Children’s smiles change quickly, and timely guidance can make treatment simpler later on.
Hambleton Orthodontics is a family-owned practice, and we care for young patients in Pasadena with a gentle, patient approach that helps kids feel at ease. Whether your child just lost a first tooth or you have noticed crowding, our team will help you decide what to do now and what can wait. You can also explore our full range of orthodontic treatments to see how your child’s care can grow with them.
Many children are ready for a first look around age 7, when baby and permanent teeth are both present, but you can come in sooner if something seems off. This first visit is a conversation and an exam, not a commitment to treatment. We cover what to expect in our comprehensive orthodontic evaluation, so you know what the appointment involves.
Early or late loss of baby teeth, trouble chewing, thumb sucking, mouth breathing, and overlapping teeth are all worth mentioning to us. A crooked smile is not the only clue, because bite and jaw concerns can be less obvious. If you are unsure, bring your child in, and we will tell you honestly whether anything needs attention.
Phase I treatment, also called interceptive treatment, begins while your child still has some baby teeth. It aims to guide jaw growth, create room for permanent teeth, and correct bite problems before they become harder to fix. Research on early interceptive orthodontic treatment suggests that short-term care with simple appliances may reduce later treatment complexity. Not every child needs Phase I, and we only recommend it when it offers a clear benefit.
Some children are not ready for treatment yet, and that is perfectly fine. We schedule periodic check-ins to track how teeth come in, how the jaws develop, and whether any habits are affecting the bite. These short visits help us choose the best moment to start, if treatment is needed at all.
Young children, preteens, and teenagers each need a different approach. Younger patients may benefit from guiding growth, while older children are often ready for full treatment with braces or aligners. If your teen is interested in clear aligners, our Invisalign page explains that option in detail.
Every child is different, and the right plan depends on what your child’s teeth and jaws are doing. During your visit, we explain what we see and which options may help.
When a small jaw leaves insufficient room for permanent teeth, early care can create space and guide the teeth into better positions.
A crossbite occurs when the upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth, and early treatment may help the jaw grow more evenly.
Teeth that stick out or sit behind the lower teeth may respond well to treatment while a child is still growing.
Habits such as thumb sucking can shape the bite over time, and we can offer gentle ways to help your child move past them.
Your child’s smile is still growing, and it is natural to wonder what that means for braces, timing, and cost. We have gathered the answers to the questions parents bring to our Pasadena office, and we are happy to talk through anything else at your visit.
Not for every child. Many kids simply need monitoring until their permanent teeth come in, while others benefit from starting sooner. We recommend early treatment only when it is likely to help.
The length depends on your child’s needs and the appliance we use, and we will give you a timeline after your exam. Phase I is often shorter than full treatment, and a rest period may follow before any later phase begins.
Some children do, while others need little or no further treatment. We cannot promise either way, but we explain what we expect and keep watching your child’s growth.
Let your child know the visit is a look at their teeth and a friendly chat with our team, and that nothing should hurt. You can also fill out your patient forms ahead of time so the visit stays relaxed and focused on your child.
Three generations of our family have cared for Pasadena-area smiles for more than 70 years. We treat children, teens, and adults with braces, ceramic clear braces, and Invisalign, and we walk you through every step so you always know what to expect.
Hambleton Orthodontics offers a free consultation — a good way to understand your options and get honest answers before making any decisions. Take the first step and contact our office to schedule yours.
