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Early Treatment
Smiles in Progress
We Care About Your Child's Future Smile
There are certain conditions that may qualify a child for early prevention orthodontics. These might include things like crossbites, crowded teeth or narrow arches. If crowded teeth are fixed at an earlier age, they allow more room for adult teeth to come in and may in turn reduce the need for teeth pulling later in life.
Orthodontics
Early Prevention
Early prevention starts at age seven, which is when The American Association of Orthodontists recommends parents bring their children to an orthodontist. At this age, permanent teeth have begun to create a bite pattern and can be examined for irregularities.
Treatments
Starting treatment early may be more beneficial to the patient. An example of this is for treatment of narrow arches. With palate expanders, the arch can be widened so that the top and bottom teeth fit together more properly and other issues can be addressed in the second phase of treatment.
Phase one treatment, early treatment between the ages of seven and nine, can also take advantage of bones that are still growing and better address problems before they develop fully.
Two Phase treatment may include the use of expanders and other appliances, metal braces or even Invisalign! Invisalign now has its first ever product for kids, Invisalign First. With Invisalign First, you won’t have to worry about your kids breaking their metal brackets and wires. And there’s even an indicator on the aligners to let you know that your child is wearing their aligners correctly (or not!). Kids AND parents of Behl Orthodontics are loving this new option!
You might consider taking your child to an orthodontist for early prevention if:
- They have trouble breaking a thumb-sucking habit
- A speech impediment exists
- Your child’s jaw comes together in an abnormal way when they bite
- Your child’s teeth do not come together, or do so in an irregular manner
- There is an issue with breathing
- Teeth protrude from the upper or lower jaw
- Your child has problems with chewing and biting
- Your child loses their baby teeth too early or too late (they should start losing teeth at age 5 and have their adult teeth by 13)
Braces for Kids
Metal braces are the most widely used type of braces. They are strong and can withstand most types of treatment. Using SureSmile’s advanced braces technology, your treatment will be precise to provide a fast and successful treatment outcome.
Invisalign® for Kids
Invisalign might be an option for your child. With Invisalign, it’s easy for your child to continue to participate in activities they enjoy and still eat all their favorite foods.
