Children’s orthodontics, also known as Phase 1 orthodontics, is a treatment that is performed on your child while some baby teeth are still present. The goal of this treatment is to anticipate and eradicate any developing issues, support facial and jaw bone growth, and create ample room for incoming permanent teeth. Children’s orthodontics can provide your child with the proactive care they need to lead a lifetime of strong oral health.
Children’s orthodontics may reduce the need to pull permanent teeth in the future.
At your consultation, your orthodontist will determine if treatment is necessary and beneficial for your child. First, your orthodontist will examine your child’s jaw, dental arches, and teeth to check for early signs of gaps, crowding, and misalignment. They will also address all oral habits like nail biting, tongue thrusting, and thumb sucking. Your orthodontist will be sure to share helpful flossing and brushing techniques to ensure good oral hygiene and a successful treatment outcome for your little one.
Your orthodontist will then take a series of x-rays and digital scans to document your child’s facial profile as well as any tooth or bite issues to determine if special appliances will be necessary, such as a space maintainer, palatal expander, or limited braces. Each case is unique, so while some children benefit from a device used to maintain or move teeth and jaw positions, others see better results when some baby teeth are removed.
After gathering data and deciding on the best orthodontic treatment for your child, your orthodontist will securely place a custom dental appliance into your child’s mouth and show both of you how to use and care for the appliance. Once your child’s dental appliance is securely in place, your orthodontist will check for proper fit to ensure maximum comfort.
Schedule a follow-up appointment with your child’s orthodontist every 3-6 weeks to monitor progress. Children’s orthodontic treatment can be completed in 12-18 months or less, so your child can enjoy a strong, healthy smile for life.
A space maintainer is a custom-made dental appliance which allows ample room for your child’s permanent teeth to erupt and properly come into place. Made of either acrylic or metal material, this appliance can be removable or cemented in your child's mouth.
Palatal expanders are metal orthodontic appliances placed on the roof of your child’s mouth to widen the palate over time. These appliances expand narrow palates while aligning the upper teeth and jaw before it fully develops.
Made of medical-grade stainless steel brackets and archwires, braces apply pressure to your child’s misaligned teeth, creating a strong straight smile over time.
A lower lingual holding arch is a type of fixed space maintainer that is meant to prevent the lower molars from shifting. It is attached to the first lower molars and consists of a wire that runs behind the lower arch of teeth. These appliances can help keep your child's teeth from moving and shifting as they, and their jaws, grow.
Children’s orthodontics can reduce your child’s chance of dental injury.
If your child shows one or more of the following signs and symptoms, they may be a good candidate for orthodontic treatment:
Our team is happy to work directly with you and your child to assess these symptoms before they become severe issues over time.
Early treatment can be in a patient’s best interest if their problem is one that could worsen over time and cause severe dental issues in adulthood if left untreated. The goal of children’s orthodontics is to recognize and eliminate these problems as early as possible, so a child’s teeth and jaw can properly grow and maintain space for incoming adult teeth.
While many orthodontic problems are inherited, some are caused by common habits over time, such as thumb sucking, finger sucking, or excessive pacifier use. Other factors such as mouth breathing, dental disease, abnormal swallowing, poor dental hygiene, or early or late loss of baby teeth, accidents, and poor nutrition can alter your child’s teeth and jaw alignment. No matter the cause, our team will cater to your child’s unique needs and teach them healthy habits for a lifetime of optimal oral health.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that your child’s first check-up should take place before the age of 7 or any time an orthodontic issue is noticed before then. By the age of 7, your child’s mouth holds enough permanent teeth for an orthodontist to gain a strong understanding of your child’s mouth and jaws as they develop. This provides your orthodontist with plenty of information to give your child a tailored treatment.
The cost of children’s orthodontics is different for each patient. Factors that may affect the cost include the severity of your child’s teeth misalignment, appointment and visits, insurance type, and more. The best way to find out how much you’ll pay for your child’s care is to schedule a consultation with your orthodontist.
4.5 million children wear braces each year to achieve the smile of their dreams.
