Trusted Early Orthodontic Treatment in Central Maryland
At Labbe Family Orthodontics, we know that healthy smiles start early. Since 1977, our team has provided families around Central Maryland with personalized care and guidance to set children up for a lifetime of confident smiles.
According to the American Association of Orthodontists, age 7 is the ideal time for an initial visit with an orthodontist. As a trusted community provider, our early orthodontic treatment services are designed to catch potential issues before they become bigger problems. Whether you’ve been told your child may need orthodontic care or you simply want to learn more about your options, we provide helpful and honest guidance during your complimentary consultation.
With four convenient locations in Annapolis, Bowie, Crofton, and Greenbelt, we make it easy for busy families to fit orthodontic care into their lives, all while enjoying a warm, friendly atmosphere.
What Is Early Orthodontic Treatment?
Early orthodontic treatment, often called Phase 1 orthodontics, begins while children still have some of their baby teeth. Around age 7, we’re able to spot and gently correct concerns like crowding or bite issues before they become more complicated. This early approach isn’t needed for every child, but when it is, it can make future treatment simpler, quicker, and more comfortable.
What Are the Benefits of Early Treatment?
Early orthodontic appointments give us the chance to guide kids’ smiles in the right direction. Not only does early care help children enjoy healthier, more comfortable smiles now, but it also sets them up for smoother, more effective treatment and lasting results as they grow.
Addressing jaw growth while children are still developing allows us to guide how their teeth fit together, making it easier to achieve a natural, confident smile that lasts.
When we guide tooth and jaw development early, it encourages permanent teeth to come in naturally, which can mean fewer complications and less invasive treatment down the road.
Front teeth that stick out are more at risk for injury, but with early treatment, we can gently guide them into a safer, healthier position.
When a child’s bite isn’t aligned properly, it can sometimes impact speech or swallowing. Addressing these concerns early can improve both comfort and everyday function.
Taking care of orthodontic issues while children are still growing can pave the way for smoother, more efficient treatment down the road.
When kids feel proud of their smiles from a young age, it can boost their confidence in school, activities, and friendships.
Types of Early Treatments We Provide
Every child’s smile is unique, which is why early orthodontic care is varied. At Labbe Family Orthodontics, we use gentle, age-appropriate treatments to guide jaw growth, create space for incoming teeth, and correct developing bite issues. From expanders to kid-friendly braces, our team designs treatment plans that meet each child’s specific needs while keeping the experience comfortable and family-friendly.
Rapid Palatal Expanders (RPEs)
A Rapid Palatal Expander, or RPE, is an orthodontic appliance used to widen the upper jaw as children grow. This creates the space needed for permanent teeth to come in properly and helps correct crossbites. It’s a simple, effective treatment that supports healthier, more balanced smile development.
MARA Appliance
The MARA appliance is designed to gently guide the lower jaw forward, helping correct bite imbalances in children. By encouraging proper jaw alignment early, we can improve function, support balanced facial development, and reduce the need for more complex treatments later in life.
Braces for Kids
Braces for kids are often used during early treatment to gently guide developing teeth into better positions. Both metal and ceramic braces can correct crowding, spacing, and alignment concerns while a child is still growing. This early approach helps create room for permanent teeth and sets the stage for a confident smile.
Invisalign® for Kids
Invisalign for kids uses clear, removable aligners to gently guide teeth into place. Designed with comfort and convenience in mind, Invisalign makes it easier for kids to eat, brush, and smile confidently. This early option can help prevent bigger issues and support healthy, lasting results.
Your First Visit: A Warm Welcome to Labbe Family Orthodontics
Your child’s first orthodontic consultation at Labbe Family Orthodontics is all about comfort, clarity, and care. We want parents and kids alike to feel at ease from the moment they walk through our doors.
Here’s what you can look forward to:
- A Warm Welcome: Our friendly team will greet you, introduce your family to our office, and make sure your child feels right at home.
- Digital Photos & X-Rays: We’ll take quick, comfortable images of your child’s smile and bite to help us see how teeth and jaws are developing.
- Personalized Evaluation: One of our experienced orthodontists will review the findings, explain any concerns, and outline whether early treatment is needed now, later, or at all.
- Time for Questions: We’ll answer every question you have so you leave feeling informed and confident about your child’s orthodontic future.
At the end of your visit, you’ll have a clear picture of your child’s needs and a trusted partner to guide you through every step of their smile journey.
Ready to Learn More? Schedule Your Complimentary Consultation
At Labbe Family Orthodontics, we know how important your child’s smile is to their health, happiness, and confidence. Early orthodontic care gives families peace of mind, ensuring that small concerns are addressed before they become bigger challenges.
Our offices are in Annapolis, Bowie, Crofton, and Greenbelt, and our team gives families across Central Maryland access to expert orthodontic care in a fun, welcoming environment. Schedule your child’s consultation with our team today!