Watching your child grow brings countless milestones, from their first steps to their first day of school. But along with more obnvious milestones come a few that are easier to overlook, like your little one’s dental development.
The way your child’s teeth and jaws grow during their early years plays a critical role in their long-term oral health, facial balance, and confidence. At Midtown Pediatric Dentistry, we believe that early orthodontic screenings are one of the most valuable investments you can make in your child’s smile and overall well-being.
Led by board-certified specialists Dr. Marc Nardea and Dr. Daniel Kim, our practice is dedicated to providing gentle, conservative care that supports healthy development while minimizing the need for complex or invasive treatments later in life. If your child is between the ages of 6 and 8, now is the ideal time to begin thinking about Phase 1 orthodontics and early orthodontic screening.
What Is Phase 1 Orthodontics and When Should It Start?
Phase 1 orthodontics, also known as interceptive orthodontics, is the first stage of orthodontic treatment that takes place while a child still has a combination of baby teeth and permanent teeth.
Most orthodontic professionals, including the American Association of Orthodontists, recommend that children receive their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. At this age, enough permanent teeth have erupted to identify potential issues, while the jaw is still flexible enough to respond well to early guidance.
Unlike traditional orthodontics that typically begin during the teenage years, Phase 1 focuses on guiding growth at a time when the jaw and facial structures are still developing. This proactive approach allows orthodontists to address problems early, often preventing them from becoming more severe or complicated in the future.
At Midtown Pediatric Dentistry, our orthodontic philosophy is conservative and minimally invasive. This means we do not believe every child needs early orthodontic treatment. Instead, we carefully evaluate each child and recommend Phase 1 orthodontics only when early intervention can truly make a meaningful difference in their growth and long-term oral health. We may suggest phase 1 intervention to resolve things like:
- Crowding or spacing issues
- Misaligned jaw growth
- Crossbites, underbites, or overbites
- Oral habits like thumb sucking or tongue thrusting that affect bite development
The Benefits of Early Orthodontic Screening
Timing is one of the most important factors in orthodontic care. Early orthodontic screenings allow our team to observe how your child’s teeth and jaws are developing and to identify potential problems before they fully form.
Even when immediate treatment is not necessary, early evaluations provide valuable baseline information that helps guide future care. Some of the key benefits of early orthodontic evaluation include:
- Identifying jaw growth discrepancies at an early stage
- Creating space for crowded or erupting permanent teeth
- Reducing the likelihood of impacted teeth
- Lowering the chance of needing tooth extractions in later phases
- Guiding permanent teeth into more favorable positions
- Improving overall oral function, bite alignment, and facial balance
- Enhancing aesthetics and boosting a child’s self-confidence as they grow
Early intervention can also help prevent functional issues such as difficulty chewing, speech challenges, or uneven wear on teeth. When problems are addressed early, treatment is often simpler, more comfortable, and more cost-effective over time.
With advanced technology and a compassionate, patient-first approach, Dr. Daniel Kim makes early orthodontic assessments straightforward and non-invasive. Our goal is to ensure that both parents and children feel informed, comfortable, and confident throughout the process.
What to Expect at Your Child’s First Orthodontic Visit
When you visit our Midtown Manhattan location, just steps from the Empire State Building, you will find a welcoming, family-friendly environment designed with children in mind. From the moment you walk through our doors, your child’s comfort and sense of ease are our top priorities.
During your child’s first orthodontic visit, Dr. Kim will perform a thorough yet gentle evaluation. Using modern digital imaging and diagnostic tools, we assess jaw growth, bite alignment, tooth spacing, and eruption patterns.
These tools allow us to gather detailed information while keeping radiation exposure minimal and the experience stress-free. Based on your child’s initial orthodontic evaluation, we may recommend one of the following approaches:
- A monitoring plan if no immediate treatment is needed, with periodic check-ins to track growth
- Early intervention appliances, such as palatal expanders or partial braces, to guide jaw and tooth development
- Habit correction strategies to address thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, or other behaviors that affect bite formation and jaw growth
Every care plan is customized to your child’s unique growth stage, comfort level, and specific needs. We take the time to explain our findings and recommendations in clear, parent-friendly language, so you always understand the “why” behind our approach.
Why Families Choose Midtown Pediatric Dentistry for Early Orthodontic Care
Families trust Midtown Pediatric Dentistry because of our integrated, team-based approach to care. Our pediatric dentist, Dr. Marc Nardea, works closely with orthodontist Dr. Daniel Kim to ensure seamless communication and continuity throughout your child’s dental journey.
Whether your child is coming in for a routine cleaning or beginning Phase 1 orthodontic treatment, they receive consistent, coordinated care from professionals who truly know them. Our state-of-the-art Midtown office is equipped with the latest diagnostic and treatment technology, allowing us to detect concerns early and plan with precision.
Plus, our convenient location in the heart of Manhattan makes it easy for busy families to schedule appointments around school and work commitments. Here’s what sets us apart:
- Dual-specialty care under one roof for seamless collaboration
- A conservative treatment philosophy focused on long-term oral health
- A warm, child-friendly environment designed to reduce anxiety
- Experienced, board-certified specialists dedicated to pediatric care
- An easily accessible Midtown Manhattan location
Schedule Your Child’s Early Orthodontic Screening in Manhattan
Orthodontic issues don’t just go away on their own. And in many cases, early insight and guidance can make a significant difference in how your child’s smile develops. By scheduling an early orthodontic screening, you give your child the advantage of proactive, thoughtful care that supports healthy growth from the start.
Contact Midtown Pediatric Dentistry at (646) 599-0167 to schedule a gentle, informative phase 1 orthodontic consultation with Dr. Daniel Kim. Our team is here to support your family every step of the way, offering expert care, clear guidance, and a welcoming environment from your child’s very first visit.
