Child Ortho Treatments

We like to see children for their initial consultation between 9 and 10 years of age (but no later than 11) unless you or your dentist feels that there is a specific problem before that age. We can monitor their dental development. Active treatment usually takes place once the child has most or all of their permanent teeth.

We have provided examples of treatment in children. Children often feel self conscious about their teeth. Fixed appliances are readily accepted by children. There are dental health benefits derived from having straight teeth and the improvement in self esteem and confidence is remarkable. Please contact us if you’d like to discuss treatment options for your child.


What causes orthodontic problems, and how will early prevention benefit my child?
Orthodontic problems such as crowding of the teeth, too much space between them, jaw growth problems, protruding teeth, and bad bites can be inherited or caused by injury to the mouth, early or late loss of baby teeth, or thumb-sucking habits.
Most children lose all their baby teeth by age 13. By the end of their teen years, the jaw bones will harden and stop growing.
Receiving early orthodontic treatment as a child can help prevent the need for orthodontics as an adult, leaving little to no chance of extraction or surgery in the future.
If your child is between the ages of seven and eight and shows signs of needing orthodontic care, or you have been directed by your family dentist to visit the orthodontist, please contact our practice and schedule an appointment.
Our team will provide your child with an initial exam, and discuss with you the best steps to take toward caring for your child’s smile.

What are the benefits of an early evaluation and possible treatment?
For young patients who have clear indications for early orthodontic intervention, this type of treatment presents an opportunity to:
  • Guide the growth of the jaws
  • Regulate the width of the upper and lower dental arches
  • Guide erupting permanent teeth to desirable positions
  • Lower the risk of traumatic injury to protruded upper incisors (front teeth)
  • Help eliminate harmful oral habits such as thumb or finger sucking which can cause openbites
  • Reduce or eliminate abnormal swallowing or some speech problems
  • Improve personal appearance and self-esteem
  • Potentially simplify and/or shorten treatment time for later comprehensive orthodontics
  • Reduce likelihood of impacted permanent teeth, and preserve or gain space for permanent teeth that are appearing