What Is Early Orthodontics?
Early orthodontics, sometimes called interceptive orthodontics, focuses on identifying and managing certain bite, jaw, spacing, and tooth eruption concerns while a child is still growing. The goal is not always to start braces right away. In many cases, the first step is simply a screening to understand what is developing and whether your child needs care now or later.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic screening by age seven. At Elite Orthodontics, our team welcomes children starting at age 6, especially if parents or a family dentist notice concerns with tooth alignment, jaw growth, crowding, or bite development.
Early care may help create more room for permanent teeth, guide jaw growth, preserve space for teeth that have not erupted yet, and reduce the chance of more complex treatment later.
How Does Early Orthodontics Work?
Early orthodontics begins with an evaluation of your child’s teeth, bite, jaw growth, facial development, and dental eruption patterns. Dr. Davis looks at how the baby teeth and permanent teeth are developing, whether the jaws are growing in balance, and whether crowding or bite problems may affect future treatment.
Some children do not need treatment right away. They may simply need periodic monitoring until more adult teeth come in. Other children may benefit from early treatment if there is a narrow upper jaw, severe crowding, crossbite, harmful oral habits, spacing concerns, or bite problems that could become harder to correct later.
When treatment is recommended, it may involve appliances, braces, space maintainers, expanders, or another orthodontic plan designed around your child’s growth and needs. For children who need care in stages, parents can also learn more about two-phase orthodontic treatment and how early guidance can support later smile development.
What Are the Benefits of Early Orthodontics?
Early orthodontic care can help address certain problems before all permanent teeth have erupted. Because the jaw is still growing, this can sometimes make treatment more efficient and reduce the need for more involved care in the future.
Benefits of early orthodontics may include:
- Creating space for crowded erupting teeth
- Preserving space for permanent teeth
- Supporting healthier jaw development
- Helping correct crossbites or bite imbalance
- Reducing the chance of tooth extractions in some cases
- Improving smile appearance and confidence
- Making later orthodontic treatment shorter or simpler in some cases
Not every child needs early treatment. The value of a screening is knowing whether your child would benefit from care now, later, or not at all.
Why Choose Elite Orthodontics for Early Orthodontics?
Elite Orthodontics is a doctor-owned orthodontic practice, which means your child’s care is guided by the same doctor from the first visit through treatment. Parents appreciate that continuity because early orthodontics depends on careful timing, growth observation, and personalized decision-making.
Dr. Nathan Davis has been practicing orthodontics exclusively in the Valley since completing his orthodontic residency in 2001. His approach combines clinical experience, family-centered communication, and a clear understanding of how growing smiles change over time.
Our Buckeye office is relaxed, friendly, and designed to help children feel comfortable. From iPads to our slushy machine, we want orthodontic visits to feel less intimidating and more welcoming for kids and parents.
Your Early Orthodontic Treatment Process
Your child’s early orthodontic process starts with a consultation at Elite Orthodontics. During this visit, Dr. Davis examines the teeth, bite, jaw relationship, and growth patterns. We also listen to your concerns and answer questions about what you may have noticed at home or what your child’s dentist may have mentioned.
If no treatment is needed, we may recommend monitoring your child’s growth and development over time. This allows us to watch permanent teeth come in and step in only if care becomes necessary.
If treatment is recommended, we explain what the issue is, why timing matters, and what the plan may involve. Treatment may focus on creating space, guiding jaw growth, improving bite fit, or supporting better eruption of adult teeth. After active treatment, your child may still need later orthodontic care once more permanent teeth arrive.
If braces become part of your child’s plan, our team will also guide you through living with braces, including eating tips, brushing habits, and how to keep treatment on track.
How Much Does Early Orthodontics Cost?
The cost of early orthodontics in Buckeye AZ depends on whether your child needs monitoring only, limited early treatment, an appliance, braces, or a more complete plan. Every child’s growth pattern and orthodontic needs are different, so pricing should be based on an actual evaluation.
Elite Orthodontics offers complimentary initial consultations, valued at $299, so parents can get clear answers before committing to treatment. Our team also offers in-house financing and accepts most insurance plans. We can help you understand benefits, payment options, and treatment fees before care begins.
The best way to know what your child needs is to schedule an early orthodontic screening with Dr. Davis.
Meet Dr. Nathan Davis
Orthodontic Care Rooted in Experience and Local TrustDr. Nathan Davis, DDS, leads Elite Orthodontics in Buckeye, AZ. Orthodontics runs deep in his family story. His father was also an orthodontist in the Valley, and Dr. Davis has continued that tradition of creating healthy, confident smiles for local families.
Dr. Davis attended Arizona State University and Brigham Young University before earning his dental degree from the University of the Pacific in 1998. He then completed his orthodontic residency at Tufts University in Boston in 2001 and has practiced orthodontics exclusively since returning to the Valley.
For parents considering early orthodontic care, Dr. Davis brings the experience needed to identify when treatment is helpful, when waiting is better, and how to guide a growing smile with care and confidence.
About Dr DavisWhat Patients Say About Elite Orthodontics
Getting to Elite Orthodontics in Buckeye
Elite Orthodontics is located in Buckeye, AZ, making our office a convenient choice for families who want early orthodontic screenings and treatment nearby.
Address:Elite Orthodontics
944 S. Watson Rd., Suite 106
Buckeye, AZ 85326
Monday–Thursday: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM–3:00 PM
Our Buckeye office serves local families as well as patients from surrounding areas, including Litchfield Park, Surprise, Goodyear, and nearby West Valley communities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Early Orthodontics in Buckeye, AZ
What age should my child see an orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic screening by age seven. Elite Orthodontics welcomes children starting at age 6, especially if parents or a dentist notice early concerns.
Does every child need early orthodontic treatment?
No. Many children only need monitoring. Early treatment is recommended when timing can help guide growth, create space, improve bite development, or make future treatment easier.
What problems can early orthodontics help with?
Early orthodontics may help with crowding, crossbites, spacing problems, narrow arches, jaw growth concerns, harmful oral habits, and teeth that are not erupting properly.
Will my child still need braces later?
Some children may still need braces or aligners later when more permanent teeth come in. Early treatment can sometimes make future treatment shorter, simpler, or more predictable.
What should I do if my child has an orthodontic emergency?
If your child has a loose bracket, poking wire, broken appliance, or unexpected discomfort during treatment, contact Elite Orthodontics for guidance. You can also review our page on orthodontic emergencies to understand what may need prompt attention and what can often be managed until your next visit.
How much does an early orthodontic consultation cost?
Elite Orthodontics offers complimentary initial consultations valued at $299. During the visit, Dr. Davis can evaluate your child’s smile and explain whether treatment is needed.
How do I schedule early orthodontics in Buckeye AZ?
You can call Elite Orthodontics at (623) 439-5522 to schedule your child’s complimentary initial consultation at our Buckeye office.
Start Early Orthodontics in Buckeye
If you are concerned about your child’s teeth, bite, spacing, or jaw growth, an early screening can give you peace of mind. Dr. Davis and our team can explain what is developing, whether treatment is needed, and what timing makes the most sense.
For families looking for early orthodontics in Buckeye AZ, Elite Orthodontics is ready to help your child start with clear answers and comfortable care.