Early Orthodontic Intervention in Wichita, KS

At Wichita Dental Co., we help you understand your child’s teeth, jaw growth, and smile development at an early age.

What Is Early Orthodontic Intervention?

Gentle guidance while your child is still growing.

A girl in a yellow sweater smiling

Early orthodontic intervention helps us spot concerns with your child’s teeth, jaw, bite, and facial development before they become harder to manage. This does not always mean braces right away.

Many parents come to Wichita Dental Co. because they notice crowded teeth, crooked teeth, mouth breathing, or bite problems. During early orthodontic treatment, we look at baby teeth, adult teeth, permanent teeth, jaw development, dental development, and how the upper jaw and lower jaw fit together.

Early orthodontic care gives us a chance to support a healthy smile while your child is still developing.

Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment in Wichita

Small guidance now can protect your child’s future smile.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

You do not have to know the answer before you visit.

A child may be a good candidate for early orthodontic treatment if you notice early signs that the teeth, jaw, or bite are not developing well. We welcome parents who have questions, even when the concern seems small.

Signs to watch for:

  • Mouth breathing
  • Prolonged thumb sucking
  • Thumb sucking after the early years
  • Difficulty chewing
  • Difficulty biting with the front teeth
  • Crowded teeth or spacing
  • Early or late loss of baby teeth
  • Impacted teeth
  • A child’s mouth that looks narrow
  • A child’s teeth that do not meet well
  • Major concerns about speech, chewing, or smile growth

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic evaluation by age 7 because many children have a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth by that age. This does not mean every child needs orthodontic treatment. It means an orthodontist or dentist can identify signs, explain what they see, and help you decide whether treatment should start now or later.

At Wichita Dental Co., Dr. Somma looks at your child’s jaw, teeth, bite, and growth pattern with care. We check whether early intervention could guide development or whether simple monitoring makes more sense.

If your child is young, you may feel unsure about starting orthodontics. That feeling is normal. Orthodontic intervention is not about rushing your child into braces. It is about learning what is happening in your child’s mouth and making a thoughtful plan.

A boy playing soccer

The Process of Getting Early Orthodontic Treatment

We make each step clear, calm, and simple.

Step One:
We Listen And Evaluate

We start with your questions and your child’s comfort. Dr. Somma reviews your child’s teeth, jaw, bite, and development. We look for early signs, difficulty, mouth breathing, thumb-sucking effects, and any orthodontic issues that could get worse.

Step Two:
We Explain The Best Timing

After the orthodontic evaluation, we explain whether early intervention, early treatment, or monitoring is the right next step. If orthodontic treatment could help, Dr. Somma explains the phase, benefits, and timeline in simple terms.

Step Three:
We Guide Treatment Gently

When treatment is needed, we may discuss partial braces, braces, space maintainers, a palatal expander, or other orthodontic appliances. We focus on your child as a patient, not just a set of teeth, and we adjust care as growth continues.

See What Our Patients Are Saying

Discover what our real patients experienced with us.

Why Choose Wichita Dental Co.?

Care that respects your oral health and your concerns.
Dr. Michelle Somma is smiling

Dr. Michelle Somma Williamson

Dr. Somma helps you feel welcome, understood, and confident in your care. With experience in full-mouth rehabilitation, dental implantsThis link leads to Dental Implants page, and Invisalign®This link leads to Invisalign page, she focuses on creating healthy smiles in a warm, family-centered environment.

Dr. Bret Williamson

Dr. Williamson believes every smile deserves a personalized approach. He brings advanced training in dental implants, cosmetic dentistry, Invisalign®, and full-mouth rehabilitation to help you and your family receive care that feels clear, comfortable, and built around your needs.

At Wichita Dental Co., we help patients explore care with calm guidance. We look at the airway, throat, jaw, and daily symptoms. We explain how sleep apnea treatment may support better sleep, better breathing, and better health.

Dr. Bret Williamson is joyfully smiling
Dr. Nicholas Desch with his fiancee Kristina

Dr. Nicholas Desch

Dr. Desch understands how great dental care can change the way you feel about your smile. He focuses on building real relationships, listening closely, and providing thoughtful care that supports your oral health, confidence, and long-term comfort.

  • Monday:                   8:00am - 5:00pm

  • Tuesday:                  8:00am - 5:00pm

  • Wednesday:          8:00am - 5:00pm

  • Thursday:              8:00am - 5:00pm

  • Friday:                       8:00am - 2:00pm

You Deserve to Love Your Smile

We can’t wait to help you and your family. So contact us to get comfortable, personalized care.