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We help you make the best decision for your child’s smile, health, and quality of life. Dr. Caudill, Dr. McNeight and Dr. Naglieri have decades of experience caring for young children in early orthodontic treatment!
When is the best age for orthodontics?
The AAO (American Association of Orthodontists) recommends that children receive their first orthodontic evaluation at age 7.
Age 7 sounds young, we know, but this doesn’t mean that orthodontic treatment will begin at this age. Our orthodontists will only suggest the right treatment at the right time for each patient.
Is early orthodontic treatment necessary?
Orthodontic treatment isn’t just about ‘straightening teeth’. It’s about establishing a healthy foundation for a beautiful set of permanent teeth, and setting the stage for a lifetime of beautiful and confident smiles.
The goal of early treatment is to develop the jaws to allow for ideal dental development. By supporting proper growth of the jaw and correcting certain bite concerns (such as an underbite, crossbite or crowding) early on, we can eliminate the need for more complex, lengthy forms of treatment (such as jaw surgery) in the future.
Does my little one
need treatment?
If any of these symptoms sound familiar, we encourage you to request a complimentary consultation with us!
- Persistent mouth-breathing
- Thumbsucking or tongue-thrusting habits
- Early, late or irregular loss of baby teeth
- Crooked, crowded or gapped teeth
- Jaw pain or facial pain
- Jaw shifting, popping or clicking
- Difficulty or pain when chewing or biting
- Inability to chew food properly
- Digestive issues caused by improper chewing
- Lack of self esteem or confidence when smiling
- Protrusive or “buck teeth”
An early assessment of your child’s growth gives you the peace of mind that your child is thriving.
Orthodontic Treatment
Phase 1 orthodontic treatment is typically started between the ages of 7 and 10 and is aimed to prepare the mouth for permanent teeth to emerge in a healthy alignment with a sufficient amount of space.
During this phase, children are sometimes treated with a palatal expanders to widen the upper jaw and create enough room for permanent teeth to grow.
This phase generally begins in the early teen years, when all of the permanent teeth have erupted. Phase 2 treatment focuses on aligning the teeth and jaws to create a harmonious facial appearance. During this phase, a full treatment of braces or Invisalign is often completed.
Every child develops at a different rate, and your child’s treatment plan will be 100% personalized to his or her needs. At your first visit, we’ll help you make the right choice for your little one!
have questions about braces for kids?
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at any time.
Our team is dedicated to providing the highest quality of personalized care – in a relaxing and positive environment. We bring you a blend of the latest and most efficient orthodontic technology in the area.
