age.
Cosmetic
Dentistry
Achieve a beautiful smile with cosmetic enhancements.
Emergency
Dentistry
Altoona Smiles offers same-day appointments.
Invisalign &
Clear Aligners
Everyone deserves to smile proudly with well-aligned teeth.
Botox
Altoona Smiles is proud to offer treatments utilizing botox and cosmetic fillers.
Impact of Early Assessment on Orthodontic Treatment Needs
Severe Crowding Requiring Extraction Later %
Comprehensive Orthodontics Needed %
Children Receiving No Early Assessment
48
72
Children With Routine Assessment Only
38
65
Children With Assessment Plus Early Guidance
28
55
Children With Assessment, Guidance, and Interceptive Treatment
15
42
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
0%
50%
100%
Narrative: Demonstrates that early assessment significantly reduces the severity of orthodontic problems and the extent of treatment needed later. Children receiving early guidance and interceptive treatment have less crowding, require fewer extractions, and need simpler final orthodontics. The investment in early assessment pays dividends in reduced future treatment burden.
| Assessment Approach | Severe Crowding Risk | Comprehensive Orthodontics Needed | Extraction Necessity | Long-Term Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No early assessment or monitoring | 48% develop severe crowding | 72% require full braces | 35% need extractions | Higher complexity; greater time in braces |
| Routine assessment at check-ups | 38% crowding | 65% require braces | 28% need extractions | Moderate complexity; awareness allows planning |
| Assessment plus eruption guidance | 28% crowding | 55% require braces | 18% need extractions | Lower complexity; guided growth improves positioning |
| Assessment plus interceptive treatment | 15% crowding | 42% require braces | 8% need extractions | Optimal outcomes; least invasive comprehensive treatment |
American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) | American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) | American Dental Association (ADA) | Journal of Pediatric Dentistry research on interceptive orthodontics | Orthodontics journal studies on early treatment outcomes and cost-benefit analysis
Key Findings About Early Orthodontic Assessment in Children
Early orthodontic assessment, evaluating bite, jaw growth, and tooth positioning in children as early as age seven, allows Dr. Nicole to identify developing problems years before they become severe, creating opportunities for interceptive treatment that may prevent or reduce the need for extensive orthodontics later.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends an orthodontic screening by age seven or when the first permanent molar erupts, as the eruption pattern of permanent teeth, jaw size relationships, and bite characteristics can be assessed at this early stage; early identification of problems like anterior cross bite, severe crowding, or significant jaw discrepancies allows early intervention when the jaw is still growing and more responsive to correction.
Interceptive orthodontic treatment performed during mixed dentition (when both primary and permanent teeth are present) can guide jaw growth, create space for permanent teeth to erupt correctly, and correct certain bite problems non-invasively or with minimal orthodontics; studies show that children who receive interceptive treatment during mixed dentition require significantly less comprehensive orthodontics later, reducing time in braces and treatment costs.
Space problems often become apparent during the transition from primary to permanent dentition; many children experience crowding as permanent teeth erupt because permanent teeth are larger than primary teeth they replace. Dr. Nicole monitors this transition closely and may recommend space-management strategies such as selective extraction of primary teeth, space maintainers, or early appliances to guide eruption and prevent severe crowding.
Jaw growth patterns vary significantly among children, and monitoring growth during the pre-teen years allows Dr. Nicole to identify skeletal problems (jaw size or positioning discrepancies) that may require early treatment to guide growth in a more favorable direction; this is particularly important for children with significant overbite or underbite, where early correction during active growth is more effective than waiting until growth is complete.
Research shows that children receiving early orthodontic guidance and assessment develop better long-term orthodontic outcomes and higher satisfaction with their smiles compared to those receiving no monitoring; additionally, children who understand the rationale for early treatment cooperate better with interceptive appliances and develop more positive attitudes toward future comprehensive orthodontics if needed.
See Why Patients Trust Us Through Verified Reviews
“Every child deserves to feel comfortable and confident when they come to the dentist. I’ve built my practice around creating an environment where kids actually want to visit us, not dread it. When children feel heard and safe, they develop healthy attitudes about oral health that stick with them for life. At Altoona Smiles, we treat each child as an individual, we listen to their concerns, move at their pace, and celebrate their progress.”
Dr. Nicole Brummel
Co-Owner & Pediatric Dentist
Questions Parents Ask About Orthodontic Assessment in Altoona
When should my child have an orthodontic assessment?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends an orthodontic screening around age seven, when the first permanent molars are erupting and the pattern of permanent tooth eruption can be evaluated. The Altoona Smiles team performs this assessment during routine check-ups, you don’t need a separate orthodontist appointment. Early assessment allows identification of problems while the jaw is still growing and most responsive to guidance. If intervention is not needed, routine monitoring continues; if guidance is recommended, the team can begin early treatment.
What can the Altoona Smiles team do during early orthodontic assessment to prevent problems later?
During assessment, the team evaluates bite relationships, jaw size and positioning, the eruption pattern of permanent teeth, and the amount of space available. The team monitors the shedding of primary teeth and eruption of permanent teeth at check-ups. If problems are identified, the team may recommend eruption guidance (allowing the permanent tooth to follow a natural path without interference), selective extraction of certain primary teeth to create space, or space maintenance to hold room for incoming teeth. These early interventions often prevent the severe crowding and bite problems that would otherwise require extensive orthodontics.
My child has crowded teeth. Does this definitely mean they’ll need braces?
Not necessarily. Some crowding is normal and may resolve as the child grows and the jaw expands. Moderate crowding in children with adequate jaw size might be corrected with early guidance or interceptive treatment, avoiding the need for braces altogether. However, if crowding is severe or the jaw is small, comprehensive orthodontics may eventually be needed. The Altoona Smiles team monitors the situation over time and provides an honest assessment of what to expect so parents can plan accordingly.
What is interceptive orthodontic treatment, and how is it different from braces?
Interceptive orthodontics refers to early treatment performed during mixed dentition (before all permanent teeth have erupted) to guide jaw growth and tooth eruption in a more favorable direction. Examples include simple appliances that create space, guide eruption, or correct early bite problems. Interceptive treatment is typically less extensive, faster, and less expensive than comprehensive braces placed after all permanent teeth are erupted. Many children who receive interceptive treatment need minimal or no comprehensive orthodontics later, the early intervention does the heavy lifting.
How much does early orthodontic assessment cost?
Orthodontic assessment is included as part of routine dental exams at Altoona Smiles and typically does not incur additional charges. If early guidance or interceptive treatment is recommended, those treatments have separate costs, but the team discusses options and costs before beginning treatment. Early intervention is often significantly less expensive than comprehensive braces needed later, making it a cost-effective approach.