Early Orthodontic Care in Burlington, NC
Is your child's mouth trying to tell you something?
If your child snores, breathes through their mouth, grinds their teeth, has crowded teeth, or struggles with restless sleep, it may be worth looking deeper.
Early orthodontic care helps us evaluate how your child's mouth, jaw, teeth, and airway are developing while they are still growing.
This is not about rushing your child into braces. It is about getting clear answers early.
For children ages 3 to 10.
What is early orthodontic care?
In this short video, Dr. Hargis explains what early orthodontic care is, what signs parents should watch for, and why some children benefit from being evaluated before all their adult teeth come in.
Signs your child may need an evaluation
These signs do not always mean treatment is needed, but they are worth checking.
Mouth Breathing
Grinding Teeth
Waking Up Tired
Teeth Coming In Crooked
Trouble Focusing
Picky Eating or Texture Sensitivity
Open-Mouth Posture
Snoring
Restless Sleep
Crowded Teeth
Narrow Smile
Low Energy During the Day
Thumb Sucking
Tongue Thrusting
Why early evaluation matters
Between the ages of 3 and 10, a child's mouth and jaw are still growing.
An early evaluation helps us look at whether their teeth, bite, jaw, airway, and oral habits are developing well.
Sometimes the right answer is simply to monitor growth. Sometimes early treatment may help create more room, support better breathing, improve sleep quality, or make future orthodontic care easier.
Either way, you get answers instead of guessing.
This is about more than straight teeth
Straight teeth matter, but healthy function matters too.
Better Breathing
Early care may help identify concerns connected to mouth breathing, tongue posture, narrow arches, or airway development.
Deeper Sleep
Snoring, grinding, and restless sleep can be signs that your child is not getting the quality sleep they need.
Better Focus & Energy
When children sleep and breathe better, parents may notice improvements in energy, attention, and overall daytime function.
More Room to Grow
Early evaluation can help determine whether your child's mouth has enough room for adult teeth to come in properly.
What happens at the evaluation?
Your child's visit is simple and comfortable.
We will look at their x-rays, teeth, bite, jaw growth, spacing, oral habits, and signs that breathing or sleep may be affected by how their mouth is developing.
Then we will explain what we see and suggested next steps.
No pressure. No scare tactics. Just clear guidance for your child.
Hear from a parent
Hear from a family who chose early orthodontic care and what they say about the process and results.
Common questions from parents
When should my child be checked?
Many children benefit from an orthodontic evaluation around age 7, but some signs can show up earlier. If your child is between ages 3 and 10 and you are noticing mouth breathing, snoring, grinding, crowding, restless sleep, or focus concerns, now is a good time to schedule an evaluation.
Does this mean my child needs braces?
Not always. Early orthodontic care does not automatically mean braces. Sometimes the best plan is to monitor growth. Other times, early treatment may help guide development while your child is still growing.
What if I am not sure if this is a dental issue?
That is exactly why an evaluation is helpful. We can look at how your child's mouth, bite, jaw, and airway are developing and help you understand whether anything needs attention.
Get clear answers early.
If your child is snoring, mouth breathing, grinding, dealing with crowded teeth, waking up tired, or struggling with focus and energy, an early evaluation can help you understand what is going on.
Post Address and Mail
Address
294 East Davis Street, Burlington, NC, 27215, US
Get In Touch
Assistance Hours
Mon – Thurs. 7:30am – 5:00pm
Monday only Emergency Clinic: 7:30-11am; Appointment required 11am-5pm
Fri-Sunday – CLOSED
Phone Number:
336-226-8069
