Children can begin the orthodontic process around their pre-teen or teenage years. While this may seem quite early, addressing these issues at a young age can help reduce the need for more extensive corrections in the future. Before they begin wearing braces, phase one treatment can be used to assess their needs and determine a treatment plan. These steps can help get your little one ready for the next steps. Today, Shirley Orthodontics and Pediatrics will explain what happens during this initial process.
Establishing A Healthy Routine
Before talking about the alignment process, it is important that your child knows how to properly care for their teeth and gums. This helps keep their smile healthy and creates an effective routine before braces are added. You can start bringing your little one into the dentist as early as their first tooth develops. This can seem young, but it is important to get them comfortable with the team before regular checkups can continue. After this, they can begin seeing the dentist biannually. At home, your young one should also be brushing and flossing twice a day. Depending on their age, they may want to do this on their own. Make sure that you are supervising them to ensure they are doing this thoroughly. If their team notices any missed spots during a checkup, they can give helpful tips on how to improve this.
Starting Phase One Treatment
You can bring your child in for an orthodontic consultation around the age of seven years old. At this age, their baby teeth will begin making way for the permanent ones. Jaw problems may also be recognized around this stage, and their orthodontic team can consider this when producing a treatment plan. Tools such as expanders or space maintainers may be used during phase one to guide the growth of their jaw and ensure the correct eruption of adult teeth.
If you were unable to go through orthodontic treatment as a child, we offer care for adults as well. The team will examine your smile and discuss your treatment plan. More discreet options, such as Invisalign or clear braces, may be offered to adult patients.
Time For The Alignment Process
After phase one treatment and a resting period, the true alignment process can begin. During this stage, your child will wear braces to help correct the position of their teeth. Options such as Invisalign are usually reserved for teens and adults because you must be mature enough to take care of the clear trays. Braces can be a big change for your little one. Remind them that this process yields many benefits, and many of their peers will go through this same process.
Schedule Their Appointment Today
To get started on the orthodontic process, call Shirley Orthodontics in Pediatrics in Shirley, NY, today at 631.399.1600.
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