Children
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children first see an orthodontist around age seven; the mix of baby teeth, adult teeth, and spaces between teeth make it easier to diagnose and correct tooth and jaw problems sooner. When we catch potential alignment problems early, we can implement a two-phase orthodontic approach that will work with your child’s natural growth to create space and reduce the time needed in braces.
Treatments applied as your child develops can do wonders to prevent further complications and even stave off problems that would be costly to correct down the road. There’s no need to worry if your child hasn’t seen an orthodontist yet, as we have several treatment options to give them a healthy and beautiful smile.
Orthodontics for Teens
Orthodontics are a big part of many teenagers’ lives. Fortunately, there are several treatment options to choose from. The amount of time your child wants to spend in treatment, your budget, and your comfort level are all factors that will help you and your orthodontist choose the best course of action. Early treatment will set your child up for a beautiful, healthy smile.
Does Your Child Need Orthodontic Treatment?
While only the trained eyes of an orthodontist can tell for sure, the following signs may indicate the need for treatment:
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- Difficulty chewing or biting food
- Extended thumb or finger sucking
- Crowded, misplaced, or blocked teeth
- Popping sounds when opening or closing mouth
- Abnormal teeth alignment
- Biting the cheek or roof of the mouth
- Gaps between teeth
- Crowded front teeth around age seven or eight