For Children

Early treatment can prove beneficial.

A visit to the orthodontist early can head off problems and help children develop a healthy bite and proper tooth alignment. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an exam no later than age seven for children. Catching a problem before it becomes pronounced is referred to as interceptive treatment and can:

  • Reduce the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth
  • Correct harmful oral habits
  • Guide jaw growth
  • Create room for crowded, erupting teeth
  • Decrease treatment time as an adolescent
  • Avoid serious problems in the future

When to see an orthodontist

If you recognize any of these signs in your child or adolescent, please call our office to schedule a consultation:

  • Early or late loss of baby teeth
  • Difficulty chewing or biting
  • Mouth breathing
  • Sucking the thumb or fingers, or other oral habits
  • Crowded, misplaced or blocked-out teeth
  • Jaws that shift, make sounds, protrude or are recessed
  • Speech difficulty
  • Biting the cheek or biting into the roof of the mouth
  • Protruding teeth
  • Teeth that meet in an abnormal way or don’t meet at all
  • Facial imbalance or asymmetry (features out of proportion to the rest of the face)
  • Grinding or clenching of teeth
  • Inability to comfortably close lips

The goal of orthodontic treatment is a good bite—meaning straight teeth that mesh well with the teeth in the opposite jaw. A good bite makes it easier to bite, chew and speak. This can enhance not only dental health and overall health, but it may also improve self-esteem.

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