For Children

Orthodontics for Children

There is no exact age for children to begin orthodontic treatment, as every child develops differently. Babies who are born with a tongue tie should be evaluated within the first week of life for possible correction. By age three, children typically have their baby molars, and growth and development of the jaws can begin to be guided to support proper development.

Breathing disorders, jaw growth issues, and developmental concerns are often best identified and corrected early rather than waiting until all permanent teeth have erupted.

Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment

Early orthodontic treatment allows your orthodontist to:

• Correct and guide the growth of your child’s jaw to help permanent teeth come in straight
• Regulate the width of the upper and lower dental arches
• Create more space for crowded teeth
• Reduce or avoid the need for permanent tooth extractions later in life
• Correct thumb sucking habits and help improve minor speech problems
• Improve airway and breathing concerns

Signs Your Child May Need Orthodontic Care

For parents, it is not always easy to know if a child may need orthodontic treatment. Some signs to look for include:

• Snoring
• Night terrors
• Bed wetting
• ADD or ADHD
• Early or late loss of baby teeth
• Difficulty 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 are not proportionate to the rest of the face
• Crowded front teeth around age seven or eight

Schedule an Orthodontic Evaluation

If you notice any of these signs, or if you have concerns about your child’s growth, breathing, or dental development, please contact our practice to schedule an orthodontic evaluation.

Early treatment can help set the foundation for a healthy bite, proper jaw development, and a confident, beautiful smile for the future.