Orthodontics
Answering the question, “Where can I find pediatric orthodontics near me?”
Not every child will need orthodontic treatment. Preventive Dental Care practiced from a young age can eliminate the need for orthodontic treatment altogether.
However, due to genetic predisposition, injuries or other factors beyond parents’ and dentists’ control, abnormal oral growth does occur sometimes. Orthodontic treatment performed early in a child’s oral development is usually simpler, more comfortable, and less expensive than treatments performed during puberty. Dr. Aaron Havens, a specialist in orthodontics, is here to help your little ones grow up with healthier, straighter smiles.
Orthodontic treatment does more than enhance the beauty of a child’s smile. Kids’ braces and appliances help teeth develop straight and even, and properly aligned teeth are easier to keep clean and free from gingivitis, cavities, and tooth decay. A straight smile is a healthy smile!
Benefits of Early Pediatric Orthodontic Treatment
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentists, treating children with orthodontic problems between the ages of 4 and 11 can prevent more severe orthodontic problems from developing during their teenage years. Treating children when they are between 4 and 11 years old is ideal because children’s teeth and skeletons are still developing.
When performed early, treatment for unevenly spaced teeth, ectopic eruptions, crossbites, and other abnormal development is often more comfortable for the child. Early orthodontic treatment helps children who need it by giving them:
- The self-confidence of having a straighter, more attractive smile
- Teeth that stay healthier because they’re easier to clean
- Less need to worry about wearing braces and painful appliances during awkward teenage years
Make sure your children will have a lifetime of optimal oral health, confidence, and a straighter smile by coming for a check-up.
How Pediatric Orthodontic Appliances Could Help Your Child
Our doctors can provide custom orthodontic devices:
- Custom space maintainers to prevent uneven spacing between baby teeth that are lost too early
- Custom “habit” appliances that help children stop thumb or finger-sucking habits before developmental damage occurs
- Early interceptive orthodontics that re-align teeth made crooked by ectopic eruptions
- Early expansion devices to correct crossbites or overbites before they become permanent
Wearing Orthodontic Appliances
Kids wearing braces or other orthodontic appliances can generally do everything they would normally do. Appliances won’t hinder a child’s ability to run, swim, jump, speak, and eat, and most children become used to their orthodontic appliances within a day or two.
While specific care instructions for orthodontic appliances vary from patient to patient, here are a few general guidelines for children wearing braces or appliances:
- Children should brush and floss their teeth and appliances often and carefully. Removable appliances should be brushed separately each time teeth are brushed
- Regular check-ups at the dentist’s office will ensure appliances are secure and teeth are developing properly
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If an appliance breaks or loosens, see the pediatric dentist as soon as possible
- Avoid sticky foods such as gum and caramels. Also, avoid hard foods like peanuts and popcorn
Our pediatric dentists provide the parents of each patient with detailed instructions on how to manage their child’s orthopedic appliance.
Invisalign® at Pediatric Dentistry of Brighton
Clear aligners, such as Invisalign®, are a great orthodontic device to ensure your children grow up to have a straight, healthy, and beautiful smile. Unlike traditional braces, they can be removed, have no wires or metal, and are often a similar cost! Far less scary, and less likely to make your children or teens feel self-conscious, they are an ideal, orthodontic solution.Contact (link to contact page) us to learn more about this service!
