Building Healthy Smiles — and Healthy Kids — From the Start
Bringing your child to the orthodontist for the first time is a big moment. At Solana Orthodontics, we make it a great one.
Dr. Sandra Nairooz is a board-certified orthodontist who genuinely loves working with young patients. Her office is warm and welcoming, her team puts kids at ease, and her approach to pediatric orthodontics goes far beyond making teeth straight. Dr. Nairooz evaluates your child’s jaw development, airway health, breathing patterns, and bite mechanics — because a healthy smile is built from the inside out, and the early years are the most powerful time to shape it.
San Antonio parents trust Solana Orthodontics because we treat every child with the same care and thoughtfulness we’d bring to our own families.
When Should My Child First See an Orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that every child receive a first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. This might seem early — most children still have a mix of baby and adult teeth at that age — but that’s exactly the point.
At age 7, Dr. Nairooz can:
- Evaluate how the jaw is growing and whether growth is on track
- Identify developing problems with tooth eruption, crowding, or spacing
- Assess bite relationships — overbite, underbite, crossbite, and open bite
- Evaluate palate width and identify narrow arches that may need expansion
- Screen for airway and breathing concerns linked to jaw and palate development
- Determine whether early (Phase 1) treatment would benefit your child — or whether watchful waiting is the right approach
Early evaluation does not always mean early treatment. In many cases, Dr. Nairooz will simply monitor your child through growth, stepping in at the right time. But for children who do benefit from early intervention, acting during the growth window can make treatment shorter, simpler, and more effective — and sometimes prevents more complex treatment later.
What Is Phase 1 (Early Interceptive) Orthodontic Treatment?
Phase 1 orthodontics — also called early interceptive treatment — is orthodontic care delivered while a child still has a mixture of baby and permanent teeth, typically between ages 7 and 10.
The goal of Phase 1 is not to finish orthodontic treatment — it’s to guide jaw and facial development during the window when the bones are most responsive to change. Dr. Nairooz uses Phase 1 strategically, recommending it only when there is a genuine benefit to acting early.
Phase 1 treatment may be recommended for children with:
- Crossbite — upper teeth sitting inside lower teeth, which can cause the jaw to shift and grow asymmetrically
- Underbite — lower teeth in front of upper teeth, often with a skeletal component that responds best to early guidance
- Severe crowding — insufficient jaw space that threatens incoming permanent teeth
- Narrow palate — a high, constricted arch that limits space for teeth and can restrict nasal airflow
- Mouth breathing — a habit often driven by narrow arches or airway restriction, with developmental consequences if left unaddressed
- Protruding front teeth — upper teeth that jut forward and are at risk of injury
- Early or late loss of baby teeth — which can lead to spacing problems or blocked teeth
- Jaw growth imbalances — skeletal patterns that are easier to correct during active growth
Phase 1 treatment typically lasts 9 to 18 months and is followed by a resting period while remaining permanent teeth erupt. Most Phase 1 patients will still need Phase 2 treatment (comprehensive braces or aligners) later — but Phase 1 can significantly reduce the complexity of that treatment.
Palate Expansion — A Powerful Tool for Growing Smiles
One of the most impactful early interventions Dr. Nairooz offers is palatal expansion — the use of an expander appliance to gently widen a narrow upper jaw.
Why does palate width matter so much? Because a narrow palate doesn’t just crowd the teeth. It also narrows the nasal floor, reducing nasal airflow and making nasal breathing harder. Many children with narrow palates become chronic mouth breathers as a result — a habit with real developmental consequences for jaw growth, facial structure, and even sleep quality.
Expanding the palate during childhood — when the midpalatal suture is still open and responsive — is one of the most effective, minimally invasive interventions available in all of orthodontics. It creates space for incoming teeth, improves nasal breathing, and supports healthy facial development.
Dr. Nairooz takes an airway-aware approach to palate expansion, evaluating not just dental space needs but also nasal airflow and breathing patterns. If your child breathes through their mouth, snores, or seems chronically tired despite adequate sleep, this is very much worth discussing at your child’s evaluation.
Signs Your Child May Benefit From an Orthodontic Evaluation
Beyond the routine age-7 recommendation, bring your child in sooner if you notice:
- Mouth breathing — lips apart at rest, breathing audibly through the mouth
- Snoring or restless sleep — possible indicators of airway restriction
- Difficulty chewing or avoiding certain foods
- Thumb sucking or prolonged pacifier use past age 3 to 4
- Early or late loss of baby teeth — outside the normal range
- Crowded, crooked, or overlapping teeth
- Teeth that don’t seem to meet when biting down
- Jaw shifting to one side when closing
- Speech difficulties or a lisp
- Chronic mouth dryness, cracked lips, or dark circles under the eyes
- Hyperactivity, difficulty focusing, or poor school performance that may be sleep-related
Any of these signs warrants a conversation with Dr. Nairooz. Many have orthodontic or airway connections that respond well to early intervention.
What to Expect at Your Child’s First Visit
We want your child’s first orthodontic visit to feel exciting — not scary. Here’s what to expect:
A warm welcome. From the moment you walk in, your child will be greeted by a friendly, bilingual team that knows how to put kids at ease. No white-coat anxiety here.
A thorough but gentle evaluation. Dr. Nairooz will examine your child’s teeth, bite, jaw, and soft tissues. She’ll ask about any symptoms or habits and review any dental X-rays.
Digital records — no goop. If records are needed, we use digital impressions and low-dose 3D imaging — no messy traditional molds that make kids gag.
A clear conversation. Dr. Nairooz will walk you through what she finds, explain what it means, and give you her honest recommendation — whether that’s beginning treatment, scheduling a follow-up, or simply monitoring your child’s development over time. No pressure, ever.
Making Orthodontic Care Fun for Kids
We believe orthodontic visits should be something kids look forward to — not dread. At Solana Orthodontics, we work hard to create an environment where young patients feel comfortable, heard, and celebrated.
Kids love choosing their braces color combinations at each adjustment. We celebrate milestones throughout treatment. And Dr. Nairooz and her team take the time to explain what’s happening at each step so kids feel involved and empowered in their own care.
We also offer flexible scheduling — including after-school appointments — so treatment doesn’t interfere with school, extracurriculars, or family routines.
Insurance and Payment for Kids’ Orthodontic Treatment
Most dental and orthodontic insurance plans include coverage for children’s orthodontic treatment. We work directly with your insurance to verify and maximize your benefits, and we offer flexible monthly payment plans to ensure cost is never a barrier to your child getting the care they need.
Your child’s evaluation includes a full financial consultation so you know exactly what to expect before committing to any treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kids’ Orthodontics in San Antonio
What age should my child first see an orthodontist?
The AAO recommends age 7 as the ideal time for a first evaluation. However, if you notice any of the signs listed above — crowded teeth, mouth breathing, a shifted jaw, snoring — don’t wait. Dr. Nairooz welcomes evaluations at any age.
Does my child need Phase 1 treatment?
Not every child does. Phase 1 is recommended only when there is a measurable benefit to treating a specific problem during early childhood. Dr. Nairooz will give you an honest assessment of whether your child truly needs early intervention or whether monitoring is the better path.
How long does Phase 1 treatment take?
Typically 9 to 18 months, depending on what’s being treated. After Phase 1, your child enters a supervised resting period before Phase 2 (comprehensive treatment) begins once most permanent teeth have erupted.
Does my child still need braces after Phase 1?
Usually yes — Phase 1 addresses specific developmental problems but doesn’t complete full tooth alignment. Phase 2 (braces or Invisalign) is typically recommended once the permanent teeth are mostly in, usually between ages 11 and 13.
My child is nervous about the orthodontist. What should I expect?
Our entire team is experienced in working with nervous or anxious kids. We move at your child’s pace, explain everything in age-appropriate terms, and focus on making every visit positive. Most kids leave their first appointment excited about their next one.
Does orthodontic treatment hurt kids?
Children experience the same mild pressure discomfort that adults do — typically after braces are placed or adjusted, or when advancing to new aligners. It’s manageable and usually resolves within a couple of days. Soft foods and over-the-counter pain relievers help.
Schedule Your Child’s Orthodontic Evaluation in San Antonio
The best thing you can do for your child’s smile is start with an evaluation. It’s stress-free, and it gives you and Dr. Nairooz the information you need to make the right decisions for your child’s development.
Solana Orthodontics is located at 2907 N Loop 1604 E, Suite 101, San Antonio, TX 78232. Call us at (210) 905-9000 or request your consultation online.
Your child’s best smile starts here. ☀️
Serving families in San Antonio, Stone Oak, Shavano Park, North Central San Antonio, and surrounding communities.