Orthodontic Evaluation & Treatment

Guiding every growing smile at Kids Dental Corner — Burbank, CA

Early orthodontic evaluations play a key role in ensuring that your child’s teeth and jaws develop properly. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, children should receive their first orthodontic assessment by age seven. Even though this may seem young, many crucial developmental changes occur around this time—making early detection of any issues far more manageable than treating them later.

When Should a Child Be Seen? The Age 7 Guideline

The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) advises that every child have an orthodontic evaluation no later than age 7. By that age, a child usually has a mix of baby and adult teeth, and the first permanent molars have come in — giving us enough of a picture of the growing bite to notice crowding, crossbites, or jaw-growth imbalances long before they become harder to correct. An early look does not mean early braces: most children who are seen at this stage simply need periodic monitoring, and only a smaller number benefit from early, or “interceptive,” treatment.

Of course, some signs call for an evaluation sooner than age 7, and older kids and teens benefit from a look as well:

Early or very late loss of baby teeth

Difficulty chewing, biting, or noticeably crowded or spaced teeth

Jaws that shift, click, or seem out of proportion to the face

Thumb-sucking, mouth breathing, or a tongue thrust that continues past the toddler years

Teeth that don't meet correctly when the mouth is closed (an overbite, underbite, or crossbite)

Why the Evaluation Itself Is So Important

Catch Small Problems Early

Narrow arches, crowding, and bite irregularities are far easier to guide while a child is still growing than to correct once growth has finished.

Guide Healthy Growth

Appliances used during the growing years can shape how the jaw develops, sometimes preventing the need for more involved treatment later.

Protect Confidence

A smile a child feels good about supports self-esteem through the school years and beyond.

Simplify Future Care

Addressing issues at the right developmental moment often means a shorter, more comfortable path if braces are needed down the road.

Types of Orthodontic Treatment Families Ask About

Every smile is different, and the right approach depends on your child’s age, growth stage, and specific needs. Here is a look at the options most commonly discussed during a pediatric orthodontic evaluation:

Traditional Metal Braces

Brackets and wires that gradually and predictably move teeth into place. A reliable, time-tested option, especially for more complex bite corrections.

Clear Aligners

A series of custom, removable clear trays that shift teeth in gradual stages. Popular with teens who want a more discreet, removable option for eating and brushing.

Space Maintainers

Small appliances that hold open the space left by an early lost baby tooth so nearby teeth don't drift before the permanent tooth is ready to erupt.

Ceramic (Tooth-Colored) Braces

Work the same way as metal braces but use tooth-colored brackets that blend in more, which many older kids and teens prefer.

Palatal Expanders

A fixed appliance that gently widens a narrow upper jaw over time, creating room for crowded teeth and helping the upper and lower arches fit together properly.

Habit-Correcting Appliances

Gentle devices that help children move past thumb-sucking or tongue-thrust habits that can otherwise affect how the teeth and palate develop.

Retainers

Complete nearly every course of treatment, holding teeth in their new, corrected position once active treatment ends. Many children also move through treatment in two stages — an early, “Phase 1” step that guides jaw growth, followed by a second phase once all the permanent teeth have come in to fine-tune the bite.

What Happens During an Evaluation

Our team takes a close, comfortable look at your child’s teeth, bite, and jaw structure, using visual exams and digital imaging as needed to see the full picture. Most children fall into a “watch and grow” group and simply return for periodic check-ins as they develop — and if we do spot something worth addressing, we walk you through exactly what it is, why it matters, and the best timing to act on it, in plain, parent-friendly language.

1. Visual exam — a close look at the bite and jaw

2. Digital images — X-rays or scans as needed

3. Growth review — tracking development over time

4. Discussion — answering all of your questions

5. Personal plan — the right timing for any care needed

Why Burbank Families Choose Kids Dental Corner

Kids Dental Corner was built around one goal: making every visit — from a first cleaning to an orthodontic evaluation — a positive experience for children and a reassuring one for parents. Led by Dr. Shabnam Toopchi, our team holds itself to a high standard of clinical quality, staying current with continuing education and modern technology so that every recommendation we make, including when and how to approach orthodontic care, is grounded in careful, up-to-date evaluation rather than guesswork.

Families throughout Burbank consistently tell us how at ease their kids feel here, from our playful, welcoming office to the way our team explains every step before it happens. That reputation for gentle, high-quality care is something we work to earn at every single appointment — and it’s the same care and attention we bring to tracking your child’s growing smile and guiding your family toward the right orthodontic decisions at the right time.

Pediatric-focused care in a comfortable, kid-friendly office
Clear, honest communication so parents always know the plan and why
Digital imaging and modern technology used to track growth accurately
A team that genuinely enjoys working with children of every age
Coordinated care that connects preventive dentistry with timely orthodontic guidance

Ready to Schedule Your Child's Orthodontic Evaluation?

If your child is approaching age 7, or you’ve noticed crowding, an uneven bite, or a lingering habit like thumb-sucking, don’t wait to have it looked at. Our team will provide a thorough, unhurried evaluation and walk you through the best next step for your child’s smile.