Early intervention orthodontics also known as “Phase 1 Treatment” allows your child’s jaws, airway, teeth and smile to develop in the healthiest way possible.
Children Braces in Santa Monica CA
Did you know that the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first visit with an orthodontist by the age of seven? This may seem young, but it’s the ideal age for a few reasons. First, the child should have a mix of permanent and baby teeth at this point, allowing us to see how the permanent teeth are erupting. It also gives us an opportunity to see how the jaw is growing and gives us the opportunity to take steps to correct or guide jaw growth if needed.
Early interventive orthodontic treatment can reduce the need for surgery or extractions later, and make the second phase of treatment more efficient and effective.
Two-phase, the early interventive orthodontic treatment allows us to:
- Help improve the airway flow in the nose, mouth, and throat
- Expand the width of the arches to make space for the tongue, and permanent incoming teeth and broaden the smile
- Correct bad habits, such as thumbsucking or extended pacifier use
- Improve speech issues
- Correct problems with chewing
- Guide the growth of the jaw
- Create space to avoid crowding
- Avoid future surgery or extractions
The best way to determine if your child could benefit from orthodontic treatment is through a consultation with an orthodontist, but parents can be on the lookout for some signs that could indicate their child might benefit from treatment, including:
- Irregular, early, or late loss of baby teeth
- Issues with biting or chewing
- Breathing through the mouth, rather than the nose
- Sucking of the thumb or fingers
- Crowded, blocked, or otherwise misplaced teeth
- The jaw makes noises
- Teeth that don’t fit together properly
- The jaw is disproportionate to the rest of the face
Orthodontic treatment today is more efficient and effective than ever before. And there are more options to choose from standard metal braces, to clear braces, to Invisalign.
We recommend bringing your child a 7-year-old for a consultation to determine if Early Intervention Treatment (Phase 1 treatment) is needed or if holding off until further growth and development takes place is preferred. Starting a relationship with an orthodontist will ensure treatment can begin at the precise time that will have the most impact on your child’s smile.
Santa Monica Orthodontic treatment serves an important purpose and goes far beyond just the cosmetic – it improves the bite and sets your child up for a lifetime of good oral health. A bad bite places abnormal pressure on our teeth, which can lead to chipping, cracking, and breaking. And misaligned teeth are often harder to keep clean, leading to an increased risk of gum disease and tooth decay.
Orthodontic treatment doesn’t only create more beautiful smiles, it creates healthier smiles, too.
Santa Monica Braces For Children is a great option for many patients. Schedule your consultation today to determine if your teen can benefit from the clear option for orthodontic treatment at Abraham Orthodontics.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best age for a child to get braces?
According to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), all children should visit an orthodontist by the age of 7. However, children may not get a set of braces until their early teens. One thing is sure, the sooner, the better.
What to expect when getting braces for kids?
Kids should expect a couple of things. First and foremost, all patients should expect a level of discomfort as their mouths adjust. Likewise, kids might experience some difficulty with their speech. Another thing that happens is how braces change a patient’s diet and food choices. Getting braces installed is not hard, but some kids will have to get used to wearing them.
How do I prepare my kids for braces?
The best thing to do is to start taking your kids to the orthodontist as soon as possible. You can help your child and reassure them that the installation process won’t cause any pain. Besides, when you make decisions about their treatment and include them in the process, they will feel more excited about getting their braces.
Why might children need braces?
Children will need braces to fix a bad bite and realign their teeth. Children who suffer from crossbites, underbites, overbites, buck teeth, or any other types of dental alignment problems will need braces to fix their dental alignment and improve their dental health.
When should kids get fitted for braces?
Even though your kid should first visit an orthodontist by age 7, a good age to get fitted for braces is between 10 and 14. During that time, a kid’s dental development and natural bone growth ensure that the patient’s dental realignment is as comfortable as possible.
