We DO AWESOME Smiles
Healthy Smiles Start Early
Braces for Kids
in Mechanicsville, VA
At Dominion Orthodontics, we believe a great smile begins with early care. Our board-certified orthodontists specialize in early orthodontic treatment for children throughout Richmond, Glen Allen, Mechanicsville, Fredericksburg, and Northern Virginia. By identifying and correcting developing issues early, we can often minimize future treatment and give your child the healthiest start possible.
What Is Early Orthodontic Treatment?
Also known as Phase I treatment, early orthodontic care is typically recommended between the ages of 7 and 10—while a child still has some baby teeth but their permanent teeth are starting to come in.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children see an orthodontist by age 7. This doesn't always mean braces right away—but it helps us spot issues early and determine the best timing for treatment.
Signs Your Child Might Need Early Orthodontic Treatment
If your child has any of the following, they may benefit from an early orthodontic evaluation:
Early or late loss of baby teeth
Crowded or spaced teeth
Crossbite, overbite, or underbite
Mouth breathing
Thumb-sucking or pacifier use past age 4
Difficulty chewing or speaking clearly
Jaws that shift or make sounds
By evaluating these concerns early, we can often prevent more complex problems later in life.
What Does Phase I Treatment Involve?
Early treatment plans are personalized for each child. Some may simply need observation, while others benefit from short-term interventions. Treatment may include:
Expanders
Palatal expanders gently widen the upper jaw to create more space and improve bite alignment.
Limited Braces
Small sets of braces may be placed on select teeth to guide their positioning and prevent crowding.
Space Maintainers or Retainers
These devices help preserve space for incoming permanent teeth and support natural jaw development.
Habit Appliances
We offer gentle solutions to help curb thumb-sucking and other habits that affect dental growth.
Why Early Treatment Matters
Early orthodontic treatment can:
Guide jaw growth and improve facial symmetry
Prevent or reduce the need for tooth extractions later
Make future Phase II (teen) treatment shorter and easier
Correct bite and speech issues
Boost confidence early in life
Our goal is always to use the least amount of treatment for the greatest long-term benefit.
What to Expect at Your Child’s First Visit
During your child’s complimentary consultation, we will:
Take digital X-rays and 3D scans (no messy impressions!)
Evaluate growth patterns, bite function, and dental development
Explain any findings in easy-to-understand terms
Recommend next steps—whether that’s early treatment or continued observation
We treat your child like family, making every visit fun, educational, and stress-free.
Affordable Early Orthodontic Care for Kids
We believe every child deserves a healthy smile. That’s why we offer:
Free growth monitoring visits for children under 10
Low down payments and flexible payment plans
Acceptance of most major dental insurance
Discounts for families with multiple children in treatment
Choose Dominion Orthodontics for Early Care That Lasts a Lifetime
We’re more than just an orthodontic office—we’re your partner in lifelong oral health. Dominion Orthodontics proudly serves families in Mechanicsville and Glen Allen, VA with expert care, a warm environment, and a deep commitment to your child’s wellbeing.
Give your child the gift of confidence and a lifetime of healthy smiles. At Dominion Orthodontics, we specialize in creating personalized orthodontic care plans that not only straighten teeth but also promote better oral health and boost self-esteem. Set the foundation for your child’s bright future by scheduling their first consultation with us today, because every great smile starts here!
