Alexandria Early Orthodontics

Your child’s future smile starts here.

A smart head start for growing smiles

Growing smiles are a moving target. Alexandria early orthodontics is all about guiding your child’s teeth and jaw development at the right time, before small issues turn into bigger ones. With a Phase 1 plan (early guidance) and Phase 2 (finishing touches once adult teeth arrive), we can often make treatment simpler, smoother, and less invasive later on.



Personalized consult



Flexible payment plans



¡Sí, hablamos español!

What is early orthodontics?

It is a treatment designed for kids with developing teeth and jaws. The goal is not to have “perfect teeth overnight.” It’s smart guidance during growth. By addressing concerns like crowding, crossbites, and jaw misalignment early, we can help create space and reduce the chance of more complex treatment during phase 2.

Is this the right time for your child?

Early orthodontics may be a great fit if your child is between the ages of 7–10 and you’ve noticed:

Crowding or teeth erupting out of place
A crossbite or bite that looks uneven
Concerns about spacing for incoming adult teeth

Phase 1 + Phase 2 (the full plan)

Phase 1: Guide growth early

Phase 1 happens while your child is still growing. We focus on guiding jaw development and creating the space needed for adult teeth to arrive in a healthier position. This can help prevent bigger issues down the road and may reduce how complicated treatment needs to be during phase 2.

Phase 2: Finish the smile once adult teeth arrive

Phase 2 begins when most or all adult teeth are in. This is when we fine-tune alignment and bite for the final result. If Phase 1 was needed, Phase 2 is often more straightforward because the foundation is already in place.

Your child’s smile roadmap

We keep everything clear, organized, and low-stress.

Consultation with Dr. Lopez – Bring your questions. We’ll bring clear answers.
Smile scan + photos – Quick records to understand growth and spacing.
Your plan – Phase 1 now, Phase 2 later, or simple monitoring.
Start day – If treatment is needed, we explain home care and what to expect.
Check-ins – Short visits to track progress and guide growth.
Next phase planning – When adult teeth arrive, we map the best finishing plan.

Got questions? We’ve got answers!

When should my child have their first orthodontic visit?

Most kids should have an orthodontic check by age 7. That doesn’t mean they’ll need treatment right away. It simply lets us check growth, spacing, and bite development. If something is brewing, we can guide it early. If not, you’ll leave with peace of mind.

What problems can early orthodontics help prevent?

Alexandria early orthodontics can help with issues like crowding, crossbites, and jaw misalignment while your child is still growing. Addressing these concerns between ages 7 and 10 can create needed space and guide bite development. In many cases, early help reduces the need for more complex treatment.

What is Phase 1 treatment?

Phase 1 is early treatment for kids who still have a mix of baby and adult teeth. The goal is to guide jaw growth and create room for adult teeth. It can make later treatment simpler, and sometimes helps avoid more invasive procedures such as extractions of adult teeth. We’ll explain exactly what it would do for your child.

What is Phase 2 treatment?

Phase 2 happens once most or all adult teeth have erupted. This is when we focus on final alignment and bite details for the “finished” smile. If Phase 1 was needed, Phase 2 often goes more smoothly because we already created more space and guided growth early on.

How long does early orthodontic treatment take?

Timing depends on what we’re correcting and how your child is growing. Phase 1 treatment often lasts 12-15 months, followed by a resting period while adult teeth come in. If Phase 2 is needed, we’ll estimate that timeline too. You’ll get a clear plan at your consult.

How much does early orthodontics cost?

Cost depends on the type of treatment and whether your child needs Phase 1, Phase 2, or both. At your consultation, we’ll share a clear estimate, review insurance, and explain payment plan options. Our goal is to make the plan clear and manageable, not overwhelming.

Do we need a referral from our dentist?

Nope. You can book a consultation anytime. If your child’s dentist has notes or concerns, we’re happy to coordinate, but a referral isn’t required. We’ll evaluate your child’s smile, explain what we see, and recommend the next steps clearly.