Kids Orthodontics in Smyrna, TN — Early Evaluations That Set Your Child Up for Success

The right time to have your child’s teeth evaluated is earlier than most parents expect. At RuCo Orthodontics, Dr. Gala and Dr. Baston help families understand what’s developing, what to watch, and when — or whether — treatment actually makes sense.

Most Parents Wonder If Their Child Needs Braces — But Aren't Sure When to Find Out

It’s one of the most common questions we hear from parents: “Is it too early to bring my child in?” The short answer is that it’s rarely too early, and waiting too long can sometimes make treatment more complicated than it needed to be.

The challenge is that developing orthodontic issues aren’t always visible to parents. Crowding, bite problems, and jaw development concerns often show up clearly on an orthodontic evaluation well before they’re obvious in everyday conversation or a school photo. Catching them early gives Dr. Gala and Dr. Baston options that aren’t available once growth has finished.

What Early Orthodontic Evaluation Actually Involves

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation around age seven. At that point, most kids have a mix of baby and permanent teeth, which gives an orthodontist a clear picture of how the adult teeth are developing, whether there’s enough space for them to come in properly, and whether the jaw is growing in a way that will support good alignment.

An early evaluation doesn’t automatically mean early treatment. In many cases, Dr. Gala or Dr. Baston will simply monitor your child’s development over time and let you know when the right window for treatment opens. But in cases where intervention makes sense, acting earlier often means a shorter treatment period, a simpler process, and better long-term outcomes.

What to Expect When You Bring Your Child In

1 Free Consultation

Dr. Gala or Dr. Baston will examine your child's teeth, bite, and jaw development using digital x-rays and photos. You'll leave with a clear picture of where things stand and an honest recommendation about next steps.

2 A Plan That Fits Where Your Child Is

If treatment isn't needed yet, the doctors will set up a monitoring schedule so nothing gets missed as your child grows. If early treatment makes sense, they'll walk you through exactly what that involves and what it's designed to accomplish.

3 Treatment When the Time Is Right

Whether your child starts treatment early or waits until more permanent teeth have come in, Dr. Gala or Dr. Baston will be the orthodontist guiding their care at every appointment. Same doctor, every visit, throughout the entire process.

A Confident Smile for the Long Term

The goal of kids orthodontics isn't just straight teeth. It's giving your child a healthy bite, room for their permanent teeth to come in properly, and the foundation for a smile they'll carry into adulthood.

Signs It May Be Time to Bring Your Child In

While every child develops differently, there are a few situations where an orthodontic evaluation is worth scheduling sooner rather than later. These include early or late loss of baby teeth, difficulty chewing or biting, mouth breathing, crowding that’s already visible in the front teeth, thumb sucking habits that have continued past age five, or a jaw that appears shifted or uneven.

If your child’s dentist has mentioned any concerns about tooth development or bite, that’s also a strong signal to schedule an evaluation. And if you’re simply not sure, a free consultation is the most straightforward way to find out where things stand.

An Orthodontist Your Child Will Actually Feel Comfortable With

Kids pick up quickly on whether an office is designed for them or just tolerating them. RuCo was built as a family practice, and Dr. Gala and Dr. Baston are experienced at working with young patients in a way that keeps them calm, engaged, and willing to come back.

Because RuCo is an independent practice with consistent doctors, your child will see the same orthodontist at every visit throughout their treatment. That consistency matters more than most parents realize, especially for kids who take time to warm up to new environments and new people.

RuCo is in-network with most major dental insurance plans, and our team will review your child’s coverage before treatment begins so you know exactly what to expect from a cost standpoint.

FAQs

Common Questions About Kids Orthodontics

What age should my child first see an orthodontist?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an initial evaluation around age seven. This doesn’t mean treatment will start then, but it gives the orthodontist a baseline to work from and ensures that any developing issues are caught while there are still more options available.

What if my child isn't ready for treatment yet?

That’s completely normal. In many cases, the right recommendation after an early evaluation is simply to monitor your child’s development and check back periodically. Dr. Gala and Dr. Baston will be straightforward with you about whether treatment is needed now or whether waiting makes more sense.

Will my child need braces twice?

Not necessarily. Early treatment, when it’s appropriate, is typically designed to address a specific problem that’s easier to correct during growth. Whether a second phase of treatment is needed depends on how the teeth and jaw develop afterward. The doctors will explain this clearly as part of your child’s treatment plan.

Does my child's insurance cover orthodontics?

Many dental insurance plans include orthodontic benefits for children. Our team will review your specific coverage during the consultation so you have a clear picture of what’s included before any decisions are made.

Not Sure If Your Child Is Ready? That's What the Consultation Is For.

You don’t need to have it all figured out before you come in. Dr. Gala or Dr. Baston will evaluate your child’s smile, answer your questions directly, and give you an honest recommendation about whether treatment makes sense now, later, or not at all.

There’s no pressure and no obligation. Just clear guidance from an orthodontist who has actually looked at your child’s teeth.

Still have questions? Call (615) 625-6900—we’re happy to help!