Orthodontics for Kids
Early orthodontic screenings from age 7. Personalized care from Dr. Rodney Torres at our Tampa and Miami Lakes offices.
When Should a Child First Visit the Orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic screening by age 7. By that age most kids have a mix of baby and adult teeth, which gives Dr. Rodney Torres enough to look at, but their jaw is still growing, which means we have plenty of room to help things develop in the right direction.
Many local dentists are trained to spot early orthodontic issues and may refer your child to our office before age 7 if they notice something worth evaluating. No referral is required, though. Parents can call us directly any time.
Your child's first visit is always a free smile exam. We'll do a quick look, talk about what we see, and tell you honestly whether early treatment is needed.
The Right Moment Makes a Difference
Not every child needs early treatment. But every child benefits from an early evaluation. Here's what Dr. Torres is looking for.
Catch Problems Early
A short screening at age 7 lets Dr. Torres see how the adult teeth are coming in and flag anything worth watching, often years before it becomes a bigger problem.
Guide Jaw Growth
While your child is still growing, we can gently shape how the jaw develops. That makes future treatment shorter, simpler, and sometimes unnecessary.
Protect Permanent Teeth
Early intervention preserves space for incoming adult teeth, reduces the risk of impactions, and helps avoid future extractions.
Build Healthy Habits
Early visits help correct thumb sucking, abnormal swallowing, and speech-related issues before they affect the bite or the smile.
Helping Smiles Grow Up Right
If Dr. Torres recommends early treatment, the goal is to gently guide jaw growth and incoming permanent teeth before things become harder to correct. Here's what early intervention can accomplish.
- Guide erupting teeth into better positions
- Preserve space for incoming permanent teeth
- Reduce the risk of fracturing protruded front teeth
- Regulate the width of the dental arches
- Create space for permanent teeth
- Avoid the need for permanent tooth extractions
- Reduce the likelihood of impacted permanent teeth
- Correct habits like thumb sucking
- Address abnormal swallowing or speech-related issues
Early treatment can simplify future treatment after all permanent teeth come in, and it often leads to better dental health and a more confident smile.
Does Every Child Need Early Treatment?
No, and we'll always tell you so. Some bite issues are best corrected during the teen years, once all the permanent teeth have come in. Certain skeletal differences need to wait until growth is further along.
What every child does need is an evaluation by age 7. That's how we know which path is right for your family. If treatment isn't needed yet, your child can join the 7&UP Club below and we'll keep an eye on things together.
Join Our 7&UP Club
If your child has been seen by age 7 but doesn't need treatment yet, they're welcome in our 7&UP Club. The visits are free, no referral is needed, and they keep coming back every few months for Dr. Torres to monitor how their teeth and jaw are developing.
- Free follow-up exams until treatment is the right call
- No referral required to join
- Fun prizes and contests for the kids along the way
- The right treatment at the right time, never sooner
Common questions from Tampa and Miami Lakes parents. Don't see yours? Call our Tampa office at (813) 920-7720 or our Miami Lakes office at (786) 319-9057.
Common Questions About Children's Orthodontics
Your Child's First Visit Is Free.
Bring your little one in, meet Dr. Torres, and find out what (if anything) their growing smile needs.