Kids & early treatment · Montrose · Gunnison · Telluride

Braces for kids start with a free check-up at age 7.

Orthodontists recommend every child be seen by age 7, before problems with jaw growth, crowding, or bite become harder to fix. Board-certified orthodontist Dr. Chuck Alexander will tell you honestly whether your child needs anything now, later, or not at all.

Complimentary exam, photos, and X-ray
Board-certified, 20+ years on the Western Slope
Free growth rechecks if it's too early
Interest-free payment plans

Request a free exam 970.249.0444

Request your child's free evaluation

We'll call or email to find a time that works. Or call 970-249-0444 now.

First check-up recommended by age 7
Your child's first exam is free
Board-certified orthodontist
Montrose · Gunnison · Telluride

Why age 7?

Most kids won't need braces at 7. Every kid should be checked.

By around age 7, the first permanent molars and front teeth have usually come in. That mix of baby and adult teeth gives an orthodontist enough information to spot crossbites, crowding, extra or missing teeth, and jaw-growth problems while they are still developing.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends every child have a first orthodontic check-up no later than age 7. Catching a problem early can mean a simpler, shorter fix, and sometimes it means avoiding extractions or surgery later.

If no treatment is needed yet, we start an observation program and follow your child's growth, at no charge, until the timing is right. Many families leave their first visit with nothing more than peace of mind and a recheck date.

Young Alexander Orthodontics patient smiling

Signs to watch for

Does your child show any of these?

Any one of these is a good reason to schedule a check-up now rather than waiting for age 7.

Early or late loss of baby teeth
Losing primary teeth well ahead of or behind schedule can affect where permanent teeth come in.
Difficulty chewing or biting
Eating that is awkward or painful can point to a bite problem.
Mouth breathing
Habitual mouth breathing can influence how the jaws and face develop.
Thumb or finger sucking past age 5
Sucking habits can push teeth and reshape the growing jaw.
Crowded, blocked, or misplaced teeth
Teeth that overlap, have big gaps, or erupt in the wrong spot.
Jaws that shift, click, or look uneven
Underbites, crossbites, or a jaw that slides to one side when closing.
Teeth that don't meet, or meet abnormally
Front teeth that stick out, or top and bottom teeth that don't line up.
Frequent cheek biting or speech issues
Often a sign the upper and lower teeth aren't fitting together properly.

Source: American Association of Orthodontists. Only an orthodontic exam can confirm whether treatment is needed.

What early treatment can do

When treatment is begun early, the orthodontist can guide the growth of the jaw and guide incoming permanent teeth. Early treatment can:

Guide the growth of the jaw and guide incoming permanent teeth
Regulate the width of the upper and lower dental arches
Gain space for permanent teeth
Avoid the need for permanent tooth extractions
Reduce the likelihood of impacted permanent teeth
Correct thumb-sucking and eliminate abnormal swallowing or speech problems
Simplify (or shorten) treatment later on

Honest recommendations

We only recommend Phase 1 when it changes the outcome.

Early treatment is not for every child. Interceptive treatment may take as few as six months and is used to correct specific problems, not to give a 7-year-old a perfect smile. If your child's development looks on track, Dr. Alexander's advice is usually simple: let's wait, and we'll keep an eye on it together.

Dr. Alexander is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics and has cared for Western Slope families for more than 20 years. Many of the parents booking exams today were his patients as kids.

Request a free exam Meet Dr. Alexander

Your child's first visit

What happens at the free exam

About an hour, no cost, and nothing is decided without you.

Step 1: Meet the team
Our treatment coordinator shows you and your child around and listens to your concerns. No pressure, no cost.
Step 2: Photos and a panoramic X-ray
Digital pictures of your child's face and teeth plus one panoramic X-ray let Dr. Alexander see teeth that haven't come in yet.
Step 3: Dr. Alexander's recommendation
Most 7-year-olds don't need braces yet. If everything looks on track, we simply recheck your child's growth at no charge until the timing is right.
Step 4: A clear plan if treatment helps
If early (Phase 1) treatment would make a real difference, you'll get a written plan, the timeline, and interest-free payment options before deciding anything.

What parents and kids say

Kind, gentle, and patient with kids

“Your staff is so kind and patient with my kids!”

Kristy

“I like how everyone is so kind and gentle.”

Wesley

“People know your name as soon as you come in. And everyone is really helpful.”

Persia

“I like that you all have a smile! And you always tell me what you're going to do before you do it.”

Kendall

More reviews

Your child's orthodontist

Dr. Chuck Alexander

Board-certified orthodontist, Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics, and international orthodontic teacher. Dr. Alexander earned his DDS from Baylor College of Dentistry and his orthodontic specialty degree from the University of Washington, and has served families across Montrose, Gunnison, and Telluride for more than 20 years.

Request a free exam 970-249-0444

Parents ask

Kids' braces questions, answered

Does my 7-year-old really need to see an orthodontist?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends every child have a first orthodontic check-up by age 7. That does not mean treatment starts at 7. By then the first permanent molars and incisors are in, so crossbites, crowding, and jaw-growth problems can be spotted early while they are easiest to correct. Most children simply get a clean bill of health and a recheck schedule.

How much does the first visit cost?

Nothing. Every new patient exam at Alexander Orthodontics is complimentary, including the photos and panoramic X-ray. If we recommend waiting, follow-up growth checks are complimentary too.

What is early (Phase 1) treatment?

Early or interceptive treatment happens while a child still has some baby teeth. It can guide jaw growth, make room for permanent teeth, correct harmful habits, and reduce the chance of extractions or impacted teeth later. Interceptive treatment may take as few as six months.

Will my child need braces twice?

Not always. Some children who have Phase 1 treatment need a shorter, simpler course of braces or aligners as teens; others need none. Dr. Alexander will tell you honestly whether early treatment is likely to change the outcome for your child, and if it isn't, he will recommend waiting.

Do we need a referral from our dentist?

No referral is required to schedule a complimentary exam. Many families are sent by their dentist, but you are welcome to call us directly.

Which office should we visit?

Dr. Alexander sees children at all three offices: Montrose (1801 E. Pavilion Place), Gunnison (1115 N. Main Street, Suite B), and Telluride (300 S. Mahoney Drive, Suite C7). Hours are Monday through Thursday, 7:30 am to 4:00 pm.

Three offices