What is Pediatric Orthodontics?
By age seven, your child’s mouth has enough structure and growth to allow an orthodontist to determine how it will develop as the permanent teeth start to emerge.
What are the benefits of Early Intervention?
Pediatric orthodontics is tailored specifically for managing the growth and development needs of your child. Some examples of treatment benefits include:
- Addressing and correcting issues that could be causing issues with the growth and development of your child’s permanent teeth, such as Thumb Sucking or Tongue Thrusting
- Improving your child’s oral health care routines and habits
- Guiding permanent teeth into a more favorable position
- Reducing possible damage to teeth that may be protruding
- Reducing or even preventing future and more invasive orthodontic or dental treatments
- Increasing your child’s self confidence and self esteem
What are the steps involved in Early Orthodontic Treatment, and how long does it take?
The length and interventions for treatment will depend on the specific needs of your child, as well as their age and stage of dental development. Our Orthodontist may recommend taking records to show development and progression. These may include x-rays, photographs or study models (impressions of the teeth). Treatment options may include fixed or removable appliances such as space maintainers, as well as at-home interventions if needed to help improve oral health or address habits such as Thumb Sucking.
Early Orthodontic Treatment (Phase 1 treatment) is timed to coincide with your child’s unique development, and can continue until your child is old enough for the second phase of orthodontic treatment. Our Orthodontist will work with you to create a detailed and specific treatment plan during your consultation and will monitor progress with regular visits.