At Backus Orthodontics, we treat all our patients, even the littlest ones, as our family. Our dental team wants to ensure that your child receives the right treatment for great oral health in adulthood, including braces and other orthodontic treatments.
Did you know that the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their initial orthodontic evaluation by 7 years old? Even if your child isn’t ready for braces yet, an early check-up with a professional Vestavia Hills, AL, children’s orthodontics clinic can give you insight into the growth and structure of your child’s teeth. We follow our youngest patients’ dental development closely over time so that we can begin at the best time for optimal results if and when braces or other orthodontic intervention is necessary. This helps families also plan and budget for the expense of braces and other treatments.
We encourage you to call us today, whether your child is 7 or 17. We can help you give your child a great smile full of straight, healthy teeth.
How Can A Vestavia Hills Children’s Orthodontics Dentist Help My Child?
Losing baby teeth and growing permanent adult teeth isn’t the only change that happens in your child’s mouth as they grow. Often, the first few adult teeth to come in are crowded out and cannot properly come in. Other times, teeth could be protruding, which can increase the risk of a serious traumatic injury, especially the incisors.
Early observations of the progression of the adult teeth and the growth of your child’s jaw help us answer critical questions about your child’s orthodontic treatment:
- Do the new teeth have room?
- Do we need to take steps to expand your mouth?
- Will the teeth eventually straighten out with normal growth and development?
We take a conservative approach to childhood orthodontics, although we quickly inform you if early intervention is necessary to prevent further problems or small issues from worsening.
Signs Your Child May Need Orthodontic Treatment
Although your own orthodontist can tell you the specific needs of your child, some common signs that it’s time to schedule an appointment at our clinic include:
- Upper incisors that stick out
- Significant overcrowding of the incisors
- Habitual thumb sucking
- Crossbite (upper teeth overlap the lower teeth)
- Jaw development issue (underdeveloped or protruding lower jaw)
- Open bite (front teeth do not meet)
These are concerns that may warrant early intervention.
You can also perform a self-assessment for your child, asking them to bite down. Then, evaluate the following:
- Are any of the upper teeth positioned behind the lower teeth?
- Does the alignment of the upper front teeth match the alignment of the lower front teeth?
- Do your child’s upper teeth extend noticeably beyond the lower teeth?
- Are the top front teeth covering over a quarter of the bottom teeth?
- Does your child have protruding teeth?
If your child’s teeth do not smoothly meet, or if they otherwise don’t line up properly, then we encourage you to call our office for a pediatric orthodontic evaluation.
Schedule Your Appointment Today!
Do you want to learn more about early intervention options for your child’s dental health? Contact Backus Orthodontics today for a personalized consultation. A Vestavia Hills children’s orthodontist can evaluate your child and make the right recommendations for straighter teeth and improved overall oral health.
Best Age For Orthodontics For Children
When it comes to your child’s dental health, one of the most important questions to ask is when should they start seeing an orthodontist? The development of your child’s teeth and bite plays a significant role in their overall health and self-esteem. At Backus Smiles Orthodontics, we emphasize the importance of early orthodontic evaluation to catch any potential issues early and provide the best possible care. As children grow, their jaws and teeth can develop in ways that may require orthodontic treatment. Early intervention often makes treatment easier, more effective, and less costly in the long run as our Vestavia Hills, AL children’s orthodontics team can explain.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. At this stage, your child’s permanent teeth are beginning to come in, and their jaws are still developing. Early evaluations allow us to identify potential issues with tooth alignment, bite, or jaw growth before they become bigger problems. This doesn’t always mean that treatment will be needed right away, but an early check-up helps to spot things like overbites, underbites, or crowding that may benefit from early intervention. This approach can significantly shorten treatment time later on. Of course, you can always contact us to see if your younger child should come in for an appointment as well.
Early visits to a Vestavia Hills children’s orthodontics office give us the chance to catch potential problems while the jaw is still growing. This is an ideal time to treat certain issues such as thumb-sucking, crossbites, or misalignment that can affect your child’s smile and overall dental health. For example, did you know that if your child sucks on their thumb constantly, that can cause their teeth to move to accommodate their thumb? If these issues are caught early, we can create a plan for intervention that may prevent more serious problems down the road, saving time and money in the long run.
Your Orthodontist Visit Doesn’t Have To Be Stressful
We know that a visit to the orthodontist can sometimes be a daunting experience for children. That’s why we focus on making every visit fun, comfortable, and memorable. We want your child to feel at ease and excited to come back. Our office includes fresh chocolate chip cookies, a coffee center, a video game room, toys, and more. We aim to make your child’s time here enjoyable so they can have fun while receiving excellent care. This creates a positive experience for both children and their parents. Plus, our staff is always doing fun things like dressing up for the holidays in festive gear!
We have over 125 years of combined experience in the field, and our team is committed to providing the best care for your child’s smile. Whether your child is starting to lose their baby teeth or already has several permanent teeth in place, we provide personalized care based on their specific needs. Early intervention helps guide your child’s dental development in the right direction. By addressing potential problems now, we can minimize the need for more invasive treatments later. If your child is seven years old or older, now is the time to bring them in for a consultation; if your child is younger than seven, contact us to see how we can help.
At Backus Smiles Orthodontics, we are here to answer your questions and provide the guidance needed for your child’s orthodontic journey. If you’re ready to get started or have any concerns about your child’s dental health, contact us today to schedule an appointment. Let us help you get your child on the path to a healthier, more confident smile.
7 Key Differences Between Dentists And Orthodontists
As a parent, you want the best care for your child’s teeth, but understanding the difference between a dentist and an orthodontist can be confusing. Many people assume dentists and orthodontists provide the same type of care, but their training, services, and focus areas differ significantly. Our Vestavia Hills children’s orthodontics specialist is here to address any questions you may have about your family’s oral care needs.
Dentists provide general dental care, while orthodontists focus on correcting teeth and jaw alignment issues. If your child has crooked teeth, an overbite, or other alignment concerns, an orthodontist is the right choice for treatment. Because they’re both under the oral health umbrella, it’s common for dentists to refer their patients to orthodontists when certain concerns are outside their scope of practice.
If you’re wondering whether your child needs orthodontic care, understanding the key differences between dentists and orthodontists can help you make an informed decision.
Education And Training
Both dentists and orthodontists attend dental school, but orthodontists complete additional specialized training. After earning a dental degree, an orthodontist undergoes two to three more years of residency focused on aligning teeth and jaws. This extra training allows orthodontists to diagnose and treat misalignment issues more effectively.
Focus Of Treatment
Dentists provide general oral health care, including cleanings, fillings, crowns, and gum disease treatment. Orthodontists specialize in correcting misaligned teeth and jaw issues using braces, aligners, and other corrective treatments. If your child needs bite correction or straighter teeth, an orthodontist is the right choice.
Use Of Braces And Aligners
While some dentists offer limited orthodontic services, orthodontists dedicate their practice to teeth and jaw alignment. They provide comprehensive options such as traditional braces, clear aligners, and retainers. At Backus Smiles Orthodontics, Our Vestavia Hills children’s orthodontics specialist focuses on customized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs.
Severity Of Cases Handled
Dentists handle routine dental care and minor alignment concerns, while orthodontists treat complex alignment and bite issues. If a child has significant crowding, overbites, underbites, or jaw discrepancies, an orthodontist will have the specialized skills to address these concerns effectively.
Tools And Techniques
Orthodontists use advanced diagnostic tools like digital imaging, 3D scanning, and specialized appliances to correct misalignments. Dentists rely on tools for general dental care, such as X-rays, drills, and cleaning instruments. The technology used by orthodontists is specifically designed for teeth and jaw movement.
Frequency Of Visits
Dental checkups are typically recommended every six months for routine cleaning and exams. Orthodontic treatment requires more frequent visits, often every four to eight weeks, to monitor progress and make adjustments. If your child is undergoing treatment with braces or aligners, regular orthodontic visits are essential to achieving the best results.
Insurance Coverage And Costs
General dental care and procedures like fillings or extractions are usually covered under standard dental insurance. Orthodontic treatment is often considered a separate category, with different coverage levels depending on your plan. Some plans cover a portion of braces or aligners, particularly for children. If you’re considering treatment for your child, checking your insurance benefits can help you understand potential costs.
The Care Your Child Deserves
Choosing an orthodontist ensures your child receives the specialized care necessary for proper teeth alignment and bite correction. If you’re looking for a Vestavia Hills children’s orthodontics specialist, our team provides personalized treatment options to create healthy, confident smiles. Contact Backus Smiles Orthodontics today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help.