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The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic check by age 7. Most kids won't need treatment that early - but a check-up lets a Stellar orthodontist spot crowding, bite shifts, and growth concerns while early intervention is still simple. The Stellar evaluation is free regardless of whether your child needs treatment now or later.
Early orthodontic visits help families understand what to watch, whether Phase 1 treatment is needed now, and whether a simpler future treatment is possible with well-timed intervention. Most early evaluations result in "see you in 6 to 12 months" rather than "let's start treatment" - and that's a good outcome.
Treatment recommendations depend less on a child's birthday and more on which permanent teeth have come in. The age ranges below are the typical patterns we see at Stellar.
The AAO-recommended first check. Most kids at this age have a mix of baby teeth and the first permanent molars and front teeth. Active treatment is rare; the goal is to spot any structural issues early. Typical outcome: "see you in a year." If a real Phase 1 trigger is present (severe crossbite, severe overbite, impacted tooth), we discuss whether and when to begin.
The most common Phase 1 treatment window. If a child needs an expander, a partial braces case, a space maintainer, or growth guidance, this is when those happen. Phase 1 cases typically run 6 to 12 months of active treatment, followed by a monitoring period until Phase 2.
Most permanent teeth have erupted. This is the most common braces age. Many kids who never needed Phase 1 begin here. Phase 2 typically uses traditional metal braces, clear ceramic braces, or Invisalign Teen and runs 18 to 24 months. See our teen orthodontics guide for the full breakdown.
Most kids never need Phase 1 treatment - they go straight to Phase 2 (comprehensive braces or Invisalign Teen) as teens. But for the kids who do benefit from Phase 1, the early intervention often makes Phase 2 simpler or shorter later.
Specific, targeted treatment for a specific problem. Uses appliances like expanders, partial braces, or space maintainers. Typical duration 6 to 12 months active.
Between Phase 1 and Phase 2. The child is monitored at no-charge check-ins while permanent teeth finish erupting. No active treatment.
Full braces or Invisalign Teen to align all teeth and finalize the bite. Typical duration 18 to 24 months.
Not every Phase 1 patient needs Phase 2. Not every Phase 2 patient had Phase 1. The free consultation is where we map out which phases your child needs.
None of these guarantee treatment is needed - but they're reasons to schedule a free evaluation:
The biggest worry parents bring to the first visit isn't usually cost or timing - it's "will my kid hate this?" Most kids surprise their parents. Modern brackets are about half the size of the brackets from twenty years ago, wires apply gentler forces, and visits are shorter.
Children under 21 enrolled in Highmark Health Options, AmeriHealth Caritas Delaware, Delaware First Health, or CHIP may qualify for fully covered orthodontic treatment under the EPSDT benefit. Stellar handles the pre-authorization paperwork.
The AAO recommends a first check by age 7. Most kids won't need treatment that early, but a check-up lets a Stellar orthodontist spot crowding, bite shifts, or growth concerns while early intervention is still simple. The evaluation is free.
Phase 1 is interceptive orthodontic care for kids while baby and permanent teeth are still mixed (typically ages 7 to 11). It uses targeted appliances (expanders, partial braces, space maintainers) to correct specific problems early. Phase 2 (full braces) often follows years later when needed.
Probably not. Most kids who get a first evaluation around age 7 are placed on monitoring rather than active treatment. When Phase 1 is genuinely needed, it's usually for a specific reason that benefits from being addressed early.
Visible crowding as permanent teeth come in, baby teeth slow to fall out, thumb sucking past age 5, mouth breathing, jaw shifting sideways when biting, difficulty chewing, or facial asymmetry. None of these guarantee treatment is needed, but they're reasons to schedule an evaluation.
Typically $1,500 to $3,500 in Delaware. The free evaluation is free regardless. Stellar accepts most major dental insurance and Delaware Medicaid for kids who qualify under medically necessary criteria.
Yes for medically necessary cases. Kids under 21 enrolled in DSHP or CHIP may qualify when HLD Index criteria or an auto-qualifying condition is met. See our Medicaid braces for kids page for the full breakdown.
Phase 1 is early interceptive treatment between ages 7 and 11 for specific bite or growth issues. Phase 2 is comprehensive treatment (typically full braces or Invisalign Teen) once all permanent teeth are in place, usually ages 11 to 14. Most kids only need Phase 2.
Most kids surprise their parents. Modern braces are dramatically smaller and gentler than they were a generation ago. Color elastic swaps at each visit are usually the favorite part. Our team is trained to make children comfortable from the first appointment.