Kids Orthodontics and How To Tell If Your Child Needs Braces
Are you worried about your child’s dental facial growth? As a parent, you are responsible for the health and well-being of your child. That is no easy task! Ensuring your children have sound oral health can be a challenge if your kids, like so many others, are afraid of dental check-ups. At Orthodontists Associates of WNY, we provide kids orthodontics and also help patients of all ages achieve a healthy and beautiful smile.
Early orthodontic treatment help identify potential developmental issues your child may face and can address them now instead of waiting until they are teenagers. The sooner your child sees an orthodontist, the better it will be for them in the long run as addressing problems early can be easier, more cost-effective and less invasive then letting the issues progress. Keep reading to learn more about kids orthodontics and the benefit of early orthodontic treatment.
When Is The Best Age for Kids Orthodontics?
There is no determined age for children to begin orthodontic treatment. However, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first screening at age seven. Early orthodontic treatment allows your orthodontist to:
- correct and guide the development of your child’s jaw
- create more space for crowded teeth
- avoid the need for extractions later in life
- correct thumb sucking
- minor speech problems
Parents are encouraged to keep an eye out for certain issues such as crowded or misplaced teeth, difficulty chewing or biting, mouth-breathing, thumb-sucking, or popping jaws. If you notice these issues, it is likely that your child needs to see an orthodontist who specializes in kids orthodontics.
As a parent, you may see some indications in the way that your child’s smile looks or if they’re complaining of pain in their jaw. Ultimately, the best way to know if your child would benefit from early orthodontic treatment is to take your child to an orthodontist who specializes in kids orthodontics. The orthodontist can examine your child and make the determination of whether your child would benefit from early treatment. Not all children need early treatment. This is why it is important to seek out the expert advice of an orthodontist who specializes in treating children.
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What About Orthodontics for Teens?
Aside from kids orthodontics, we also provide orthodontic treatment for patients of all ages, including teens. Braces are no longer as scary as many adolescents might imagine. Braces today come in a variety of styles, materials and colors making life with braces easier, more comfortable and even stylish. Patients can now choose from different treatment options like traditional metal, ceramic and invisible braces. Treatment times do vary, however. Your body’s response time and how much work is required of the orthodontist are two factors responsible in determining treatment time.
Invisalign is also a very popular orthodontic treatment for teens and has many benefits. First, Invisalign is more comfortable than traditional braces. If you currently have traditional or clear braces, you do have the option of talking with your orthodontist to find out if you can switch to Invisalign. Many orthodontists treat their patients by combining the use of traditional braces and Invisalign.
Regardless of the type of braces you choose, it is important that you avoid sticky, hard or chewy foods. They may damage your braces and prolong your treatment time.
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Orthodontists Associates of Western New York is proud to offer kids orthodontics throughout Buffalo, Lancaster, Olean, Hamburg, Orchard Park, and Dunkirk, East Aurora, and Niagara Falls New York. If you are considering early orthodontic treatment for child, please contact one of our 7 convenient orthodontic offices to arrange a free consultation.
At Orthodontists Associates of Western New York, our reputation as a leader in kids orthodontics is based on one thing… Making a Healthy and Beautiful Smile
