Orthodontic Options for Children
Choosing a tooth correction option for your child doesn’t have to be a difficult decision. Once it’s determined that your child needs braces and an evaluation of all the factors has been conducted, the next step is less challenging. Dr. Yazar will determine the proper path to take. However, we believe reducing any dental anxiety in your child is primary.
How your child’s peers see their smile is a major reason to have them fitted for either traditional, custom-made braces with all sorts of colors and textures or the latest wave of ClearCorrect™ technology. Orthodontic treatment can be a very important part of your child’s oral health care. The beautiful smile that results from orthodontic treatment is the outward sign of good oral health and sets the stage for overall well-being.
Teeth that work together make it possible to bite and chew properly, and contribute to clear speech. In fact, teeth that function well tend to have a pleasing appearance. Furthermore, straight teeth are less prone to decay, gum disease, and injury.
How Will Orthodontic Treatment Help My Child?
First and foremost, your child’s tooth development depends entirely on:
- Brushing and flossing daily.
- Monitoring foods that could potentially harm their teeth by staining or cracking.
- Adhering to a safe and secure plan outlined by Dr. Yazar.
While there is no exact age for children to begin orthodontic treatment, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that evaluations begin around age 7. By this age, most children have a mix of baby teeth and adult teeth, making it easier for Dr. Yazar to diagnose and correct tooth and jaw problems sooner and without surgery.
Early treatment at Kenton Dental Care allows us to:
- Correct and guide the growth of your child’s jaw to help the permanent teeth come in straight.
- Regulate the width of the upper and lower arches.
- Create more space for crowded teeth.
- Avoid the need for permanent tooth extractions later in life.
- Correct thumb sucking and help improve minor speech problems.
Unbeknownst to many, most orthodontic problems are inherited. Some are “acquired,” developing over time, however, we are able to successfully treat your child’s conditions and create a comforting experience that gives them reassurance to continue with healthy protocol
When Your Child Needs to See Us
Here are a few things to look out for that may require a visit to our Kenton Dental Care practice:
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- Your child has a hard time chewing or biting food
- Mouth breathing
- Finger or thumb sucking
- Crowded, misplaced, or blocked teeth
- Jaws that pop or make sounds when opening or closing
- Teeth that come together abnormally, or do not come together at all
- Jaws and teeth that aren’t proportionate to the rest of the face
- Crowded front teeth around age seven or eight
We encourage you to pay us a visit and have an orthodontic evaluation with Dr. Yazar. Early treatment now will give your child a healthy, stunning smile for the future.