Taking your child to the orthodontist might not be the first thing on your mind as a parent. However, did you know that scheduling an orthodontic evaluation between the ages of 7 and 9 could set your child up for a lifetime of healthy, confident smiles? Early orthodontic care is essential in identifying and addressing potential issues before they become costly or complicated to treat.
At Pendleton Orthodontics, we specialize in providing compassionate and personalized care, helping families like yours create smiles that last a lifetime.
Here is everything you need to know about children’s braces, when to bring them in for early orthodontics and more.
When to Bring You Child Into the Orthodontist?
According to the American Association of Orthodontists, children should have their first orthodontic consultation no later than age 7.
Why this specific age range? It’s all about timing. By age 7, most children have a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth, allowing the orthodontist to identify potential problems with jaw alignment, bite, and tooth positioning that may not be evident later.
Key developmental milestones make this age ideal for an orthodontic evaluation:
- Jaw growth is still flexible, making early adjustments easier.
- Baby teeth begin transitioning into permanent teeth, so orthodontists can predict future alignment.
- Certain habits like thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting can still be corrected effectively, avoiding long-term dental complications.
At Pendleton Orthodontics, our team will carefully assess your child’s dental development and use cutting-edge technology to determine if early intervention is necessary. With a customized treatment plan, we can prevent future problems and potentially shorten the length of time needed for braces or other orthodontic treatment.
The Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment
Bringing your child into the orthodontist early offers several long-term advantages. Here’s how early treatment can impact their oral health and confidence:
- Prevents Severe Issues: Identifying small problems and addressing them early can prevent more serious and costly issues down the road. For instance, severe crowding or jaw misalignments can often be corrected before they fully develop.
- Shortens Future Treatment Time: Intervening early may reduce the length or complexity of orthodontic treatment during the teenage years. This means fewer appointments and shorter wear time for braces.
- Supports Proper Jaw Alignment: Children exhibiting bite issues (e.g., overbite, underbite, crossbite) can benefit greatly from early treatment, as their jaw growth can still be guided into proper alignment.
- Improves Confidence Early On: Correcting visible dental issues early can boost your child’s confidence, sparing them unnecessary self-consciousness during their formative years.
- Eliminates Bad Habits: Early intervention can address habits like thumb-sucking, mouth-breathing, or tongue-thrusting, ensuring these don’t develop into more significant orthodontic problems.
Types of Orthodontic Treatment for Children
At Pendleton Orthodontics, we offer a wide range of orthodontic treatment options for children, including traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, and Invisalign® clear aligners. Our team will work with you to determine the best treatment plan for your child’s needs and lifestyle.
Here are some common types of early orthodontic treatments:
- Palatal Expander: Used to widen the upper jaw in cases of narrow arches or crossbites.
- Children’s Braces: The most common type of braces for children, which use brackets and wires to straighten teeth.
- Space Maintainer: Used to hold a space for a permanent tooth that has not yet erupted.
- Invisalign® First: A version of Invisalign designed specifically for children with baby or mixed dentition (a mix of baby and adult teeth).
Why Choose Pendleton Orthodontics?
At Pendleton Orthodontics, we understand that every child’s smile is unique. Dr. Ryan Pendleton and his expert team are here to guide your family through a positive experience while creating beautifully aligned smiles that last a lifetime.
Here’s why families in Leander trust us for their orthodontic care:
- Personalized, Pain-Free Care: Your child’s comfort is our priority. We tailor each treatment to suit their specific needs without causing unnecessary stress.
- Expertise You Can Count On: With over 15 years of experience and a passion for creating the perfect smile, Dr. Pendleton uses advanced tools and techniques to ensure exceptional results.
- Flexible Financing and Convenient Scheduling: We know life gets busy, especially with kids. That’s why we offer flexible payment options and schedule appointments at times that work for you.
Meet Dr. Ryan Pendleton
Dr. Ryan Pendleton has dedicated his career to transforming smiles with compassionate care and attention to detail. With a background that includes practicing with cutting-edge techniques and a commitment to continuing education, Dr. Pendleton offers families a level of expertise that exceeds expectations.
Outside of the office, Dr. Pendleton is a husband, dad, and dog-lover, making him relatable to every family who walks through our doors.
How to Get Started
If your child is between the ages of 7 and 9, now is the perfect time to schedule a complimentary consultation at Pendleton Orthodontics. Our team will assess their dental and jaw development, offering peace of mind and a clear path forward if treatment is needed.
So whether they need children’s braces, Invisalign or another form of orthodontic care, trust Pendleton Orthodontics to create the smile your child deserves for life.
Don’t wait to ensure your child’s smile is as healthy and beautiful as it can be. A quick evaluation today can lead to a lifetime of confident, radiant smiles.
Book your free consultation online or call us at 512-355-7727 to learn more about early orthodontic care and how we can help!