Orthodontics for
Children
Braces for Children Ages 7-11
If you're a parent, you’ve probably asked yourself more than once:
Will those gaps close on their own?
Are their jaws developing properly?
Should their baby teeth be falling out by now?
Will my child even need braces?
Every child's smile develops at its own pace, and early monitoring can make all the difference.
That's why the American Association of Orthodontists and Dr. Callaway recommend bringing your child in for their first orthodontic evaluation around age seven.
By this age, Dr. Callaway can assess how the teeth, bite, and jaws are developing and identify potential issues before they become more complex. Waiting too long may mean missing the optimal time to make small, proactive changes that support a healthier, more confident smile as your child grows.
Our Gentle Approach to Early Care
At Smiles by Callaway, Dr. Callaway takes a gentle, thoughtful approach to early orthodontic care. During your child's visit, he'll evaluate facial symmetry, growth patterns, and overall development to understand how their smile is progressing.
He'll also assess their current teeth, review X-rays if needed, and guide you through what to expect: when teeth should emerge, how alignment is progressing, and what steps may be beneficial as they continue growing.
Throughout this process, our team will provide your family with guidance on supporting healthy development and preventing issues before they become more complicated.
Most importantly, Dr. Callaway ensures every child feels comfortable and at ease during these early visits. Building trust and positive experiences early helps create a foundation for excellent care when treatment is eventually needed.
The Observation Phase
Sometimes, the best approach is careful observation rather than immediate treatment. That's why Dr. Callaway offers a monitoring phase, where we track your child's dental and facial development every six months.
This approach allows us time to observe how their teeth and jaws are growing and helps us determine when, or if, treatment should begin once all permanent teeth have erupted. Most children benefit from this approach, and this monitoring period enables us to plan ahead with clarity and confidence.
At Smiles by Callaway, we don't charge for these semi-annual monitoring visits. We believe in providing families with the time and insight they need, without pressure, so that when the time is right for treatment, you'll be fully informed and ready to move forward.
Phase 1 Treatment:
Early Intervention
Phase I treatment involves placing a few brackets on selected teeth to guide early development. This gentle, targeted approach helps create space for incoming permanent teeth, correct crossbites, address large gaps, and prevent issues that could affect the gums, bite, or long-term alignment.
Because Phase I treatment often precedes a more comprehensive round of braces during the teen years, we focus on keeping this phase straightforward, effective, and as comfortable as possible. Treatment is typically followed by a retainer to maintain results as your child continues growing.
Palatal Expanders:
Creating Space for Growth
Palatal expanders gently widen the upper jaw to create room for crowded teeth and improve how the back teeth fit together. This process is gradual and comfortable, and it's often an important step in making future orthodontic treatment more efficient and effective.
At your child's complimentary consultation, Dr. Callaway will explain if and when an expander might be beneficial, and walk you through exactly how the process works so you feel confident and well-informed throughout your child's care.
Contact Us
206 Brookmoore Drive, Columbus MS 39705
(662) 328-1521