Smile at All Ages
At Greg Brown Orthodontics, we believe every child deserves a healthy and confident smile. That’s why we offer early intervention orthodontic options for kids. The American Association of Orthodontics recommends visiting an orthodontist by the age of seven. At this age, most children have both primary (baby) teeth and permanent (adult) teeth, which makes it easier to diagnose and correct tooth and jaw problems sooner and without surgical intervention. Not all children need orthodontic treatment, but an evaluation is necessary to determine if treatment may be beneficial for your child.
During childhood, many dental issues can arise that may require orthodontic treatment. Some common problems we look for in our patients include thumb, pacifier, or other oral habits, crowded or misplaced teeth, difficulty chewing or eating, early or late loss of baby teeth, mouth breathing, teeth grinding, snoring, feeling unrested and/or difficulty concentrating during the day due to restless sleep, a jaw that is not proportionate to the rest of the face, teeth that come together abnormally, or a jaw that pops or makes sounds when opening and closing. If your child experiences any of these issues, it may be a good idea to have them evaluated by an orthodontist to determine if early treatment would be beneficial.
The Benefits of Early Intervention
Early orthodontic treatment can allow for correction of jaw imbalances while a child is still growing and can influence growth patterns that can no longer be addressed in teenage years and beyond without more invasive treatments. Most early intervention involves orthodontic appliances, such as expanders to create more space for crowded teeth and usually avoids the need for permanent (adult) teeth to be extracted. It can also help correct thumb-sucking or other oral habits and helps improve minor speech problems. Additionally, it regulates the width of the upper and lower jaws and guides the growth of both jaws to help the permanent (adult) teeth come in the proper place.
At Greg Brown Orthodontics, we are dedicated to providing a comfortable and caring environment for your child’s orthodontic needs. Our goal is to help your child grow into a healthy and confident smile that they can be proud of for years to come. Contact us today to schedule a complimentary consultation and learn more about our early intervention services for kids.
