Children and Braces
About Children and Braces
Children and teenagers are excellent candidates for orthodontic treatment because their teeth and jaws are still developing. Early evaluation allows our orthodontists to monitor growth and identify potential alignment and bite concerns at the right time.
Orthodontic treatment can do more than improve the appearance of a smile. Properly aligned teeth can make brushing and flossing easier, support a healthy bite, and improve overall oral function. Our team will evaluate your child’s individual needs and recommend treatment when the timing is right.
When Should You See an Orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7, or earlier if a parent or dentist notices an oral or facial concern. An early evaluation does not necessarily mean that treatment is needed right away. Instead, it gives our orthodontists the opportunity to monitor your child’s dental and jaw development and determine the best time to begin treatment, if needed.
In some cases, early orthodontic treatment can create additional space for developing permanent teeth, address certain bite problems, and help guide jaw development. Identifying concerns early may also help reduce the risk of more complex orthodontic problems as your child grows.
If your child is not quite ready for treatment, we may place them in our Growth & Guidance Program, where we monitor their dental and jaw development every 4–6 months as a courtesy until the appropriate time for treatment.
Our goal is to provide the right treatment at the right time for each child while keeping families informed and comfortable throughout the process.
What Causes Misalignment?
Many orthodontic concerns are influenced by genetics and family history, but certain habits and behaviors during childhood can also contribute to or worsen tooth and bite problems.
Habits such as prolonged thumb or finger sucking, extended pacifier use, poor nutrition, and inadequate oral hygiene can affect healthy dental and jaw development.
Early orthodontic evaluations allow us to monitor your child’s growth and development, identify potential concerns, and provide guidance when appropriate.
Diagnosis
To determine whether your child would benefit from orthodontic care, we will take a series of diagnostic records to evaluate their teeth, bite, jaw, and facial development. Depending on your child’s individual needs, these records will include panoramic and cephalometric X-rays, along with photographs.
These diagnostic tools provide our orthodontists with the information needed to fully assess your child’s orthodontic needs and determine the most appropriate treatment options and timing.
Treatment
Braces are one of the most effective and proven ways to correct orthodontic problems in children and teens. Because young smiles are still developing, braces can help guide teeth into proper alignment, improve the bite, and create a healthy foundation for long-term oral health.
Traditional metal braces are a popular choice because they provide precise, consistent tooth movement and can effectively address a wide range of orthodontic concerns. Kids can also personalize their treatment with fun, colorful bands at each appointment, making their orthodontic journey a little more exciting!