For many parents, the age of seven feels early to start thinking about orthodontic treatment. But did you know that this is actually the perfect time to evaluate your child’s jaw development? At Little Smiles of Eastvale, Dr. Mitesh Zala and his caring team believe in giving young smiles the best start possible.
A dental checkup at this key age allows us to catch early signs of orthodontic issues and guide the development of your child’s teeth and jaw in a gentle, proactive way. With a fun, comforting environment and pediatric expertise, we make this important milestone a happy and stress-free experience for every child who walks through our doors.
Phase 1 orthodontics, also known as early interceptive treatment, is a method of addressing orthodontic concerns before they become more complex. Starting around age seven, your child’s mouth is at a stage where both baby teeth and permanent teeth are present. This is called “mixed dentition” by dentists.
This mix of primary and permanent teeth allows pediatric dentists like Dr. Zala to detect developing problems early. And in many cases, intervene before they require more extensive treatment later. Here’s what early orthodontic evaluation can help identify:
Treatment isn’t always necessary at this age, but knowing what’s happening under the surface empowers families with options. And when early treatment is recommended, it’s typically shorter and more comfortable than waiting until the teen years.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends children receive their first orthodontic screening by age seven, and for good reason. By that time, enough permanent teeth have typically erupted to allow an experienced pediatric dentist to assess alignment, bite relationship, and jaw development accurately.
This is the window where we can spot red flags you may not see at home, before they become more complicated or harder to correct. Some key advantages of this timing include:
At Little Smiles of Eastvale, we combine our warm, child-centered approach with the latest in diagnostic technology to gently and accurately evaluate your child’s orthodontic needs.
We understand that dental visits can feel intimidating for young kids, especially when orthodontic discussions begin. That’s why Dr. Zala and our compassionate team make every effort to ensure that your child feels safe, supported, and even excited about their dental journey.
Our Eastvale office is designed with kids in mind-from fun play areas to cheerful décor and thoughtful touches that keep little ones smiling throughout. Here’s what makes our care unique:
Our team has over 18 years of pediatric-specific experience, including working with children who have special health care needs. Whether it’s your child’s first dental visit or their first orthodontic evaluation, we’re here to make it a comforting and confidence-building experience.
Not every child will need early orthodontic intervention, but if Dr. Zala identifies signs that treatment could benefit your child at this stage, he will walk you through every step with clarity and care.
Treatment plans are never one-size-fits-all. Instead, they’re thoughtfully customized based on your child’s growth pattern, comfort level, and family preferences. Some examples of early treatment solutions may include:
Our goal is to reduce the need for more intensive orthodontic work later by harnessing the natural growth process now. You’ll never feel rushed or pressured, just supported in making the best decision for your child’s future smile.
If your little one is approaching their seventh birthday, now is the perfect time to schedule a pediatric dental visit at Little Smiles of Eastvale. Dr. Mitesh Zala and his team are here to make this milestone a joyful, reassuring part of your child’s dental health journey. To learn more or set up an appointment, call us at (951) 456-4646. We can't wait to welcome your family into our caring, kid-friendly home in Eastvale.
