About Children and Braces
Kids and teens make ideal orthodontic patients. Because a young jawbone is soft and still growing, their smiles respond especially well to realignment. Beyond a better-looking smile, straighter teeth bring real health benefits, including clearer speech and easier cleaning.
When Should Your Child See an Orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first visit by age 7, or sooner if you notice any oral or facial irregularities. Early care lets us guide jaw growth so permanent teeth come in straight. We create room where teeth are crowded and help regulate the width of the upper and lower jaw, heading off impacted teeth and other painful, costly problems down the road.
What Causes Misalignment?
Most bite issues are inherited, but habits common in young children can cause or worsen them, including finger sucking, heavy pacifier use, poor nutrition, and poor oral hygiene.
Diagnosis
To see whether your child will benefit from braces, we’ll run a few painless diagnostic steps. This early phase may include panoramic x-rays, bite impressions, and computer-generated images of the head, neck, and jaw, all of which help us choose the best treatment.
Treatment
Braces are common among kids, so there’s little embarrassment, and we often use traditional metal braces at this age. Colorful bands give kids a fun way to show their personality. As your child moves into the teen years, they may want something more discreet, such as Invisalign® or clear ceramic braces.
We’re here to make your child’s orthodontic experience as comfortable and successful as possible. Give us a call for more information.