Early intervention to correct the position of your child’s teeth is one of the best ways to ensure that they avoid more severe orthodontic and dental issues in the future. Pediatric orthodontics will set things straight and keep you child’s smile on the right track. If you think your child may benefit from orthodontic correction, call today to book a free consultation!
There are many signs that your child may need braces, and recognizing them early can help your little one avoid more severe orthodontic issues in the future. If your child’s teeth appear to be erupting improperly or if they are crowded and crooked, this often indicates that orthodontics may be required. Other common signs include difficulties biting or chewing properly, mouth breathing, jaws and teeth that are not proportional to the rest of the face, and regular biting of the cheeks or roof of the mouth.
Each child’s needs are unique, so every orthodontic treatment is different. However, we want you to be as informed as possible about your child’s orthodontic care. After your initial consultation, Dr. Mindy will offer honest advice and help you understand all of your child’s treatment options. Once you decide on your child’s method of orthodontic correction, we’ll begin treatment. We’ll always give you detailed instructions about how to care for your child’s mouth while they wear their braces or aligners, and we are here to answer any questions that come up along the way!
Phase 1 orthodontics is the earliest orthodontic treatment for kids, and is usually recommended for children between the ages of 7-10. The American Association of Orthodontics (AAO) recommends a child's first check-up be at age 7. At this age, your child has enough permanent teeth to allow Dr. Mindy to spot subtle issues with jaw growth patterns and emerging teeth.
During your child's consultation, there are three possible outcomes: Your child may have no need for early intervention, Dr. Mindy may suggest orthodontic intervention at a later time, or we may recommend beginning phase 1 orthodontics as soon as possible.
Typically, treatment with phase 1 orthodontics lasts between 9-18 months. Phase 1 orthodontics helps prevent future oral health issues and can even eliminate the need for braces.