Braces For Kids
Braces for Kids
Helping Your Child Achieve a Confident, Healthy Smile
At Orthodontic Associates, we believe that early orthodontic care lays the foundation for a lifetime of healthy, joyful smiles. While it might seem early, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. This initial visit isn’t always about immediate treatment; it’s a chance for Dr. Quiles to be your child’s smile navigator, monitoring their growth and development and spotting any potential detours early on!
Why is an Early Orthodontic Evaluation Important?
Even if your child’s teeth appear perfectly aligned, there might be hidden bite problems or jaw growth issues. An early evaluation allows us to:
- Detect potential adventures (or misadventures!): Catching issues like crowding, crossbites, or jaw imbalances early can prevent them from becoming more challenging expeditions later.
- Guide jaw growth: Sometimes, a little early guidance can steer jaw development to create ample room for permanent teeth, potentially avoiding the need for extractions down the road.
- Correct habits that hinder: We can gently address habits like thumb sucking or tongue thrusting that might impact tooth alignment and jaw development.
- Boost confidence: Early treatment can correct visible issues, giving your child a confidence boost even before all their permanent teeth arrive – ready to smile for every photo op!
- Simplify future treatment: Addressing certain issues early can lead to shorter or less complex orthodontic treatment in the future, making the whole journey smoother.
When Might Treatment Be Recommended for Kids?
(Phase One Orthodontics)
If Dr. Quiles identifies a significant issue, he may recommend what’s known as “Phase One” or “interceptive” orthodontic treatment. This often involves a short period of treatment (with braces or other appliances) while your child still has some baby teeth. The goal of Phase One is to:
Correct severe crossbites or underbites.
Create space for erupting permanent teeth.
Guide proper jaw growth.
Reduce the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth.
Most children who undergo Phase One treatment will need a second phase of treatment (Phase Two) once all their permanent teeth have erupted, usually during their teen years. However, Phase One can make that second phase much more straightforward and effective – like paving the way for a grand finale!
What Kind of Braces Will My Child Get?
While we offer various options, traditional metal braces are often a fantastic choice for children due to their durability and effectiveness – perfect for all their adventures! Plus, they come with fun colored elastic ties that allow your child to personalize their smile at each visit.
Your Partner in Your Child's Smile Journey
We understand that thinking about braces for your child can bring questions, but don’t worry! At Orthodontic Associates, we’re dedicated to making the experience positive, rewarding, and even fun for both you and your child. We’ll explain everything clearly, answer all your questions, and ensure your child feels comfortable and confident throughout their treatment.
Ready to give your child the gift of a healthy, confident smile?
Contact Orthodontic Associates today to schedule their first orthodontic evaluation – let’s get this smile adventure started!