Orthodontics for kids
Early treatment: the age-7 check
Seven sounds young for an orthodontist. Most kids that age still have a mouth full of baby teeth and a gap where a front tooth used to be. But it’s a great age for a first look, and often that’s all it is: a look.
The first check is free. Your child gets an exam, and you get a clear answer on whether anything needs doing now. There’s no obligation. Often the answer is “let’s keep an eye on it.”
Prefer to talk? Call Union City (510) 475-4153 or South SF (650) 952-1010.
Why does my child need to see an orthodontist at age 7?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic check at the first sign of a problem, or by age 7 at the latest. Around that age the first adult molars come in, and they set up the back bite. The front adult teeth are starting to arrive too.
That gives Dr. Salins a good view of how the jaws are growing, front to back and side to side. He can spot things like crowding, crossbites, overbites and open bites early, while there’s still growth to work with.
Does an age-7 check mean my child needs braces?
Often not. Plenty of kids who come in at 7 don’t need anything yet. Dr. Salins will tell you what he sees and when he’d like to check again. Then he’ll send you on your way. Think of it as a heads-up, not a sales pitch.
Phase I
What is early (Phase I) treatment?
Some problems are easier to fix while a child is still growing. Early treatment, often called Phase I, targets those specific problems. It’s usually shorter than full braces, and it doesn’t aim to make every tooth perfect. The goal is to guide growth and make room.
Early treatment can help:
- make room for crowded adult teeth coming in
- guide jaw growth to improve how the upper and lower jaws line up
- lower the risk of chipping front teeth that stick out
- hold space for adult teeth that haven’t come in yet
- reduce the chance that adult teeth need to be removed later
- shorten or simplify braces later on
Whether your child needs it is Dr. Salins’s call after the exam, and he’ll explain why either way.
What is a palate expander?
A palate expander is a small appliance attached to the upper back teeth. It gently widens a narrow upper jaw. The two halves of the upper jaw aren’t fully fused in growing kids, so a little steady pressure can widen it. Parents turn a tiny screw in the middle with a special key, on a schedule Dr. Salins sets.
It’s often used for crossbites or when there simply isn’t enough room for the adult teeth. Kids usually get used to it quickly. The first few days can feel strange, and there’s often a funny lisp for a bit.
What happens after early treatment?
Many kids who have Phase I will need a second round later, called Phase II. That’s usually braces or aligners once the adult teeth are in, often around the early teen years. Early treatment tends to make that second phase simpler. Braces and aligners for teens
What signs should I watch for in my child?
- Crowded, crooked or blocked-out teeth
- Losing baby teeth very early or very late
- Front teeth that stick out
- Top and bottom teeth that don’t meet, or bite in the wrong spot
- A jaw that shifts to one side when they close
- Mouth breathing or a thumb-sucking habit that’s hanging on
None of these means your child definitely needs treatment. They’re good reasons to book a check.
Is it worth coming in if nothing looks wrong?
Yes. Some problems, like the way the jaws are growing, are hard to see from the outside. That’s exactly why the check exists. And since it’s free, all it costs you is a little time.
Nervous kids welcome
Will my child actually like the orthodontist?
We hope so. Dr. Salins is a big kid at heart. He explains things in words a 7-year-old understands, he doesn’t rush, and nervous kids get time to warm up.
Does insurance cover early treatment?
It depends on your plan. We take every PPO plan with orthodontic coverage, and we’ll help you check what your child’s plan pays. Monthly payment plans are available for the rest. Insurance and payment plans
Two offices, same smiling doctor
Pick whichever is closer. Dr. Salins sees patients at both.
Union City
Serving Fremont, Newark and Hayward
32990 Alvarado-Niles Rd, Suite 950, Union City, CA 94587(510) 475-4153
South San Francisco
Serving Daly City, San Bruno and Millbrae
1405 Huntington Ave, Suite 300, South San Francisco, CA 94080(650) 952-1010Keep exploring
Other treatments
How do I book my child’s first check?
Book a free consult at either office. Your child gets an exam with a board-certified orthodontist, and you get a straight answer. There’s no obligation. The Union City office also serves Fremont.
Free consultation · Exam and treatment plan · No obligation
