Orthodontic Treatment for Children
There isn’t a set age when orthodontic care should begin. In some early intervention cases, young ones may need the use of braces to help correct problems before they evolve. The American Orthodontics Association recommends that children get an exam by seven years old.
Generally, by the age of seven, children have a mixture of baby teeth and permanent teeth, which will help us diagnose any tooth and jaw problems, and plan the optimal treatment needed to correct any issues. We specialize in pediatric (kid’s) orthodontics and adult orthodontic treatments.
Orthodontic Phase 1 Treatment
We often recommend a Two-Phase Treatment plan.
Early treatment, commonly referred to as Phase I Treatment, can accomplish much, like:
- Contribute to the straightness of permanent teeth by correcting and guiding the growth of your child’s jaw
- Regulate the width of bottom and top arches
- Create more space for excessively-crowded teeth
- Help avoid any permanent teeth extractions
- Improve minor speech impediments and correct thumb sucking
Signs Your Child Needs Orthodontic Treatment
It’s not always easy for parents to determine if their child needs orthodontics.
Often, your dentist can detect any problems, but there are also some warning signs you may need to be aware of. These include:
- Baby teeth loss happened early or late
- Chewing or biting food appears difficult for your child
- Excessive mouth breathing
- Thumb or finger sucking
- Blocked, misplaced or crowded teeth
- When your child’s jaw pops or makes sounds when they open or close it
- Teeth that are abnormally lined up, or do not connect at all
- Teeth or the jaw is not in proportion to the face
- In children around 7 or 8 years of age, front teeth are crowded
If you notice your child has one or more of these red flags, contact us for early treatment to help achieve a healthy and beautiful smile down the road.