children's orthodontics

The most important time to start orthodontics is during childhood. Children should be evaluated as early as age five. In these young years the face, jaw and teeth are still growing and forming. Problems or deformities can be caught and corrected early on using orthopedics and interceptive treatments, lessening the need for surgical or prolonged orthodontic treatment in puberty or as an adult. (In many cases, the evaluation will show that the child's oral development is fine, but it is a good idea to let an orthodontist monitor it.) Treatment times are generally shorter for children as the bone is softer and teeth can be moved and placed more easily. Potential problems include crowded teeth, spaced teeth, cross-bite, overbite, or under-bite. These can be caused by genetics, finger-sucking, mouth-breathing, poor nutrition, or abnormal swallowing, amongst others. Early detection and prevention of these conditions is vital to the child's smile. Smile esthetics are important to the psychological development of children as they determine their self-esteem and confidence that will carry them into adulthood.

Our office offers important treatments that can prepare a child for braces such as space maintainers, palatal expansion appliances, and fixed or removable appliances. Space maintainers are used to guard room for the adult teeth to come in, keeping the adjacent teeth from migrating into its place. Palatal expansion appliances are placed on the upper back teeth to widen the jaw so that it fits properly with the bottom jaw and to make space for the adult dentition. Fixed or removable appliances are used to hold teeth in place while the child finishes growing.

For more information or to schedule your child's consultation, please call a patient coordinator at 404.261.4941.