As a parent, you want your child to have a healthy, confident smile. Orthodontic care is about more than straight teeth, it can also help support proper biting, chewing, and healthy dental development.
If you’re wondering whether your child may need braces for kids, here’s what parents should know about early orthodontic care.
When Should My Child See an Orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7.
At this age, children typically have a mix of baby and permanent teeth, allowing an orthodontist to evaluate how their teeth and jaws are developing.
An early evaluation does not mean your child needs braces right away. In fact, many children simply need their smile monitored as they grow.
Introducing Our Growth Guidance Program
At Unique Orthodontics, we offer a complimentary Growth Guidance Program designed to monitor your child’s smile and determine the best timing for orthodontic treatment, if needed.
Through regular check-ins, our team can track your child’s jaw and dental development, identify potential concerns, and recommend treatment when the timing is right.
Children in our Growth Guidance Program are typically monitored every 6 to 12 months, depending on their individual needs.
Our Growth Guidance Program Helps Us:
- Track jaw and dental development
- Monitor the eruption of permanent teeth
- Identify potential orthodontic concerns early
- Determine the best time to begin treatment, if needed
- Guide families through each stage of their child’s smile development
Early monitoring can help us identify developing concerns before they become more complex, but not every child will need early orthodontic treatment.
Signs Your Child May Need an Orthodontic Evaluation
You don’t have to wait until age 7 if you notice something that seems “off” about your child’s smile.
Some signs your child may benefit from an orthodontic evaluation include:
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- Crowded or crooked teeth
- Difficulty chewing or biting
- Teeth that do not meet properly
- Frequent cheek biting
- Thumb sucking or other prolonged oral habits
- Mouth breathing
- Jaw shifting or clicking
- An overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite
An orthodontist can evaluate these concerns and determine whether your child needs treatment or simply ongoing monitoring.
Does My Child Need Braces Right Away?
Not necessarily.
Many children who visit an orthodontist at an early age do not need immediate treatment. Instead, monitoring through our Growth Guidance Program can help us follow their development and determine the ideal time for treatment.
Some children may benefit from early orthodontic treatment, while others may be ready for children’s braces later, once more permanent teeth have come in.
The right time for treatment depends on your child’s individual smile and development.
Types of Braces for Kids
If your child does need orthodontic treatment, there are several options available.
Traditional Metal Braces
Traditional braces use brackets and wires to gradually move teeth into healthier positions. They are one of the most common options for kids braces and can treat a wide range of orthodontic concerns.
Plus, kids can have fun choosing different colors for their braces at appointments!
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces work similarly to traditional braces but use tooth-colored materials that may make them less noticeable.
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners are removable, custom-made trays designed to gradually move teeth. Depending on your child’s age, orthodontic needs, and ability to consistently wear them, they may be an option for some patients.
Your orthodontist can recommend the best treatment option for your child’s smile.
What Happens During an Orthodontic Evaluation?
During your child’s visit, our team may evaluate:
- Tooth alignment and spacing
- Crowding
- How the upper and lower teeth fit together
- Jaw growth and development
- The position of permanent teeth
- Potential bite concerns
We’ll also answer your questions and help you understand whether your child needs treatment now or whether monitoring is the best next step.
How to Care for Kids in Braces
If your child starts orthodontic treatment, good oral hygiene is essential.
Encourage your child to:
- Brush thoroughly
- Floss regularly
- Attend routine dental check-ups
- Avoid foods that may damage braces
- Follow their orthodontist’s instructions
Healthy habits can help protect your child’s teeth and gums throughout their orthodontic journey.
Give Your Child’s Smile a Healthy Start
An early orthodontic evaluation can give you valuable insight into how your child’s teeth and jaws are developing.
At Unique Orthodontics, our complimentary Growth Guidance Program helps families throughout the Central Valley monitor their child’s smile and determine the best time for treatment, if needed.
With 8 convenient locations, a friendly bilingual team, advanced digital technology, and flexible payment options, we’re here to make orthodontic care easier for the whole family.
If you’re wondering whether your child may need braces for kids, schedule a complimentary orthodontic evaluation with Unique Orthodontics today.
Give your child something to smile about!