We often discuss the options we use to treat smiles in adulthood, but did you know we have the ability to help correct smiles in childhood as well? In today’s blog, your Fort Worth, TX, orthodontist explains how we help plan the treatment to correct misalignment and help kids enjoy optimal oral health, and what solutions we may prescribe.
The Warning Signs of Poor Alignment
Often, issues with the growth and development of the jaw and oral structures could impact the alignment of the teeth. Baby teeth could have issues falling out on schedule as well, which then alters how the permanent teeth erupt. Thumb sucking and tongue thrusting could also impact the bite and the position of the teeth. Which means once the permanent teeth begin to erupt, you could notice your child’s smile is uneven. We suggest an orthodontic exam at around age seven, which means there is a mix of primary teeth and permanent ones in your child’s smile. We then examine the smile and can assess the risk of serious misalignment as your child grows.
Planning Treatment
Starting treatment early often reduces the amount of time your child could need to wear braces or aligners in his or her teen and adult years. To begin, we will use iTero® and I-CAT digital imaging technology, as well as digital x-rays and intraoral cameras, to obtain a detailed look at your child’s teeth, roots, jaw, and oral structures. From there, we can make a diagnosis and create a treatment plan to begin shifting teeth and guiding the growth of the smile throughout childhood. After all, there is no one-size-fits-all approach, and everyone’s smile is different!
Interceptive Orthodontics
With interceptive orthodontics, also known as phased orthodontics, we use treatments designed to help guide the smile and limit the severity of misalignment. With digital technology, we craft retainers and teeth spacers for the first phase, and may upgrade to braces and aligners as your little one grows. Once they reach the teen years, we can take steps to make sure the braces or aligners are much less visible, using tooth-colored ceramic brackets and Invisalign® clear braces. If you have any questions about treating misalignment in childhood, or about starting treatment for yourself, then contact our team today. Now is the perfect time to start your family on the path toward even, beautiful, and healthy smiles.
DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT CHILDREN’S TREATMENT?
We want to help kids obtain an even and healthy smile with phased treatment and custom-made appliances. To learn more about how we approach treatment for children of all ages, then please call Lake Country Orthodontics in Fort Worth, TX at (817) 236-7846. Our office proudly serves patients who live in Springtown, Rome, and all surrounding communities.
