Children’s orthodontics may reduce the need to pull permanent teeth in the future.
At your consultation, Dr Bailey will determine if treatment is necessary. First, she will examine your child’s jaw, dental arches, and teeth to check for early signs of gaps, crowding, and/ or misalignment. She will also inquire about oral habits like nail biting, tongue thrusting, and thumb sucking. Dr. Bailey will share the best treatment recommendations for your little one.
Dr. Bailey take a series of x-rays and impressions to document your child’s profile as well as any tooth or bite issues, to determine next steps, which may include: extractions, removable appliances, space maintainers, 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, these are not needed in every case.
Schedule a follow-up appointment with your child’s orthodontist every 4-8 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 piece, which allows ample room for your child’s permanent tooth 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.
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:
Underbites
Crossbites
Crowded teeth
Excessively gapped teeth
Extra or missing teeth
Excessive thumb, finger, or pacifier sucking
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.
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