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About Children and Braces
Children and teenagers are ideal candidates for orthodontic treatment. Because the jaw bone is soft and still growing, a young patient’s smile is particularly receptive to re-alignment. In addition to enhanced aesthetics, a straighter smile also offers significant health benefits, including improved speech and better access for oral hygiene.
Does Your Child Need Braces?
When Should You See an Orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a visit to the orthodontist at age 7 (or earlier if oral or facial irregularities are present). Early intervention allows us to guide the growth of the jaw bone and improve permanent tooth eruption patterns. We do this by creating more space where teeth are crowded and regulating the width of the upper and lower jaw. This helps to avoid impacted teeth and other costly and painful complications later on in life.
What Causes Misalignment?
Most bite issues are inherited, but they can also be caused or exacerbated by habits and behaviors that are common with young children including finger sucking, overuse of pacifiers, poor nutrition and poor oral hygiene.
Diagnosis
To determine if your child will benefit from braces, we will perform several painless diagnostic procedures. This initial phase may include panoramic x-rays, digital impressions, and computer-generated images of the head, neck and jaw. These steps also help us to decide on the best treatment option for your child.
Treatment
Braces are common among children. For this reason, the embarrassment factor is low when compared to adults, and therefore we often use traditional metal braces on children. Colorful bands are added, giving kids a new and fun way to express themselves! As a child moves into the teen years, however, he or she may request a more discreet treatment method such as Invisalign Teen® or clear ceramic braces.
We are here to make your child’s orthodontic experience as comfortable and successful as possible. Please give us a call for more information: Tendler Orthodontics Boca Raton Office Phone Number 561-826-7955.