A healthy, beautiful smile is straight and aligned. When permanent teeth are not naturally aligned or straight, orthodontics can adjust the teeth positioning to create a smile that is aligned. Orthodontic treatment is commonly performed once most of the permanent teeth are in place, usually in the adolescent or teen years; but in some cases, treatment should start sooner. Does your child need orthodontic treatment or braces to straighten their smile?
When to Schedule an Orthodontic Evaluation
Even though adolescence or early teens is the standard time frame for orthodontic treatment, the signs of alignment issues can be evident much earlier. In fact, if children undergo orthodontic evaluations earlier, there may be treatments that can redirect tooth growth or alignment. It is recommended that children have their first orthodontic evaluation completed by age seven. While the permanent teeth are still forming and growing, this is the best time to determine whether a child may need braces later, or if there are treatments that can help improve the alignment of teeth as they grow.
Dr. Smith and our team focus on preventive dentistry at our practice, including performing orthodontic treatment. We can evaluate children’s smiles for tooth and gum health, as well as alignment. Performing routine orthodontic evaluations throughout childhood can identify any possible issues with alignment – in some cases, adjustments can be made early to address alignment issues. With early treatment, it can reduce the length or intensity of orthodontic treatment that may be needed later. We offer both traditional braces and Invisalign for our patients, helping straighten misaligned teeth in our young patients.
Does Your Child Need Braces?
Not all kids will need braces or orthodontic treatment, but all kids should have their teeth growth monitored. At Smile Structure, we can provide all your child’s pediatric dentistry and orthodontic care needs at one office. As part of your child’s routine preventive dental care, we can provide periodic orthodontic evaluations to monitor the growth and alignment of teeth. If you child will need orthodontic treatment, we can discuss the options available and which type of braces or aligners will perform the best and fit your budget.
To schedule a checkup or orthodontic evaluation for your child, contact our friendly dental team at Smile Structure Dentistry & Braces in San Antonio. We welcome new patients and accept many forms of dental insurance at our practice.
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