Orthodontics for Kids

Childhood Treatment: Early Diagnosis is Key

As the parent or guardian of a young child, you want to do everything you can to set your child up for a happy and healthy future. You already know it’s vital to bring your child to the dentist and teach them good brushing and flossing habits. Did you know early visits to the orthodontist can be just as helpful?

Diagnosing a developing issue early allows us to intervene faster, preventing the problem from growing worse. While chances are good that your child will still need later orthodontic treatment, we can often reduce the need to remove adult teeth.

Signs Your Child Might Need Early Treatment

You probably won’t be able to spot every warning sign or potential problem with your child’s teeth – that’s what dentists and orthodontists are for. However, you should watch out for these signs:

• Difficulty biting and chewing
• Mouth breathing
• Speech impediments
• Protruding teeth
• Unevenly spaced teeth
• Crowded teeth
• Thumb and/or finger-sucking past age 3

What Orthodontic Treatments are Available?

Every case is different, so it’s essential that you bring your child to us for a full examination. We will evaluate their mouth and let you know what problems we see and how we can help. This assessment is vital to ensure we provide you with the information you need to make the best decision regarding orthodontic treatment.

Similar treatment options exist for children as they do for teens and adults, including:

• Invisalign
• Metal or ceramic braces
• Other orthodontic appliances

In some instances, interceptive orthodontics may be necessary to prevent serious issues down the road.

If you want to evaluate your child’s need for braces, contact us today to schedule an assessment and learn more about available treatment options.