Families in Southington, Connecticut weighing orthodontic treatment now have a specialist option a short drive away. Feldman Orthodontics serves Southington patients from its Cheshire office, where four board-certified orthodontists — Dr. Jonny Feldman, Dr. David Feldman, Dr. Kelly Morrison and Dr. Preeti Chandhoke — treat patients from early childhood through adulthood.
Choosing an orthodontist in Southington, CT often starts with a single question: when should the first visit happen? The following outlines what families can expect at each stage of care.
Why the First Evaluation Happens Around Age 7
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a child's first orthodontic evaluation at about age 7. At that age a mix of baby and permanent teeth is usually present, which lets an orthodontist see how the bite and jaw are developing before growth is complete. An early evaluation typically looks at:
- Bite development, including overbite, underbite and crossbite
- Crowding or excess spacing between teeth
- Early or delayed loss of primary teeth
- Habits such as thumb sucking that can affect dental development
- Overall symmetry of the bite and jaw
Most children seen at age 7 do not begin treatment right away. In many cases the orthodontist simply monitors growth and recommends treatment later, at the point where it will be most effective. When early intervention is warranted, it can reduce the complexity of treatment needed in the teen years.
Braces and Clear Aligners: How Families Decide
Feldman Orthodontics offers both braces and clear aligners for children, teens and adults. Braces use brackets and wires to apply steady pressure and remain well suited to a wide range of corrections, including more complex bite and spacing problems. Clear aligners use a series of custom-fitted removable trays and are frequently chosen by patients who want a less visible option or who want to remove the appliance for meals, sports or music.
For families comparing braces in Southington, CT, the practical differences usually come down to case complexity, appearance and compliance. Aligners only work while they are being worn, so consistency matters. The orthodontist reviews both paths against the patient's clinical needs and daily routine before a plan is set.
Patients considering clear aligners in Southington, CT also have access to digital scanning and 3D imaging, which replace traditional impressions and produce a detailed picture of tooth and jaw position for treatment planning. Remote monitoring is available for qualifying patients and can reduce how often they need to travel for a check.
What a Complimentary Consultation Covers
New patients are seen for a complimentary consultation before any commitment. During that visit the orthodontist reviews dental and skeletal development, explains which treatment options apply, and outlines an expected timeline. Digital scanning may be performed at the first appointment to support the assessment.
"Our goal is that every patient leaves the first visit understanding their options and what treatment will actually involve," said the Feldman Orthodontics team.
For cases involving skeletal differences that orthodontics alone cannot correct, the practice also provides surgical orthodontics, and retainers with follow-up care are part of every completed treatment plan.
Feldman Orthodontics is a Connecticut orthodontic practice with offices in Cheshire, Wallingford and North Haven. The practice is staffed by four board-certified orthodontists and provides early orthodontic evaluations, teen and adult orthodontics, braces, clear aligners, surgical orthodontics, retainers and follow-up care, digital scanning, 3D imaging and remote monitoring. Complimentary consultations and flexible scheduling are available to new patients.
