Pediatric Orthodontics For New England Patients
Correct Your Child’s Smile Earlier, Not Later
If you had the peace of mind that your child’s oral health was taken care of and that you could save money on costly treatments for their future care, wouldn’t you take the steps necessary to make it happen? If your child is dealing with orthodontic problems at a young age, it’s always easier to get it taken care of now, while their teeth are still developing, using pediatric orthodontics. The team at our 12 orthodontic offices recommends that you bring your child in for an exam by the age of seven, as this is the age when orthodontic issues are most recognizable and treatable.
What is Pediatric Orthodontics?
The basic idea of pediatric orthodontics or Phase 1 orthodontics is relatively straightforward. The main goal is to help your child achieve a healthy smile and avoid problematic overcrowding, misalignment, bite problems and address non-nutritive habits ahead of time. It gives our orthodontists a chance to create enough room in their mouth for permanent teeth to erupt, which is extremely important if you want to help them avoid complications later on. Once your child reaches the age of seven, we recommend that you bring them into one of our 12 orthodontic offices so we can confirm the growing patterns of their teeth and jaw.
What Kinds of Treatment Fit into Pediatric Orthodontics?
Keep in mind that these types of orthodontic treatments are generally not as long as more traditional options like braces. In contrast, these treatments tend to last between 9 and 12 months. When we talk about specific ones, we often refer to options like other functional appliances. We also talk about limited phase braces, or those requiring a shorter wear time as opposed to more traditional solutions. We might use a specialized retainer, an expansion appliance or a space maintainer as well, all of which are designed to treat specific concerns.
What are the Benefits of Pediatric Orthodontics?
If it’s indicated that your child is a candidate for early intervention, you’ll learn that many benefits accompany treatment. For one, we can reduce the risk of teeth becoming impacted as they erupt, as more room will be available for future growth and development. It also helps your child avoid speech problems, which are often caused by failing to address early orthodontic issues when they appear. The sooner we can positively influence your child’s growth and create harmony with their arches, the more likely we can correct harmful oral habits (i.e., thumb-sucking, tongue-thrusting) and improve the aesthetics of their smile.
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