Smile Transformations: Before and After
Early Orthodontic Treatment in Anaheim Hills
Matilda’s Smile Transformation
At My Orange County Orthodontist, Matilda came to us with a developing tongue thrust habit, open bite, and crossbite — conditions that can affect facial development, speech, chewing function, and long-term bite stability.
Through carefully planned Phase I orthodontic treatment, we helped guide her jaw development, improve her bite relationship, and create proper space for healthy permanent teeth eruption. More importantly, we helped restore the confidence that every child deserves when smiling.
Phase I orthodontic treatment usually takes place between ages 7 and 10. The goal is to guide jaw growth, create space for permanent teeth, and correct developing bite problems before they become more severe. Treatment during this phase may include specialized orthodontic appliances designed to improve jaw alignment and dental development.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends children receive their first orthodontic evaluation around age 7. At this stage, children have a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth, allowing orthodontists to identify growth and bite problems early.
Early evaluation does not always mean early treatment is needed. In many cases, children simply need growth monitoring until the ideal time. Our philosophy is simple: honest recommendations and treatment only when it truly benefits your child.
Schedule Free Orthodontic Consultation
Orthodontic Appliances for Growing Children
Guiding Growth Early Creates Better Long-Term Results
Orthodontic appliance therapy is often used during early orthodontic treatment to guide jaw growth, create space for developing teeth, and correct bite problems before they become more severe.
Appliances such as Rapid Palatal Expanders (RPE), biteplates, lingual holding arches, facemasks, and tongue-thrust appliances help improve jaw development and prepare the teeth for future orthodontic treatment. These appliances allow orthodontists to correct problems early while a child’s jaw is still growing.
Correcting Overbites During Growth
Growth Modification for Developing Overbites
Some children develop a significant overbite because the lower jaw develops behind the upper jaw. When diagnosed early, growth modification appliances can help guide jaw development and improve facial balance while a child is still growing.
One of the most effective appliances for correcting a Class II bite and excessive overjet is the Herbst Appliance .
The Herbst appliance works 24 hours a day to encourage forward growth of the lower jaw and can significantly improve bite relationships in growing children.
Learn more about our Herbst Appliance treatment in Anaheim Hills and how it may help children with overbites, protruding front teeth, and developing jaw discrepancies.
Tongue Thrust & Habit Correction
Healthy Tongue Posture Shapes Healthy Growth
Phase I orthodontic treatment focuses on guiding jaw growth and correcting habits that can affect healthy dental development in children.
Early treatment, typically between ages 6 to 10, can address issues such as crowding, crossbites, open bites, and inadequate space for permanent teeth to erupt properly.
Some bite problems are related to tongue posture and swallowing patterns. A tongue thrust occurs when the tongue pushes against the teeth or rests too low in the mouth, often leading to open bites, flared front teeth, and orthodontic relapse later in life.
At My Orange County Orthodontist, our orthodontic team helps children improve tongue posture, eliminate harmful oral habits, and guide healthy jaw development for more stable, long-term orthodontic results.
Ready for a Confident Smile?
Schedule a consultation with our orthodontist in Anaheim Hills to learn whether braces or Invisalign is right for your smile.
Whether you're exploring clear aligners, traditional braces, or need retainer adjustments, Dr. Nasibi provides expert, customized treatment in a calm, private, doctor-led environment.
📞 Call (657) 613-1191