Orthodontic Treatment for Children

Early Intervention is Important. The right time for a child's first orthodontic check-up is no later than the age of 7. 

Even though most people think of pre-teens and teens when they think of orthodontics, there are good reasons your child should get an orthodontic evaluation much sooner.

  • Orthodontists can spot subtle problems with jaw growth and emerging teeth while some baby teeth are still present.
  • While your child’s teeth may appear to be straight, there could be a problem that only an orthodontist can detect.
  • A check-up may reveal that your child’s bite is ne. Or, the orthodontist may identify a developing problem but recommend monitoring the child’s growth and development, and then, if indicated, begin treatment at the appropriate time for the child. In other cases, the orthodontist might find a problem that can benefit from early treatment.
  • Early treatment may prevent or intercept more serious problems from developing and may make treatment at a later age shorter and less complicated. In some cases, the orthodontist will be able to achieve results that may not be possible once the face and jaws have finished growing.
  • Early treatment may give your orthodontist the chance to:
    • Guide jaw growth
    • Lower the risk of trauma to protruded front teeth
    • Correct harmful oral habits
    • Improve appearance
    • Guide permanent teeth into a more favorable position
    • Create a more pleasing arrangement of teeth, lips and face
  • Through an early orthodontic evaluation, you’ll be giving your child the best opportunity for a healthy, beautiful smile.
FIND OUT MORE INFORMATION

If your child is older than 7, it’s certainly not too late for a check-up.

At Whitehead Orthodontics, we recognize patients differ in both physiological development and treatment needs. Our goal is to provide each patient with the most appropriate treatment at the most appropriate time.