Vestavia Hills Early Orthodontic Treatment
An early start for a lifetime of confident smiles
First Visit?
Returning Patient?
Give your child’s smile a strong start
At Blue Lake Orthodontics, we believe in keeping things simple and stress-free when it comes to early orthodontic care in Vestavia Hills. Dr. Z, our board-certified orthodontist, takes a thoughtful approach to ensure every child’s unique smile gets the care it deserves — no rushing, no unnecessary treatments, just what’s best for your little one.
Our early treatment focuses on:
- Preventing complex orthodontic issues
- Guiding jaw growth for better alignment
- Addressing harmful oral habits
- Promoting healthy dental development
Call us at (205) 291-0783 to schedule a consultation and see how early orthodontic treatment can benefit your child. Let’s set their smile on the right track together!
Why start so early?
Did you know the American Association of Orthodontists recommends an evaluation by age 7? At this age, kids still have some baby teeth and are in the middle of important jaw and tooth development.
Most kids don’t need treatment right away, and in those cases, Dr. Z will monitor their growth and check in annually to ensure everything is progressing smoothly. When early treatment (also called Phase 1) is needed, starting sooner can prevent bigger challenges down the road.
7 reasons to visit Dr. Z before age 7
1. Correct Crossbites
Left untreated: Crossbites can lead to uneven tooth wear, chewing problems, speech difficulties, and future jaw growth issues.
Front (anterior)
Back (posterior)
2. Solve Space Issues
Left untreated: Limited space can cause permanent teeth to erupt incorrectly, make cleaning teeth harder, and create aesthetic concerns.
Crowding
Spacing
3. Hinder Harmful Habits
Left untreated: Habits like thumb-sucking can worsen bite issues, delay speech development, and lead to longer, more complex treatments later.
4. Protect Protruded Teeth
Left untreated: Flared teeth are more vulnerable to trauma, aesthetic concerns, and functional issues like chewing or speaking difficulties.
Protusion (Flaring of teeth)
5. Guide Jaw Growth
Left untreated: Misaligned jaws can cause uneven tooth wear, difficulty chewing or speaking, and the need for more invasive treatment in the future.
6. Evaluate Extra, Missing, or Misplaced Teeth
Left untreated: These issues can lead to overcrowding, harm to permanent teeth, and the need for extractions or lengthy treatments later.
Angulated canines endangering permanent teeth and at risk of impaction treated with upper and lower phase 1 to improve canine position.
Dr. Z uses x-rays to identify potential problems that we can not see just by looking in the mouth. Often, this is where she is able to see extra, missing, or misplaced teeth that need early treatment!
7. Strengthen Self-Confidence
Early orthodontic treatment isn’t just about teeth — it can boost your child’s confidence by ensuring a healthy, happy smile for years to come.
Early treatment, long-term benefits
At Blue Lake Orthodontics, we focus on:
- Selective intervention: Only recommending treatment when it’s truly necessary.
- Keeping it simple: For many kids, waiting until adult teeth are in means fewer treatments, less cost, and less stress.
- Complimentary annual check-ins: Monitoring development and stepping in at the right time.
No cookie-cutter solutions here — just personalized care for your child.
Frequently asked questions about early orthodontic treatment
When should my child have their first orthodontic visit?
The American Association of Orthodontists says age 7 is the perfect time for a first visit. At this stage, we can catch anything early and plan ahead if intervention might be needed.
What’s Phase 1 treatment?
Phase 1 is all about setting the stage. It focuses on guiding jaw growth, creating space for adult teeth, and addressing bite issues like crossbites or underbites.
How do I know if my child needs early treatment?
Look for signs like crowding, teeth sticking out, difficulty biting, or losing baby teeth too early or too late. But don’t worry — you don’t have to figure it out alone. That’s what I’m here for!
How long does early treatment take?
It depends on the child, but Phase 1 typically lasts 6–18 months, followed by a resting period until all their adult teeth are in.
A family-owned practice that puts you first
At Blue Lake Orthodontics, we treat your child like family. As a locally owned, single-doctor practice, your little one will see Dr. Z every step of the way.
With a Board Certified Orthodontic Specialist and kid-friendly care, we craft personalized plans that grow with your child.
Call us at (205) 291-0783 to book their first visit today!
“Dr. Z did my niece’s braces. She had a complicated case. She did great with her braces. They worked with her to make sure she understood all that was going on and made the process as easy as possible for her. I recommend Dr. Z and her team to anyone looking for an orthodontist. My niece just can’t stop smiling.”
Ready to Smile? Let’s Make It Happen!
New Patient?
Book online for a FREE consultation with our Vestavia Hills orthodontist. Just a click away — tap the button below to get started!
Already part of our smile family?
We’re thrilled to see you again! For your next appointment, please call us at (205) 291-0783 to book.
Office information
At our conveniently located office right off Highway 280, you’ll find a world of amenities just around the corner:
- Get your shopping and grocery needs covered at Publix.
- Stay active at Lifetime Fitness to boost your fitness routine.
- For that caffeine fix, swing by O’Henry’s coffee or Santos Coffee.
- Savor healthy options at City Bowls and Smoothie King.
- Grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants in our surrounding community, like Slice Pizza, Nori, and all the fantastic spots at the Colonnade.
Right downstairs, you'll find Gentry Pharmacy for prescriptions and pharmacy goods.
But that's not all; our neighborhood is filled with healthcare and cosmetic neighbors, including Studio 21 for salon services, Cohn Plastic Surgery, and shopping malls like the Summit and the Colonnade.
This is just a taste of the many amenities and providers at your fingertips, all within reach of:
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3100 Blue Lake Dr., Suite 200
Vestavia Hills, AL 35243
Appointments Available
Monday: 7:30 am - 4:30 pm
Tuesday: 7:30 am - 4:30 pm (open for calls)
Wednesday: 7:30 am - 4:30 pm
Thursday: 7:30 am - 4:30 pm
Friday: 7:30 am - 4:30 pm
