“You guys were very kind, patient, and friendly. You always took the time to explain everything thoroughly. You were very considerate and made sure that I understood the procedure of what was going on before moving forward.”
Early treatment for kids
Sometimes now.
Sometimes later.
Early orthodontic treatment (Phase 1) helps some kids and isn't needed for others. Dr. Sytek's job is to tell you honestly which one your child is. Dr. Sytek will be honest about which is right for your child.
When to come in
Around age seven is the right time for a first look.
The general recommendation is for a child to see an orthodontist by about age seven. That doesn't mean braces at seven. It means a first look, while the jaw is still growing and baby teeth are still in the mix, so anything that needs attention gets caught early.
What Phase 1 is for
When early treatment does help, it's about guiding growth and development while it's still happening: making room for teeth that are coming in, guiding eruption, and addressing bigger issues before they get harder to fix.
Why some kids don't need it
Plenty of kids come in at seven, get a clean bill of health, and simply get rechecked as they grow. That's a good visit, not a wasted one.
What to expect at the screening
The first visit is relaxed and built around your child. We take a look, take some photographs, and Dr. Sytek explains what she sees in a way you can understand.
Lauren's philosophy
How we think about it.
A lot of parents come to the initial visit thinking their child needs a lot of treatment, and that they need it right now. Most of the time that is not the case. Some kids do benefit from early treatment, and in those cases we keep it laser focused on the big needs and save the perfecting for later.
Dr. Lauren Sytek
The treatment process
How early evaluation works,
step by step.
From a first screening to a clear plan, or a clear "not yet."
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The first screening
A relaxed, kid-friendly visit around age seven. We take a look, take some photographs, and Dr. Sytek explains what she sees in a way you can understand. We do not take digital scans at this visit unless you decide to start treatment.
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Now or later
Dr. Sytek tells you whether Phase 1 helps your child, or whether the right call is to keep watching. She's honest either way.
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Treatment, if it's time
If Phase 1 is the call, treatment is tailored to your child's stage of growth. Dr. Sytek keeps it as simple and short as the case allows.
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Ongoing check-ins
Whether or not Phase 1 happens, we plan to see your child again as they grow, so we can catch anything that changes.
Who this is for
The kids who need
Early Treatment.
Kids roughly age seven and up whose dentist or school screening flagged something Cases where jaw growth, eruption, or spacing could benefit from earlier guidance Parents who want a clear, honest answer about whether now is the right time For a fuller picture of what we offer for younger patients, see the Kids page. If your child is older and needs comprehensive treatment, Damon Ultima braces is often the next step.
Book a Consultation
Book a ConsultationWhat patients say
Reviews from real
Alpena families.
“My experience with Sytek Ortho has been great! Everybody is always very welcoming and I never leave without a smile on my face!”
“We are thrilled with the outcome of Parker’s orthodontic care. Dr. Sytek and all of the staff at Sytek Ortho are wonderful.”
“I didn’t like to smile before, but after having braces at Sytek Ortho, I have more confidence with my smile.”
“Dr. Sytek and staff did an amazing job. I love my teeth!”
“We could not be happier with Bently and Emerson’s orthodontic results. The team was incredibly flexible and always available to answer questions. Their treatment experience was positive from start to finish, and their confidence truly shines through their smiles.”
“We’re so happy with the way Noah’s smile turned out and we’re so happy we could do this treatment right here in Alpena. Dr. Kendziorski referred Noah and he’s one of the earlier completed cases with Sytek Ortho.”
“The team at Sytek Ortho is like family to me. They made sure I loved my teeth. They are truly the best people. I miss them!”
“My experience with Sytek Ortho was awesome! Everyone there was very kind and helpful. I am very happy, and my teeth look great.”
“They were all so nice! And brought back my confidence back!”
“I truly love Dr. Sytek. She gave me so much confidence in my smile, and I was treated incredibly well throughout the entire process. The environment was always so welcoming and they always made me feel right at home.”
“I had an amazing experience with Dr. Sytek and the entire orthodontic team. The process was smooth, comfortable, and the results were incredible. I would highly recommend Dr. Sytek to anyone considering orthodontic treatment!”
FAQ
Common questions about
Early Treatment.
About seven is the usual guideline. If your dentist noticed something sooner, or a school screening flagged it, come in whenever you're ready. There's no such thing as being too early for a look.
Not always. Phase 1 can make later treatment simpler or shorter, but many kids still need a second phase once their adult teeth are in. Dr. Sytek will be straight with you about what to expect.
Yes. Consultations are complimentary for patients under 25, and if there's nothing to do yet, we'll simply plan to recheck as your child grows.
Coming in early gives you the most options. Waiting doesn't ruin anything for most kids, but a first look around age seven is the surest way to catch the few issues that are easier to handle sooner rather than later.
Related treatments
Other treatment options to consider.
For Kids
The full picture for parents of younger patients.
Damon Ultima
Comprehensive braces once adult teeth are in.
Your First Visit
What to bring, and exactly what happens.
Book your consultation in under a minute.
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