Treatment by Age
Having a great smile is important no matter what age you are.
A straight smile is not just aesthetically pleasing; it plays a vital role in oral health. Properly aligned teeth are easier to clean and maintain, reducing the risk of gum disease and tooth decay.
Moreover, a straight smile can boost self-confidence, leading to improved social and professional interactions, highlighting the significance of orthodontic treatment for both oral health and overall well-being.
Learn more about orthodontic treatment options from Smile Straight Orthodontics for children, teens, & adults.
CHILDREN'S BRACES IN Phoenix, AZ
Getting Braces For Your Kids
While there is no exact age for children to begin orthodontic treatment, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends visiting the orthodontist around age seven.
By this age, most children have a mix of baby teeth and adult teeth, making it easier for the orthodontist to diagnose and correct tooth and jaw problems sooner and without surgery.
If orthodontic treatment is the best option for your child, there are several types of braces available, depending on your child's stage of growth. Our expert Phoenix orthodontics team will work with you to create the right orthodontic treatment plan for your child that fits your needs and your budget.
Early Treatment Allows Your Orthodontist To:
- Correct and guide the growth of your child's jaw to help the permanent teeth come in straight.
- Regulate the width of the upper and lower arches.
- Create more space for crowded teeth.
- Avoid the need for permanent tooth extractions later in life.
- Correct thumb sucking and help improve minor speech problems.
For parents, it's not always easy to know if your child may need orthodontic treatment. You can ask your child's dentist if they recommend an orthodontic evaluation or you can simply schedule a free consultation with us.
At this initial evaluation, we will determine the best course of action. It may be to wait for a period of time, typically until all the adult teeth have erupted, or we may recommended starting with Phase One treatment if necessary.
Here Are a Few Things to Look For:
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- A hard time chewing or biting food
- Mouth breathing
- Finger or thumb sucking
- Crowded, misplaced, or blocked teeth
- Jaws that pop or make sounds when opening and closing
- Teeth that come together abnormally, or do not come together at all
- Jaws and teeth that are not proportionate to the rest of the face
- Crowded front teeth around age seven or eight
Early orthodontic treatment or braces now will give your child a healthy, beautiful smile for the future.
