ORTHODONTICS FOR CHILDREN

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that the initial orthodontic evaluation should be scheduled at age 7. By having your child evaluated at this young age, we can advise you about any orthodontic issues that might be on the horizon. (In many cases, the evaluation will show that your child’s oral development is fine, but it is a good idea to let an orthodontist monitor it.)

In some cases, we will recommend early, interceptive treatment. With early treatment we can take the least invasive approach to everything from making room for adult teeth to advancing and/or expanding your child’s jaw. Addressing these issues while their bones are growing gives us the ability to address things that, left unchecked, could require surgery and more invasive approaches in the future.

Treatment times are generally shorter for children as the bone is softer and teeth can be moved and placed more easily. Potential problems include crowded teeth, spaced teeth, cross-bite, overbite, or under-bite. These can be caused by genetics, finger-sucking, mouth-breathing, poor nutrition, or abnormal swallowing.

Dr. Mastaj offers both braces and Invisalign First to address many of the issues described above even when your child still has a mix of baby teeth and adult teeth. In some cases, she will recommend other appliances designed to widen the jaw and make room for adult teeth that will come in between the ages of 7 and 12.