Davis Family Orthodontics proudly provides braces and orthodontic treatment for children of Atlanta and surrounding areas.
Visit one of our offices in Lawrenceville, Loganville, Morrow, and Stone Mountain!
Orthodontic treatment for children has become more popular in recent years. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children should visit their orthodontist around the age of seven. This is considered the ideal time to diagnose and treat any orthodontic issues they may have, which can be more difficult to treat later in life without surgery.
At Davis Family Orthodontics, we provide orthodontic treatment for children of all ages through the Atlanta and surrounding areas. Early treatment offers various benefits and can prevent the need for surgery later in life. Here’s everything you need to know about orthodontics for children.
The Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment
Our team of experienced orthodontists believes that early orthodontic treatment is the best solution for a healthy, beautiful smile. Early orthodontic treatment ensures that your child’s smile is clear of any problems they may experience later in life. Some of the primary benefits of early orthodontic treatment include:
- Guiding Jaw Growth For Straighter Teeth: One of the main benefits of early treatment is guiding and correcting your child’s jaw growth to help their permanent teeth come in straight. It’s essential when there is a mixture of baby teeth and adult teeth, as it allows us to diagnose and correct jaw problems before they worsen.
- Regulating Arch Width and Creating Space: Early orthodontic treatment can also regular the width of the upper and lower arches and create more space for crowded teeth. This can help prevent the need for permanent tooth extractions later on in life.
- Correcting Thumb Sucking and Speech Problems: In addition, it can correct thumb-sucking habits and minor speech problems your child may be experiencing.
Signs Your Child Needs Orthodontic Treatment
It can be challenging to know if your child needs orthodontic treatment. Some signs to look out for include:
- Early or Late Loss of Baby Teeth
- Difficulty Chewing or Biting Food
- Mouth Breathing
- Finger or Thumb Sucking
- Crowded, Misplaced, or Blocked Teeth
- Crowded Front Teeth Around Age 7-8
If any of these early orthodontic signs are present, it’s important to contact our orthodontists to schedule an appointment. Early orthodontic treatment can help give your child a healthy smile for the future. It is always better to address problems sooner rather than later to avoid more complex, expensive treatments.
At our practice, we understand that every child is different and will require different types of treatment. Our team of experienced orthodontists takes a personalized approach to treatment and works closely with parents to help develop an orthodontic plan that meets their needs and keeps their teeth healthy and bright. We offer various treatment options, including traditional braces, Invisalign, and clear braces, to help your child smile more and feel better.
Why Braces are Needed for Children:
Starting orthodontic treatment early can rectify potential problems before they become more pronounced. Dr. Davis underscores that timely intervention in childhood can:
- Guide jaw growth
- Reduce the risk of trauma to protruded front teeth
- Correct harmful oral habits
- Guide permanent teeth into favorable positions
- Improve appearance and self-esteem
What To Expect During Your Child’s Orthodontic Treatment Process:
When bringing your child to Davis Family Orthodontics, here’s what you can anticipate during their treatment:
- Consultation: At this initial visit, our orthodontist will assess your child’s teeth and jaws to determine the most appropriate orthodontic solution.
- Diagnostic Imaging: If orthodontic treatment is deemed suitable, we’ll take detailed images, possibly including a 3D scan, of your child’s mouth to devise a personalized treatment strategy.
- Appliance Customization: Depending on the assessment, a custom-made orthodontic appliance, be it braces, clear aligners like Invisalign, or others, will be tailored for your child’s specific needs.
- Adjustment Period: Once the orthodontic appliance is in place, your child will require some time to adjust. We will provide guidance on care and what to expect during this period.
- Regular Check-ups: Periodic visits will be scheduled to monitor the progress and make any necessary adjustments to the appliance.
- Completion: After successful treatment, we will guide you through the post-treatment phase, which may include retainers or other devices to maintain your child’s newly aligned smile.
Prevention:
While some orthodontic issues are hereditary, parents can still play a role in mitigating potential problems. Early dental check-ups, discouraging prolonged thumb sucking, and providing mouth guards during sports can help in preventing severe orthodontic issues.
Outlook:
Introducing braces early ensures that a child’s teeth grow in the right direction, leading to fewer complications in the future. Typically, the duration for wearing braces varies, but most children wear them for 1-3 years, followed by retainers to set the teeth in their new positions. With the right care and guidance, children can look forward to a lifetime of beautiful smiles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: At what age should children be evaluated for orthodontic treatment?
A: It’s recommended that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7, as this allows for early detection of potential issues and more effective, proactive treatments.
Q: Are braces the only orthodontic option for children?
A: No, while braces are common, there are also other orthodontic appliances like space maintainers or palatal expanders that Dr. Davis might recommend, depending on the child’s specific needs.
Q: Will my child need to wear a retainer after getting braces?
A: Yes, retainers are typically prescribed post-braces to maintain the new teeth position and ensure long-lasting results.
Schedule an Orthodontic Evaluation with Davis Family Orthodontics!
If you notice any of the signs mentioned above or have concerns about your child’s teeth and jaw development, please contact Davis Family Orthodontics to schedule an appointment at one of our offices for their orthodontic evaluation. Early treatment can give your child a healthy, beautiful smile for the future.
