Early Orthodontic Treatment for Children in Ridgeland, MS
As a parent, you want the best for your child's health — and that includes their smile. At Jolly Orthodontics, we follow the American Association of Orthodontists' recommendation that every child have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7.
Not every child needs early treatment, and we'll never recommend it unless it's truly needed. For children who aren't ready for treatment yet, we're happy to monitor their development at no charge — so you'll have peace of mind knowing we're keeping an eye on things until the time is right.
What Is Early Orthodontic Treatment?
Early treatment — sometimes called Phase 1 or interceptive orthodontics — takes place while a child still has a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth, typically between ages 7 and 10.
Why Age 7? What We are Watching For
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- Difficulty chewing or biting
- Mouth breathing or chronic snoring
- Thumb or finger sucking past the age of 5
- Visibly crowded, crooked, or protruding teeth
- A bite that seems off or uneven
What Can Early Treatment Correct?
- Guiding jaw growth to create room for permanent teeth
- Correcting crossbites
- Reducing trauma risk to protruding front teeth
- Creating space for crowded teeth
- Breaking harmful habits like thumb sucking
- Improving facial symmetry
Dr. Jolly uses a variety of age-appropriate appliances for early treatment including braces, expanders, and space maintainers — each selected specifically for your child's needs and developmental stage.
Our Approach With Young Patients
Dr. Jolly and our team are experienced at putting young patients at ease. Your child's first visit is a free, no-pressure consultation. Learn about braces for teens
Why Choose Jolly Orthodontics for Your Child?
- Kid-friendly team experienced at putting young patients at ease
- Free monitoring at no charge until treatment is truly needed
- Free consultations with a full exam — no referral needed
- Dr. Jolly has 17+ years of orthodontic experience serving Ridgeland, Madison, and Jackson
- Stylish and family-friendly office conveniently located at The Renaissance at Colony Park