What Is Growth Guidance?
Growth Guidance is our way of keeping an eye on your child’s smile as they grow. Around age 7, children usually have a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth, which gives an orthodontist an important look at how the teeth, bite, and jaws are developing. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an initial orthodontic evaluation around this age.
Most children will not need treatment right away. For many families, the first visit simply gives us a baseline so we can monitor growth and recommend treatment only if and when it becomes helpful.
Early Visits Can Make Future Care Simpler
Some orthodontic concerns are easier to address while a child is still growing. During a Growth Guidance visit, one of our orthodontists will look for issues involving jaw growth, emerging permanent teeth, crowding, spacing, and the way the upper and lower teeth fit together.
If everything is developing normally, that is good news. We can continue to watch your child’s smile over time and help you understand when, or if, orthodontic treatment may be needed.
Guidance From an Orthodontic Specialist
When it comes to a growing smile, timing matters. Dr. Johnson and Dr. Mandi are orthodontists with advanced training in tooth movement, smile development, and how the teeth come together when biting.
That does not mean starting treatment as early as possible. It means having an orthodontic specialist follow your child’s development so you can make decisions at the right time. We’ll explain what we see, answer your questions, and recommend the next step that makes sense for your child.
For some children, that next step is simply to keep monitoring growth. Others may benefit from early treatment, while some are best served by waiting until more permanent teeth have come in before starting braces or clear aligners. We’ll help you understand not just what comes next, but when it makes sense to take that step.
Learn About Our OfficeJohnson Orthodontics Reviews
It was really fast and easy and everyone was very nice — (Micah, 12). From a parent’s perspective, they are very professional, super great with my kids, everything is always prompt and they are extremely helpful when we have any questions. My daughter’s teeth are great after braces and my son is starting the process now. Highly recommend!!
It was a great experience
Amazing place I would completely recommend to everyone!
This place is amazing I've never so comfortable at a dental place. I was welcomed with kindness. Thank you!
All of the staff/employees are very generous. They all do there job exactly how they should; the front desk lady’s are always nice, the ortho dentists is alwayss nice and respectful, they make sure your concerns and questions are heard and answered, and if they notice you in any discomfort they ask if your okay. They all do an amazing job.
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Common Questions About Growth Guidance
What are you looking for during a Growth Guidance visit?
We look at how the jaws are growing, how permanent teeth are coming in, whether there is enough room for them, and how the upper and lower teeth fit together. This can help us spot developing issues before they become more difficult to manage.
Does an evaluation at age 7 mean my child will need braces?
No. Many children do not need orthodontic treatment at that age. An early visit simply lets us identify any concerns and decide whether treatment may be helpful now or whether we should continue to monitor growth.
Why not just wait until all the permanent teeth are in?
For many children, waiting is perfectly appropriate. But some concerns involving jaw growth or tooth eruption can be easier to manage while a child is still developing. An early evaluation helps us know the difference.
What happens if my child does not need treatment yet?
We can continue to monitor their growth and let you know when it makes sense to check in again. That way, you do not have to guess about when orthodontic treatment should begin.
