Starting jaw treatment early can set your child up for success — not just for a great smile, but for better health and comfort overall. At Orthodontic Alliances, we understand how growing jaws affect everything from chewing to speaking to breathing.

By guiding development at the right time, we can make a lasting difference.

Many parents don’t realize how early jaw growth shapes their child’s future smile. As children grow, their upper and lower jaws may not always develop at the same pace. This can lead to problems like crowding, crossbites, underbites, or breathing issues.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first checkup around age 7. At this stage, your child will have a mix of baby and adult teeth, and their jaw bones are still flexible enough to guide with gentle treatments.

Our team carefully examines your child’s mouth and uses digital imaging to check how the jaws are forming. If needed, we may suggest special devices that help adjust jaw growth while your child is still developing. These tools are designed to be comfortable, safe, and easy to use.

Some of the dentofacial orthopedic options we offer include:

• Growth Support Tools – Guide jaw development to keep the bite balanced and prevent future misalignment.
• Upper Jaw Expanders – Make more room for incoming teeth and improve airflow by gently widening the upper jaw.
• Lower Jaw Helpers – Support proper growth of the lower jaw to improve how the teeth and jaws fit together.

Early care can reduce the need for surgery or more complicated treatments later. It can also improve speech, sleep, and confidence. Most importantly, it helps your child feel better day to day. When the jaws work well together, your child can eat, talk, and breathe more easily — with a smile that grows right along with them.

To get started, call 219-440-6512 or contact us online to schedule your child’s consultation at Orthodontic Alliances today. Let’s give them a strong, healthy smile that lasts.