Children need to undergo orthodontic treatment for uneven teeth, just as teens and adults do. Which is why our office offers interceptive orthodontics, which help guide the growth of little smiles. In today’s blog, your Fort Worth, TX, orthodontist talks about our approach to children’s orthodontics.
The Initial Visit
We offer care for children as young as age seven. At this age, kids have a blend of baby teeth and permanent ones, which means we can better gauge the impact of misalignment and the risk posed to the smile. During the first visit, we will gather detailed digital images with the iTero® system and x-ray images with CT scanning. These allow us to look at the teeth, roots, and jaw, to better diagnose the presence of misalignment and plan treatment. Once we diagnose the issue, we can plan treatment to help treat misalignment, and guide the growth of the smile throughout early childhood.
Interceptive Orthodontics
We provide interceptive orthodontics in a phased approach. For little kids, we can start with phase one, in which we use retainers to prevent worsening misalignment and guide the growth of the smile and the positioning of the teeth. We also have teeth spacers, so when kids lose baby teeth too early, we can keep a space open to guide the permanent teeth into proper position to prevent worsening misalignment. We can also discuss good oral health habits to keep their smiles strong!
The Next Phase
The second phase begins as your children enter their teen years. We could use braces with tooth-colored brackets that blend with the teeth and make them less visible. We also have Invisalign® aligners to shift the teeth while also remaining completely invisible. The option we will choose depends on your child’s preferences, as well as the state of their smile. We can also offer these treatments if your teeth didn’t undergo treatment in early childhood. We want to help people of all ages obtain even and healthier smiles, with better bite balance.
If you have any questions about how we help kids of all ages, or if you would like to schedule a visit for your little one soon, then contact our team today to learn more. A smile that makes your child feel confident and proud is possible, and it starts with that initial dental exam.
Does Your Little One Need a Consultation?
Our team wants to help kids of all ages on their journey to an even and healthy smile. If you have any questions about our treatments for kids and teens, or if you would like to schedule an appointment soon, please call Lake Country Orthodontics in Fort Worth, TX at (817) 236-7846. Our office proudly serves patients who live in Azle, Saginaw, and all surrounding communities.
