Improve Future Smiles with a Pediatric Orthodontist
child’s early smile is the blueprint to their dental development. When problems arise, taking a timely approach can help ensure their future health . For some children, early orthodontic treatment is the key to a beautiful, worry-free smile.
At Khara Orthodontics, we provide early treatment and braces options to help children deal with current problems and prevent serious and possibly painful complications. Families choose our innovative treatment options and kid-friendly approach that ensure all our young patients are happy, confident, and have a positive experience.
If your young child is facing orthodontic problems, schedule a visit today! We’ll do all we can to make sure they receive timely quality care.
What is Early Orthodontic Treatment?
Sometimes called interceptive treatment or phase one treatment, early orthodontic treatment is designed to address dental alignment concerns at a young age, typically between the ages 7 and 10. Early treatment may include traditional braces or Invisalign. While there can be benefits to waiting until a child has all their permanent teeth, early intervention is often recommended when waiting would either make treatment more difficult or put the child’s health at risk.
Innovative orthodontics for pediatrics helps young smiles achieve a healthy alignment through early treatment. Afterward, the orthodontist allows a resting period, followed by the second phase of treatment to finalize their straight, healthy smile.
With early treatment, the orthodontist can:
- Guide jaw growth
- Lower the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth
- Correct harmful oral habits
- Create a healthier alignment
- Reduce or eliminate speech impediments
- Improve the appearance of your smile & facial structure
When Should My Child Be Evaluated for Braces?
Dr. Khara recommends that all children have an orthodontic evaluation by the time they’re seven years old. At this age, they’ve started losing their baby teeth, and the first primary teeth and molars have started to come in.
At this point, the orthodontist can get a better idea for how your child’s smile will develop. Using state-of-the-art technology, such as digital x-rays, Dr. Khara can examine the smile below the surface. This allows him to see how teeth are developing, determining if there are current or future health issues.
Even if your child doesn’t need early intervention, monitoring their development is still an important part of their care. It is important to listen to your child’s dentist and their recommendation for having your child evaluated to protect their teeth and overall oral health. A consult will allow our team to monitor your child’s smile to support optimal growth and future treatment if needed.
What are the Benefits of Early Treatment?
Pediatric orthodontic treatment offers a wide variety of benefits, and the more severe the misalignment, the more pronounced those benefits will be. When your child receives early treatment, they can also enjoy improvements in:
- Health – A better alignment makes it easier to keep teeth clean, reducing their risk of disease.
- Safety – Misaligned teeth give your child a higher risk of damage from accidents, and sores in the cheeks and lips are common from bites while chewing.
- Comfort – Braces for kids creates a better feel when smiling. It is less likely to bite the cheeks or tongue and lowers the risk of headaches and jaw pain.
- Function – With better alignment, your child can bite and chew more effectively, improving their digestion, as well as speech.
- Self-esteem – The boost in confidence your child gets from an attractive smile free of health and speech problems is a truly priceless gift.
How Can I Tell If My Child Needs Pediatric Orthodontics?
If your child’s teeth are visibly misaligned by age six or seven, it can be a good indicator that early orthodontic treatment is needed. However, this isn’t always the case.
The most important thing to pay attention to is whether your child’s dental alignment is negatively affecting their health. Issues such as teeth not meeting, overlapped teeth, unusual jaw movement, or a jaw that’s set too far back can all have extensive health consequences.
It’s always best practice to have your child examined by a professional orthodontist to ensure all alignment or oral issues are being appropriately monitored and cared for.
Khara Orthodontics Provides Braces for Kids
At Khara Orthodontics in Holly Springs, NC, we know how important it is that a child receives the right treatment at the right time. Dr. Khara and his team use their expertise and years of experience to help children like yours develop their healthiest, happiest smiles.
Contact our office to schedule your visit and learn more about early orthodontic treatments today!