Did you know the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommend an appointment for kids as young as age seven? Treating misalignment in the early stages helps guide the growth of the smile, and limit how much care is needed in the teen years. In today’s blog, your Fort Worth, TX, orthodontist talks about when kids should see us about their uneven smiles.
The First Exam
We recommend an appointment at around age seven because at this stage, there is a mix of primary and permanent teeth, so we can better gauge the risk or presence of misalignment, and any factors in the growth of the jaw that need correction. We carefully examine the smile with advanced technology, using the digital x-rays and images to assess the cause and severity of present or future misalignment. From there, we can create a personalized treatment plan to correct the issue.
Common Treatment Options
We believe in a phased approach, with treatments appropriate for each stage of your child’s growth and development. For example, in the early stages we want to help guide the growth of the smile. Doing so not only limits the risk of misalignment, but also helps prevent associated complications, like airway obstructions or esthetic issues with the chin and jaw shape. For young children, we may create and custom-fit tooth spacers and retainers to help improve the smile’s growth and development. As your child grows older and reaches the teen years, we will complete the process.
Continuing Care as Your Child Grows
In the teen years, we will complete treatment. For those with more severe causes of misalignment, we could recommend braces, However, to make them less visible we may use ceramic brackets that we shade to blend with the teeth. We also have clear Invisalign® aligners that shift the teeth into proper position by remaining nearly invisible. Remember, correcting misalignment not only improves smile beauty and confidence, but helps your children enjoy better oral health, reducing the risk of everything from tooth decay and gum disease to TMJ disorder and bruxism (chronic teeth grinding).
If you have any questions, or if you would like to schedule a consultation for your child, then please contact our team today. Summer is a great time to start your child’s journey to an even smile, and help them enjoy healthier smiles for years to come!
DO YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT CHILDREN’S ORTHODONTICS?
We’re here to help guide the growth of your child’s smile, correcting misalignment. To learn about our orthodontic treatments for children, teens, and adults, then please call Lake Country Orthodontics in Fort Worth, TX at (817) 236-7846. Our office proudly serves patients who live in White Settlement, North Fort Worth, and all surrounding communities.
