Developmental Guidance & Monitoring in Utah

Early evaluation and regular monitoring allow us to:

• Detect emerging orthodontic problems before they become complex
• Guide the natural development of jaws and dental arches
• Monitor eruption patterns of permanent teeth
• Time orthodontic treatment for maximum effectiveness and efficiency
• Reduce the need for extractions or surgical intervention
• Provide peace of mind for parents and proactive care for children

We recommend an initial orthodontic evaluation by age 7. Learn more on our Early Alignment Checkups page to see what we look for during these visits.

Our team uses a structured evaluation process to monitor a child’s dental and facial development. This includes:

• Jaw alignment and facial symmetry
• Spacing and crowding of primary and permanent teeth
• Eruption sequence and timing of permanent teeth
• Bite relationship and function (open bite, underbite, overbite, crossbite)
• Impact of oral habits (such as thumb-sucking or tongue thrusting)
• Potential need for interceptive procedures

For children not yet ready for full treatment, we place them in our observation phase, where they return every 6 to 12 months for progress checks.

Utah Orthodontic Care provides a range of services that support growth tracking and timely intervention, including:

Growth and Development Evaluation

We assess skeletal and dental development using clinical exams, imaging, and growth indicators. These evaluations help us determine whether and when a child may need early treatment, such as space and growth management or alignment and bite correction.

Interceptive Extractions

If crowding is likely to prevent the proper eruption of permanent teeth, our dentists specializing in orthodontics may recommend removing selected baby teeth. Interceptive extractions create space for permanent teeth to erupt into better positions, reducing the need for more invasive treatment later.

• Typically recommended during ages 7–11
• Helps avoid impaction and misalignment
• Often coordinated with other early treatment plans

Early Alignment Checkups

These initial checkups help us determine if your child needs early orthodontic care, monitoring only, or no treatment at all. We examine how teeth are coming in, how the bite is developing, and whether any issues are emerging.

Visit our guide on when to seek orthodontic care for tips on timing and what to expect during your child’s first visit.

Our developmental guidance doesn’t stop after one visit. We build long-term relationships with patients and their families, following each child through the Phase I process and into Phase II Orthodontics when needed.

Benefits of ongoing monitoring include:

• Early detection of bite and growth issues
• Strategic timing of treatment
• Continuity of care from the same orthodontic team
• Reduced need for prolonged braces or surgery
• Easier transitions between treatment phases

Children who are being observed will also receive guidance on hygiene and oral habits that may affect growth and development.