When is the best time to start treatment at Rambo Orthodontics? If you’ve been asking that, you’re not alone. Many adults in Lansdale and Souderton assume braces and aligners are only for teenagers. Dr. Rambo will tell you that’s absolutely not true. A lot of our patients are adults. But if you’re a parent looking for an orthodontist for your kids, we’d love to help! A closer look at your child’s bite may help you catch small issues before they turn into bigger ones. In short, if you’re considering treatment, the best time to start is now!
Early Evaluations: Why Age 7?
Some folks in Lansdale and Souderton are surprised to hear that the American Association of Orthodontists recommends an initial visit around age 7. That doesn’t mean every seven-year-old needs braces. Instead, think of it as a checkup.
By age 7, most kids have a good mix of baby teeth and adult teeth, which allows an orthodontist to spot any signs of crowding, spacing, crossbite, or underbite. When Dr. Rambo sees your child at this age, she can keep an eye on how those new teeth are coming in and how your child’s jaw might be growing.
This early look can head off bigger problems later. For example, if your child’s jaw alignment is off, a first-phase treatment might help correct that while bones are still flexible, avoiding the need for surgery in the future. If no early treatment is needed, our Rambo Orthodontics team may recommend returning for periodic checkups. In many cases, official treatment won’t start until the early teen years. But by staying in touch, you’ll know exactly when to get started, so that we can time treatment to get the best result for your child.
Spotting Early Warning Signs
What should you look for before scheduling a visit? These warning signs can affect kids, teens, or adults, depending on your case. Here are a few clues:
- Crowding: Do your teeth bump into each other? Crowding can happen if they don’t line up properly.
- Crossbite or Underbite: If your upper teeth fit inside the lower row or you have a more pronounced lower jaw, it’s worth having an orthodontic exam.
- Mouth Breathing: Breathing mostly through the mouth could suggest issues with jaw growth or tooth alignment.
- Early or Late Loss of Baby Teeth: Losing teeth well ahead of schedule—or still having some long after other kids have lost them—might affect the path of the adult teeth.
Benefits of a Timely Start
Why might it help to start with Dr. Rambo earlier rather than later? When bones are still growing, small changes can make a big impact. A simple device like a palatal expander can help correct jaw problems that would be much more complicated in the future. By getting started with our complimentary consultations and observation visits, Dr. Rambo can start monitoring your child’s eruption of teeth and the growth of his or her jaws to ensure they are set up for success! You may cut down on the need for more complex interventions. Or if teeth are growing in incorrectly, a ‘mini’ phase of braces can get Mother Nature back on track to help the rest of your child’s teeth erupt properly.
That doesn’t mean there’s a strict deadline. Every child in Lansdale and Souderton is different. Even if your child is already in middle school and hasn’t had an exam, you can still schedule a visit without feeling behind. Early checks can help, but orthodontic care can happen at any age.
What If You Miss the Early Window?
If your child is older than seven and hasn’t had an orthodontic exam, don’t panic. While certain issues are easier to fix when young, don’t worry! There are multiple ways that orthodontics can help. The most important thing is to come in and meet Dr. Rambo and her team for a complimentary consultation.
If you have a teenager or you’re looking for treatment for yourself, there are always benefits available from orthodontic care. Many kids don’t start treatment until they’re around 11–14.
Older Teens & Adults
Even older teens (and adults) can improve their smiles. You can get traditional metal or clear braces, or try aligners such as Spark. The best approach depends on your goals, your oral health, and Dr. Rambo’s recommendations.
Types of Treatment at Rambo Orthodontics
Dr. Rambo offers a mix of treatment options to match every style, comfort level, and budget. Whether you, your child, or your teen prefer the classic look of metal braces or want something less noticeable, you can find what you need at either our Lansdale or Souderton office.
- Damon Braces (Metal and Clear): Damon braces use a special slide mechanism instead of elastic ties.
- Clear Aligners: These removable trays straighten teeth without brackets and wires. They’re great for kids, teens, and adults who prefer a less noticeable style. We use Invisalign and Spark brands.
- Early Appliances: If your child needs Phase 1 treatment, Dr. Rambo might suggest a ‘mini’ set of braces, a palatal expander, space maintainers, or other appliances that help align bones and teeth into better positions.
- Retainers and Nightguards: After braces or aligners come off, retainers help keep teeth in place. We also make custom nightguards if you or your child grinds their teeth.
A Community-Focused Practice
While orthodontics is our main focus, our Rambo Orthodontics team also cares about serving others in and around Lansdale and Souderton. We’re at local gatherings in Souderton every third Friday, go to Lansdale Day, and support local sports teams. We donate food and funds to local shelters, and we make it a priority to back causes like breast cancer research. We also donate to our fire stations and police departments.
Why does this matter for you or your child? We’re more than just an orthodontic office – we’re focused on making a positive impact on our local community and the people within the community. When you choose Rambo Orthodontics, we welcome you into the RO family, where we treat you as a family member and provide the highest quality care possible.
A practice that’s active in the community often brings a personal touch to your care. We see your family as part of our own local circle, and that means we want you to feel confident and calm each time you walk in. When you come to visit us at Rambo Orthodontics, you become part of our family!
Handling Phase 1 and Phase 2 Treatments
When kids start braces or appliances in elementary school, you might hear Dr. Rambo mention “Phase 1” and “Phase 2.” Phase 1 treatment focuses on helping young, growing bones create better conditions for future teeth. This might include expanders, headgear, space maintainers, or a facemask. Your child may only have braces on a few teeth, or they may just wear a removable device.
Phase 2 treatment usually happens once the rest of the adult teeth have arrived. This stage might involve full braces or aligners to fine-tune tooth alignment. The advantage of having Phase 1 first is that Phase 2 can often be shorter and more precise. But if your child doesn’t need early treatment, you can skip that step and move right to Phase 2 when the time is right
Final Thoughts
At Rambo Orthodontics, we’re all about warmth, expertise, and a community-based approach. We work to make your visits feel calm and friendly. And with a smaller, high-care model, we have more time to focus on you. So if you’re in the Lansdale or Souderton area—and even if you’re a bit beyond—go here to schedule your appointment with Dr. Rambo.
