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, beautiful smile in adulthood, including braces and other orthodontic treatments.
Four million Americans, but mainly teens (80%), wear braces. Meanwhile, nearly 25 to 50% of all children will also be braces-wearers.
But even if your child isn’t ready for braces, an early visit to a Vestavia Hills, AL orthodontist for kids 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. Let us help create a happy, healthy smile that lasts a lifetime.
A Mountain Brook Children’s Orthodontics Dentist Can Help Your Child
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.
About 30 to 60% percent of people have this common orthodontic condition, however, most of them have only mildly crowded teeth. But even slightly crowded teeth can lead to health and lasting self-esteem issues. 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 orthodontist for kids will evaluate your child’s needs and recommend the best path for straight teeth and a healthy smile.
Choosing An Orthodontist For Kids In Vestavia Hills, AL
Selecting the right orthodontist for kids is a significant step in maintaining a lifetime of healthy smiles. Orthodontic care goes beyond aesthetics—it also improves oral function and prevents potential dental issues down the line. For families in Vestavia Hills, AL, understanding when and why to seek orthodontic treatment for children is a huge step.
When Should Kids See An Orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children visit an orthodontist by the age of seven. By this age, a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth allows orthodontists to assess growth patterns and identify any underlying concerns. Early consultations help address common issues such as:
- Crowded or overlapping teeth
- Prolonged thumb-sucking habits
- Misaligned bites, such as underbites or overbites
- Early or delayed loss of baby teeth
Early intervention can often simplify treatment plans, making future adjustments less invasive and more effective.
Benefits Of Early Orthodontic Care
Proactive orthodontic care offers numerous advantages for children. Addressing dental issues early can:
- Improve Jaw Development: Orthodontists can guide the growth of a child’s jaw, helping to create space for incoming teeth and reducing the likelihood of extractions later.
- Enhance Oral Function: Issues like crossbites or overbites can affect speech and chewing. Early corrections ensure that your child can eat and speak comfortably.
- Build Confidence: A straight, healthy smile boosts self-esteem and encourages kids to smile more.
- Promote Better Hygiene: Properly aligned teeth are easier to brush and floss, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease.
Orthodontic Treatments For Kids
Orthodontists offer several treatments tailored to children’s unique needs. Some of the most common options include:
- Braces: Traditional metal braces remain a popular choice for correcting alignment issues. Modern braces are smaller and more comfortable, making them kid-friendly.
- Palatal Expanders: These devices create space in the upper jaw to accommodate permanent teeth and correct bite issues.
- Space Maintainers: If a child loses a baby tooth prematurely, space maintainers ensure there is enough room for the permanent tooth to grow in correctly.
- Clear Aligners: While often associated with teens and adults, clear aligners may be an option for certain children, offering a less visible alternative to traditional braces.
Choosing The Right Orthodontist
When selecting an orthodontist, prioritize finding one with experience treating children. Pediatric-friendly offices, like those at Backus Smiles Orthodontics, often create a welcoming environment that helps ease anxiety. Additionally, check for:
- Customized Treatment Plans: Every child’s needs are different. A skilled orthodontist tailors treatments to address your child’s specific concerns.
- Advanced Technology: Practices that use the latest tools and techniques often provide more accurate and comfortable care.
- Patient Education: An orthodontist who explains treatment steps helps kids understand the importance of their care and motivates them to stick to their oral hygiene routines.
Fun fact: Did you know that braces date back to ancient Egypt? Early versions used cords made from animal intestines to straighten teeth. Thankfully, modern orthodontics has come a long way, making treatments more effective and comfortable for kids.
Supporting Kids’ Smiles In Vestavia Hills
Backus Smiles Orthodontics is dedicated to providing exceptional orthodontic care for kids in Vestavia Hills, AL. Their team focuses on creating a positive experience so children can feel confident and at ease during every visit.
To learn more about orthodontic options for your child, contact our trusted orthodontist for kids today. Early care can make all the difference in setting the stage for a lifetime of healthy, happy smiles.
Choosing An Orthodontist For Kids In Vestavia Hills, AL
Selecting the right orthodontist for kids is a significant step in maintaining a lifetime of healthy smiles. Orthodontic care goes beyond aesthetics—it also improves oral function and prevents potential dental issues down the line. For families in Vestavia Hills, AL, understanding when and why to seek orthodontic treatment for children is a huge step.
When Should Kids See An Orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children visit an orthodontist by the age of seven. By this age, a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth allows orthodontists to assess growth patterns and identify any underlying concerns. Early consultations help address common issues such as:
- Crowded or overlapping teeth
- Prolonged thumb-sucking habits
- Misaligned bites, such as underbites or overbites
- Early or delayed loss of baby teeth
Early intervention can often simplify treatment plans, making future adjustments less invasive and more effective.
Benefits Of Early Orthodontic Care
Proactive orthodontic care offers numerous advantages for children. Addressing dental issues early can:
- Improve Jaw Development: Orthodontists can guide the growth of a child’s jaw, helping to create space for incoming teeth and reducing the likelihood of extractions later.
- Enhance Oral Function: Issues like crossbites or overbites can affect speech and chewing. Early corrections ensure that your child can eat and speak comfortably.
- Build Confidence: A straight, healthy smile boosts self-esteem and encourages kids to smile more.
- Promote Better Hygiene: Properly aligned teeth are easier to brush and floss, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease.
Orthodontic Treatments For Kids
Orthodontists offer several treatments tailored to children’s unique needs. Some of the most common options include:
- Braces: Traditional metal braces remain a popular choice for correcting alignment issues. Modern braces are smaller and more comfortable, making them kid-friendly.
- Palatal Expanders: These devices create space in the upper jaw to accommodate permanent teeth and correct bite issues.
- Space Maintainers: If a child loses a baby tooth prematurely, space maintainers ensure there is enough room for the permanent tooth to grow in correctly.
- Clear Aligners: While often associated with teens and adults, clear aligners may be an option for certain children, offering a less visible alternative to traditional braces.
Choosing The Right Orthodontist
When selecting an orthodontist, prioritize finding one with experience treating children. Pediatric-friendly offices, like those at Backus Smiles Orthodontics, often create a welcoming environment that helps ease anxiety. Additionally, check for:
- Customized Treatment Plans: Every child’s needs are different. A skilled orthodontist tailors treatments to address your child’s specific concerns.
- Advanced Technology: Practices that use the latest tools and techniques often provide more accurate and comfortable care.
- Patient Education: An orthodontist who explains treatment steps helps kids understand the importance of their care and motivates them to stick to their oral hygiene routines.
Fun fact: Did you know that braces date back to ancient Egypt? Early versions used cords made from animal intestines to straighten teeth. Thankfully, modern orthodontics has come a long way, making treatments more effective and comfortable for kids.
Supporting Kids’ Smiles In Vestavia Hills
Backus Smiles Orthodontics is dedicated to providing exceptional orthodontic care for kids in Vestavia Hills, AL. Their team focuses on creating a positive experience so children can feel confident and at ease during every visit.
To learn more about orthodontic options for your child, contact our trusted orthodontist for kids today. Early care can make all the difference in setting the stage for a lifetime of healthy, happy smiles.
Foods To Avoid When Your Child Has Braces
Certain foods can break brackets, bend wires, and lead to cavities, which could extend treatment time. Making mindful meal and snack choices will help keep your child’s treatment on track and reduce the risk of complications. To make things easier, our Vestavia Hills orthodontist for kids has compiled a list of six foods that should be avoided while your child has braces.
Sticky Candies
Sticky candies like caramel, taffy, and gummy bears can be a big problem for kids with braces. These treats tend to get stuck between brackets and wires, making them difficult to clean off properly. If they aren’t removed completely, they can contribute to plaque buildup and cavities.
The sticky consistency of these candies can also pull brackets loose, which may lead to unexpected trips to the orthodontist for repairs. If your child has a sweet tooth, consider offering soft chocolates or treats that melt quickly in the mouth.
Hard And Crunchy Snacks
Foods like popcorn, nuts, and hard pretzels may seem harmless, but they can actually be quite damaging to braces. Biting into these foods puts excessive pressure on the brackets and wires, increasing the likelihood of breakage. Even unpopped popcorn kernels can cause significant damage if your child accidentally bites down on them.
If your child enjoys crunchy snacks, our Vestavia Hills orthodontist for kids recommends considering softer alternatives such as cheese puffs or thin crackers that dissolve more easily.
Chewing Gum
Chewing gum is another food item that should be avoided while wearing braces. Gum tends to stick to brackets and wires, making it difficult to remove and clean properly. This can lead to hygiene issues and even cause damage if the gum pulls on the braces.
Plus, the constant chewing motion can put stress on the orthodontic structure, potentially causing wires to shift out of place. Instead of gum, encourage your child to chew on sugar-free mints or drink water to keep their mouth feeling fresh.
Tough Meats
Meats like steak, beef jerky, and ribs require a lot of force to chew, which can put strain on braces. Tough meats can loosen brackets and bend wires, disrupting the alignment process.
To avoid these problems, opt for softer meat options such as shredded chicken, ground turkey, or fish. Cutting meat into smaller, bite-sized pieces can also make eating easier and less stressful on braces.
Crunchy Fruits And Vegetables
While fruits and vegetables are an important part of a healthy diet, certain raw options can be too hard for braces. Apples, carrots, and corn on the cob require a strong bite, which can result in broken brackets.
Instead of eating these foods whole, try slicing apples and carrots into thin pieces or steaming vegetables to make them softer. Corn can be cut off the cob before eating to avoid unnecessary pressure on the braces.
Bread With A Hard Crust
Foods like bagels, pizza crust, and French bread can be too tough to bite into when wearing braces. Their dense texture requires extra effort to chew, increasing the risk of bracket damage.
A better alternative is to choose softer bread options like sandwich bread, tortillas, or dinner rolls. If your child loves crusty bread, try tearing it into smaller pieces to minimize strain on their orthodontic work.
We Care About Our Patients
Avoiding these foods is a simple but effective way to help your child’s braces work as intended. The better they care for their braces, the smoother their treatment will be. If you have any questions about what foods are safe for your child, Backus Smiles Orthodontics is here to help. We care about your family’s health and wellbeing and are dedicated to providing excellent service and treatment, no matter what. Schedule an appointment with our Vestavia Hills orthodontist for kids today to keep your child’s treatment on track and their smile healthy.