In order to bite and chew properly, you need teeth that work together, making orthodontic treatment an important part of your child’s oral health care. Orthodontic treatment not only gives them a beautiful smile,but it sets the stage for a lifetime of healthy teeth.
Backus Smiles Orthodontics treats every patient like family, no matter how small. Our team wants your child to receive the right care for a healthy, beaming smile in adulthood, including braces and other orthodontic treatments.
Even if your child isn’t ready for braces, an early visit to a Mountain Brook, AL children’s orthodontics clinic can provide helpful insights into how their teeth and jaw are developing. We carefully monitor the dental progress of our youngest patients, starting treatment at the right time for the best outcomes. This approach also helps your family plan and budget for orthodontic care, including braces and other procedures.
Call us today, no matter your child’s age. Our team will help create a happy, healthy smile goes goes beyond regular cleaning.
A Mountain Brook Children’s Orthodontics Dentist Can Help Your Child
As your child grows, their bodies change dramatically, and their teeth are no exception. Losing baby teeth and growing adult teeth aren’t the only changes happening in your child’s mouth as they grow. Early adult teeth often become crowded, leaving little room for proper placement. Protruding teeth can also increase the risk of injury, especially to the incisors.
Observing your child’s jaw growth and teeth development early can help answer essential questions about orthodontic care:
- Is there enough space for new teeth?
- Will teeth straighten on their own as growth continues?
- Should steps be taken to expand the mouth?
Our team takes a gentle, thorough approach to children’s orthodontics. If early intervention is needed, we act promptly to prevent bigger problems and keep minor issues from becoming serious.
Could Your Child May Need Orthodontic Treatment?
An orthodontist can determine your child’s specific needs, but there are common signs to watch for, including:
- Upper incisors that stick out
- Crowding of the incisors
- Thumb-sucking habits
- Crossbite (upper teeth sit behind lower teeth)
- Jaw development concerns, like a protruding or underdeveloped lower jaw
- Open bite (front teeth don’t meet)
You can also assess your child’s teeth by asking them to bite down and checking for these indicators:
- Upper teeth sitting behind lower teeth
- Upper and lower front teeth failing to align
- Upper teeth extending far beyond lower teeth
- Front teeth covering more than a quarter of the bottom teeth
- Noticeable protruding teeth
If your child’s teeth don’t meet properly or seem out of alignment, schedule a pediatric orthodontic evaluation with our office.
Schedule Your Appointment Today!
Curious about early orthodontic care for your child? Contact Backus Smiles Orthodontics today to set up a consultation. A Mountain Brook children’s orthodontist will evaluate your child’s needs and recommend the best path for straight teeth and a healthy smile.
Importance Of Children’s Orthodontics In Mountain Brook, AL
Children’s orthodontics promotes healthy dental development and prevents future oral health problems. For families in Mountain Brook, AL, starting orthodontic care at the right age can significantly impact the alignment of your child’s teeth and overall oral health.
When Should You Consider Orthodontic Treatment For Your Child?
Orthodontic treatment for children typically begins around age 7, as this is when many dental professionals suggest evaluating your child’s bite and dental development. Early intervention allows orthodontists to identify issues such as crooked teeth, bite problems, or jaw alignment concerns before they become more serious.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends scheduling an initial consultation around this age to ensure any necessary treatment is initiated at the appropriate time. While not all children will require orthodontic intervention this early, catching potential problems early on can prevent more complex treatments later in life.
Common Orthodontic Issues In Children
There are a variety of dental and jaw issues that may be addressed through children’s orthodontics, including:
- Overbite: An overbite occurs when the upper front teeth significantly overlap the lower front teeth. This condition can cause wear on the teeth and jaw discomfort.
- Underbite: An underbite happens when the lower teeth are positioned ahead of the upper teeth, often resulting in difficulty biting or chewing.
- Crossbite: In a crossbite, some upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth, which can lead to tooth wear, gum recession, and bone loss over time.
- Crowded Teeth: If your child’s mouth does not have enough room for all their teeth, crowding can occur, leading to misalignment.
- Spacing Issues: Gaps between teeth can result from missing teeth or underdeveloped jawbones, and orthodontics can help close these gaps.
Why Early Orthodontic Intervention Matters
Early orthodontic treatment provides several benefits for children. By addressing alignment issues early, orthodontists can help guide the proper growth of the teeth and jaws, reducing the need for more extensive treatments in the future. Some advantages of early intervention include:
- Improved Bite Alignment: Correcting bite issues early on helps prevent jaw strain, headaches, and difficulties with chewing or speaking.
- Aesthetic Benefits: Early treatment can enhance the appearance of your child’s smile, boosting their confidence and self-esteem.
- Prevention of Dental Problems: Early treatment can reduce the risk of dental trauma, gum disease, and tooth decay that may occur from misaligned teeth.
- Shorter Treatment Duration: Starting orthodontic care earlier often results in shorter overall treatment times, as fewer adjustments are necessary as the child’s teeth and jaw develop.
The Types Of Orthodontic Treatments For Children
At Backus Smiles, we offer a range of treatment options designed specifically for children’s orthodontics. These treatments include:
- Traditional Metal Braces: Traditional braces remain a reliable option for addressing severe alignment issues in children. They consist of metal brackets and wires and can correct a variety of problems.
- Clear Braces: Clear ceramic braces are a more discreet option for children who need orthodontic treatment but prefer a less noticeable look.
- Invisalign Teen: For children who are more self-conscious about braces, Invisalign offers clear, removable aligners that gradually straighten teeth without the need for wires or brackets.
- Palatal Expanders: These devices are used to widen the upper jaw, creating more space for adult teeth to come in properly.
How To Care For Your Child’s Braces
Orthodontic care doesn’t end when the braces are applied. Proper maintenance is essential to achieving the desired results. Encourage your child to:
- Brush and Floss Regularly: Teeth should be cleaned after every meal to remove food particles and plaque.
- Avoid Certain Foods: Hard or sticky foods can damage braces, so it’s important to avoid chewing gum, hard candies, or anything that could cause discomfort.
- Wear Rubber Bands as Directed: If your child is given rubber bands to wear, ensure they follow the orthodontist’s instructions for optimal results.
Why Choose Us For Your Child’s Orthodontic Care?
At Backus Smiles Orthodontics, we understand the importance of creating a positive experience for children undergoing orthodontic treatment. Our team is dedicated to providing compassionate, professional care in a child-friendly environment. With personalized treatment plans, we ensure that your child’s journey to a healthier smile is as comfortable and effective as possible.
Fun fact: Did you know that braces have been around for thousands of years? Archaeologists have found evidence of ancient civilizations using metal bands and other devices to straighten teeth! Today, modern orthodontics continues to advance, offering even better solutions for kids.
Start Your Child’s Orthodontic Journey Today
Taking care of your child’s dental health early sets them up for a lifetime of benefits. Whether your child needs braces or other orthodontic treatments, Backus Smiles Orthodontics is here to help. Reach out today to schedule an appointment and give your child the gift of a beautiful, healthy smile.