Growth Guidance

Growth Guidance is a proactive orthodontic approach that monitors and influences a child’s natural jaw and facial development. It focuses on identifying and addressing potential orthodontic problems early—usually between the ages of 7 and 11—while the bones are still growing and more responsive to treatment.

By guiding growth in the right direction, this approach can reduce the severity of orthodontic issues and sometimes eliminate the need for more complex treatment (like tooth extractions or jaw surgery) later on.

If your child requires this early phase of treatment, Dr. Mullen will regularly evaluate their growth pattern using X-rays, photos, and 3D scans of their bite. If needed, he may recommend an appliance – such as an expander treatment, headgear or facemask therapy, or space maintainers – to encourage proper jaw alignment, improve bite function, make/maintain space for the permanent teeth to erupt.

Starting orthodontic care early doesn’t always mean starting braces early. Growth guidance simply ensures that your child’s development stays on track – and if any issues do arise, they can be treated at the ideal time, often more quickly and comfortably.