Orthodontics for Children
A healthy smile helps kids feel happy and confident as they grow. Orthodontic treatment for children is designed to make sure teeth are straight, healthy, and working the way they should. Sometimes that means starting early to fix small problems before they get bigger, and other times it means a full plan to guide your child’s smile as they grow. We use the newest tools and gentle techniques to make visits easy and comfortable. Our team always treats kids with kindness and care, helping them feel confident and excited about their smiles.
Early Preadolescent Treatment (PHASE I)
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends visiting the orthodontist around age 7. Although most children do not require early interceptive treatment (Phase I), it can prevent more serious conditions from developing as well as the need for costly and painful tooth extractions, jaw surgery, or dental trauma. In some cases, we will be able to achieve results that may not be possible once the face and jaws have finished growing.
Goals of Early Phase I Treatment:
- Correct and guide the growth and development of the jaws
- Regulate the width of the upper and lower jaws
- Create adequate space for future eruption of permanent teeth
- Correct thumb-sucking and other oral habits
When assessing the need for Phase 1 treatment, we only recommend treatment when there is a moderate to severe orthodontic problem that should not wait until later to be treated. We always look for the most conservative treatment options which may include partial braces, palate expanders, or space maintainers. Treatment duration is typically around a year or less.