If you have a child with dental misalignment, don’t let this issue grow more severe, seek treatment. With a phased approach to care, we can guide the smile’s growth and correct misalignment. In today’s blog, your Fort Worth, TX, orthodontist wants to talk about how we approach orthodontic care for kids.
The First Exam
We could offer an initial exam as early as age seven. At this age, there is a mix of baby teeth and permanent ones, so we can assess the state of your child’s misalignment, and also identify factors behind the uneven smile, such as problems with the growth and development of the jaw and oral structures. Other factors include thumb sucking at an early age, baby teeth not falling out as they should, or issues with the eruption of the permanent teeth. After the exam, we will decide if treatment is necessary and create a plan to help.
Our Phased Approach
The phased approach means we gently and carefully address the issue in several stages, starting from a young age and working up to the teen years. Using teeth spacers and retainers, we will be able to guide the growth of the jaw and the oral structures, which helps reduce the severity of misalignment. Remember, treating uneven smiles could reduce the risk of tooth decay, gingivitis, and gum disease, as well as TMJ disorder, bruxism, and even sleep apnea in their adult years.
Treatment as They Grow
When your child reaches the teen years, we begin the final phase of their treatment. With braces using tooth-colored brackets or clear Invisalign® aligners, we have a cosmetic approach to correcting the smile. The phased treatment beforehand means less time with braces or aligners, and a straighter smile as your child begins to reach adulthood. If you have any questions about how we correct smiles in childhood or in the teen years, or if you want treatment for your own uneven teeth, then contact our team today to learn more. There is still time to schedule an appointment with our office before the year ends, which also means you could use any leftover dental insurance benefits or health savings account funds before they expire at midnight on December 31st. Let us know if you want to learn more!
DO YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT CHILDREN’S ORTHODONTICS?
Our team is ready to help patients of all ages in our community. To learn more about our treatment options for little smiles, then please call Lake Country Orthodontics in Fort Worth, TX at (817) 236-7846. Our office proudly serves patients who live in Haslet, Azle, and all surrounding communities. An even smile is one that is less likely to develop common oral health issues, and one that can make your little one feel more confident when he or she smiles or laughs.
