Early Orthodontic Care at
Alex Orthodontics

guiding growing smiles with expertise and heart

At Alex Orthodontics, early orthodontic care is about more than straight teeth. It is about supporting healthy growth, preventing future concerns, and giving parents clarity at every step. Dr. Ashleigh Alex uses her board-certified expertise and a gentle, personalized approach to help families understand how their child’s smile is developing and when treatment may or may not be needed.

From early evaluations at age seven to braces, Invisalign, expanders, and phased care, our goal is simple: make the journey feel informed, intentional, and reassuring for both parents and children.

when should my child see an orthodontist?

According to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), every child should have an initial orthodontic screening by age 7. This early visit helps ensure that growth and development are on track and that potential issues are identified before they become more complex to treat.

At age 7, most children have a mix of baby and permanent teeth including their first molars. This gives the orthodontist a clear view of how the teeth, jaws, and bite are developing together. Evaluating at this stage makes it possible to spot subtle problems such as excessive crowding, a narrow upper jaw, adult teeth that are at risk of getting stuck within in the bone, and jaw coordination concerns that may not be obvious to parents or general dentists.

An early evaluation does not always mean that treatment will begin right away. In many cases, Dr. Ashleigh Alex simply monitors your child’s growth and recommends the perfect time for any needed care. This approach helps avoid unnecessary treatment while making sure that intervention, if needed, happens at the ideal stage of development taking advantage of your child's growth.

Parents should consider scheduling an orthodontic exam if they notice any of these common signs:

Early or late loss of baby teeth
Difficulty biting or chewing
Mouth breathing, snoring, or speech issues
Thumb or finger-sucking habits
Tongue thrust habits
Crowded, overlapping, or protruding teeth
Crossbite, underbite, or overbite concerns

Early evaluation gives your child the best chance for a healthy, confident smile that grows in the right direction. At Alex Orthodontics, we make these first visits comfortable and educational, helping families understand what to expect and when to take the next step.

specialized care from an orthodontist

When it comes to guiding your child’s smile, training and experience make all the difference. While general dentists focus on overall oral health, orthodontists specialize in the movement and alignment of teeth and jaws. After completing dental school, orthodontists spend several additional years in advanced specialty training focused solely on diagnosing, preventing, and correcting bite and alignment issues.

The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) emphasizes that parents do not need a referral from their dentist to schedule an orthodontic evaluation. Orthodontists are the only dental professionals who are specifically trained to identify developmental concerns related to growth and alignment in children as young as 7.

An orthodontist’s expertise allows them to spot subtle issues that might go unnoticed in a general check-up, such as:

Crossbites or overbites that affect how the jaws fit together
Early crowding that can lead to alignment challenges later on
Narrow upper jaws that may impact airway health or breathing patterns
Habits like thumb-sucking that can influence jaw development

By choosing a board-certified orthodontist like Dr. Ashleigh Alex, families gain the reassurance that every recommendation is based on deep clinical knowledge and years of focused experience. Dr. Alex works directly with each child and parent, creating individualized care plans that are both precise and comfortable.

At Alex Orthodontics, we believe early guidance is about more than straight teeth. It’s about supporting ideal growth and building confidence for years to come.

braces or invisalign® for kids? what parents should know

Today’s parents have more options than ever when it comes to orthodontic care for their children. At Alex Orthodontics, Dr. Ashleigh Alex helps families understand the benefits of both traditional braces and clear aligner systems like Invisalign®, so every child can begin treatment that fits their lifestyle, age, and unique smile goals.

Braces for Children

Braces remain one of the most effective ways to correct complex orthodontic issues. They use small brackets and wires that apply gentle, steady pressure to guide teeth into the right position. Because braces stay fixed in place, they are always working, making them an excellent choice for younger children who may need extra help remembering to keep appliances in.

Benefits of Braces for Children:

Work continuously without relying on wear-time compliance
Ideal for complex bite or jaw alignment needs
Strong, durable, and effective for all tooth movements
Available in metal or ceramic options for a more aesthetic look

Invisalign® for Kids
For children and pre-teens who prefer a more discreet option, Invisalign® clear aligners offer advanced technology with everyday comfort. The trays are removable, making eating, brushing, and sports easier while still achieving excellent results when worn as directed.

Benefits of Invisalign® for Younger Patients:

Virtually invisible for confident smiles in photos and activities
Smooth, comfortable plastic with no brackets or wires
Easier oral hygiene and fewer food restrictions
Custom-fit aligners designed using digital scans for precision

Both options can successfully create healthy, beautiful smiles. The best choice depends on your child’s specific orthodontic needs, growth stage, and daily habits. During your consultation, Dr. Alex carefully evaluates which treatment will deliver the most predictable, efficient, and comfortable outcome for your child.

Whether your child chooses braces or Invisalign®, you can feel confident knowing their treatment plan will be guided by a board-certified specialist who understands how to balance aesthetics, function, and long-term health.

what to expect: phase i and phase ii treatment

Every child’s smile develops in unique stages. Early orthodontic care often happens in two parts, known as Phase I and Phase II treatment. At Alex Orthodontics, Dr. Ashleigh Alex uses this phased approach to guide healthy growth, address concerns early, and create a strong foundation for a confident smile that lasts.

Phase I: Early or Interceptive Treatment
Phase I typically begins when children still have a mix of baby and permanent teeth, usually between ages 7 and 10. The goal is to address developing bite, crowding, or jaw growth issues before they become more complex.

During Phase I, Dr. Alex may use braces, expanders, or other gentle appliances to:

Create space for incoming permanent teeth
Correct crossbites or overbites
Improve jaw alignment and facial balance
Guide growth for better long-term results

After Phase I, most children enter a resting period where their teeth and jaws continue to grow naturally while Dr. Alex monitors their development through routine check-ins.

Phase II: Comprehensive Treatment
Phase II begins once all or most permanent teeth have erupted, typically between ages 11 and 14. This stage focuses on aligning the teeth, refining the bite, and achieving the ideal aesthetic outcome. Treatment may include full braces or clear aligners such as Invisalign®.

The benefits of the two-phase approach include shorter treatment times later, reduced need for extractions or surgery, and more stable long-term results. Not every child requires both phases, but when early treatment is recommended, it can make a lifelong difference in comfort, confidence, and oral health.

Key Takeaways for Parents:

Phase I helps guide jaw and tooth development at the right time
Phase II perfects alignment and bite coordination once the permanent teeth are in place
Some children do not need Phase I treatment and only need monitoring until ready for Phase II treatment
Early assessment helps ensure potential issues are addressed in a timely manner ensuring the best long-term outcome

At Alex Orthodontics, Dr. Alex takes time to explain every step, so parents and children understand what to expect. Her approach combines advanced technology with compassionate care to make the process smooth and reassuring for families.

invisalign® kids: aligners built for growing smiles

Modern orthodontics has evolved to fit the lifestyle of today’s active kids. At Alex Orthodontics, Dr. Ashleigh Alex uses Invisalign® First clear aligner technology to help children straighten their teeth comfortably and confidently, without the look or feel of traditional braces.

Designed for Comfort and Confidence
Invisalign® First uses a series of clear, removable trays custom-made from your child’s digital scan. Each aligner gently moves the teeth toward their ideal position. Because the trays are smooth and wire-free, they are comfortable to wear and easy to remove for eating, brushing, and sports.

Perfect for Busy, Active Families
For children involved in sports, music, or other extracurricular activities, Invisalign® First offers freedom and flexibility. Aligners can be taken out for practices, games, or special events, then placed back in afterward. With fewer emergencies and office visits, this approach fits naturally into family schedules.

Technology That Keeps Treatment on Track
Each set of aligners is digitally designed using the same advanced scanning technology that powers our iTero® system. Dr. Alex monitors progress at every stage to ensure predictable, high-quality results. The aligners include a small blue compliance indicator that helps both parents and doctor track wear time, making it easier for kids to stay consistent.

Benefits of Invisalign® First:

Nearly invisible and comfortable for everyday wear
Removable for meals, brushing, and sports
Gentle, precise movements designed for growing mouths
Short, convenient check-ins with fewer emergencies
Digital progress tracking and outcome visualization

Not every child is the right candidate for clear aligners, but for many, Invisalign® First provides a comfortable, confidence-boosting alternative to braces. During your consultation, Dr. Alex will determine whether this treatment is appropriate for your child and explain how to achieve the best results together.

At Alex Orthodontics, Invisalign® First reflects our belief that orthodontic care should fit seamlessly into your child’s life allowing us to empower confident smiles at every age.

why early treatment matters and what to consider

Early orthodontic treatment can make a lifelong difference in how a child’s smile develops. At Alex Orthodontics, Dr. Ashleigh Alex follows the recommendations of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), which emphasizes that timely care can guide jaw growth, improve function, and simplify future treatment.

The Benefits of Early (Interceptive) Orthodontic Care
Early treatment, often referred to as Phase I or interceptive orthodontics, focuses on addressing problems while a child is still growing.

By working with the natural stages of development, Dr. Alex can:

Guide jaw growth to improve facial balance and function
Create space for permanent teeth to erupt properly
Reduce crowding or impaction of teeth
Correct harmful oral habits such as thumb or finger-sucking and tongue thrusts
Lower the likelihood of needing tooth extractions or surgery later
Build confidence and comfort with a smile that develops the right way

The AAO notes that orthodontic intervention during growth can prevent more serious problems later on and may shorten or simplify treatment in the teen years.

What Parents Should Know Before Starting Early Treatment
Not every child needs orthodontic care right away. In some cases, Dr. Alex may recommend a period of observation to allow for natural growth and to monitor changes over time. This approach helps ensure that any future treatment happens at the most effective and least invasive stage.

Parents should also understand that early treatment may involve two distinct phases, called Phase I and Phase II. Not all children will need both. When both phases are recommended, the goal is to make future care more efficient and to create better long-term results.

How to Make the Right Decision
Dr. Alex works closely with parents to explain every step and review all options. She believes that understanding why and when treatment is recommended is just as important as the treatment itself. Her goal is always to find the right balance between doing what is necessary and avoiding unnecessary intervention.

Key Takeaways:

Early treatment can guide healthy jaw and tooth development
Some children benefit from early care, while others only need monitoring
Every recommendation is made with your child’s comfort and long-term results in mind
The best outcomes happen when care is timed around natural growth and development

At Alex Orthodontics, early treatment is never about doing more. It is about doing what is right for each child at the right time.

your child’s first orthodontic appointment & what happens

During your child’s first orthodontic evaluation, Dr. Alex will:

Review medical and dental history to understand your child’s background and any specific concerns.
Perform a gentle clinical examination to look at how the teeth and jaws are growing and how the bite fits together.
Take digital images or X-rays if needed to gain a detailed picture of your child’s oral development.
Discuss findings clearly and explain whether treatment is recommended now or if your child should simply be monitored as they continue to grow.

Dr. Alex takes time to walk parents through every observation, ensuring that you understand what is happening and why. Many children do not need immediate treatment after this first visit. For those who do, Dr. Alex will outline all available options and the timing that best supports your child’s development.

A Comfortable, Positive Experience
At Alex Orthodontics, children are welcomed into an environment that feels calm, friendly, and supportive. Dr. Alex understands how to make young patients feel at ease, turning what might seem like a big appointment into a positive and empowering experience.

Parents appreciate the clarity that comes from an expert assessment and a customized care plan from a Board-Certified Orthodontist. Whether treatment begins now or later, you can trust that your child’s smile is in caring and experienced hands.

No Referral Needed
You do not need a referral from your dentist to schedule your child’s first orthodontic evaluation. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that every child be seen by age seven, even if their teeth look straight. Early evaluation ensures that any potential concerns are detected and monitored before they become more complex.

What Parents Love About Their First Visit:

Friendly, patient-centered care in a welcoming environment
Clear explanations and personalized guidance from Dr. Alex
State-of-the-art technology for comfort and accuracy
Flexible scheduling that fits family routines

A first orthodontic visit is not just about checking teeth. It is about building trust, understanding growth, and helping your child begin their smile journey with confidence.

answers to the questions parents ask most

Parents often have questions about when and how to begin orthodontic care for their child. Dr. Ashleigh Alex believes that informed families make the best decisions, so this section was created to help you understand what to expect and when to take the first step.

Why should my child see an orthodontist by age seven? The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that every child have their first orthodontic evaluation by age seven. At this age, children typically have a mix of baby and permanent teeth, which allows Dr. Alex to identify issues with growth, spacing, or jaw alignment early. Even if your child’s teeth appear straight, an early check helps ensure that development is on track.

Does an early evaluation mean my child will need treatment right away? Not always. Many children do not need immediate orthodontic care. Early evaluation gives Dr. Alex a baseline for monitoring your child’s growth so she can recommend treatment at the most effective time. This approach helps avoid unnecessary care and ensures the best long-term results.

What are the signs that my child might need early orthodontic attention? Parents should look out for signs such as: Early or late loss of baby teeth Difficulty biting or chewing Thumb or finger-sucking habits Tongue thrust habit Mouth breathing or speech challenges Crowded, spaced, or misaligned teeth Crossbite, underbite, or overbite concerns If you notice any of these signs, scheduling a consultation can help catch and correct issues early.

How do braces and Invisalign® differ for younger patients? Both options can help create healthy, aligned smiles. Braces are fixed and always working, which makes them ideal for younger children who may need help remembering to wear appliances. Invisalign® aligners are removable and nearly invisible, offering flexibility and comfort for older children or pre-teens who can reliably wear them as directed. Dr. Alex will evaluate your child’s needs, habits, and activity level to recommend the best option.

What happens if we wait until the teen years to start treatment? For many children, waiting is perfectly fine, especially if Dr. Alex is monitoring growth during regular observation visits. However, certain bite or jaw growth issues are easier to address while the child is still developing. An early evaluation ensures that treatment begins at the right time, rather than too early or too late.

Will early treatment make later treatment shorter or easier? In many cases, yes. Early treatment can correct foundational issues like jaw alignment or crowding, which often makes Phase II (comprehensive treatment in the teen years) shorter, simpler, and more predictable.

Is Invisalign® safe and effective for kids? Yes, when used under the care of a trained orthodontist. Invisalign® First aligners are specifically designed for growing patients and include features like compliance indicators and eruption tabs to accommodate new teeth. Dr. Alex carefully evaluates whether your child is a good candidate and monitors progress throughout the process.

At Alex Orthodontics, we know that every child’s smile is unique. Whether your child is ready for treatment now or simply needs monitoring, Dr. Alex provides clear, honest guidance to help you make the best decision for your family.

schedule your child’s complimentary orthodontic evaluation

Every confident smile begins with a thoughtful first step. At Alex Orthodontics, Dr. Ashleigh Alex invites parents to schedule a complimentary consultation to learn more about their child’s growth and smile development.

During your visit, Dr. Alex will take the time to understand your child’s unique needs, review their dental development, and explain whether early treatment, observation, or future planning is the best approach. Her goal is to make the process simple, comfortable, and reassuring from the very first appointment.

What to Expect at Your Complimentary Evaluation:

A warm welcome in a calm, family-friendly environment
A gentle clinical exam and digital records if needed
A clear explanation of findings and next steps
Time to ask questions and discuss treatment options
Personalized guidance from Dr. Alex on the best timing for care

You do not need a referral from your dentist to schedule an evaluation. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that all children have their first orthodontic screening by age seven, even if no issues are visible. Early evaluation helps ensure your child’s smile is growing in a healthy direction and gives you peace of mind about their development.

see the difference for your child

If your child is around age seven or if you have noticed crowding, bite concerns, or spacing issues, now is the perfect time to visit. Contact Alex Orthodontics in Huntington, NY, to schedule your complimentary orthodontic evaluation and see how early guidance can set your child up for a lifetime of confidence.

schedule your complimentary consultation

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631-210-5017

info@alexorthodonticsny.com