Braces for Kids
Early Orthodontic Treatment
Not every child needs orthodontics, but those who do can benefit for a lifetime.
Most orthodontic conditions are preventable – but only if addressed at the right time.
By screening for orthodontic problems before age 7, Dr. Senties can catch any existing issues and develop a personalized treatment plan that corrects the issue and guides your child on the path to a perfect, healthy smile in the shortest amount of time.
It’s not just about ‘straightening teeth’. It’s about establishing a healthy foundation to support a beautiful set of permanent teeth, and preventing challenging symptoms before they worsen.
We’re proud to be your experienced children’s orthodontist in Alamo Ranch, San Antonio.
What is the best age to get braces?
The ideal time to begin orthodontic treatment is often times when the teeth and jaw bones are still developing. This is why the early teen years can be the best time to have an exam and start braces or clear aligner treatment.
According to the American Association of Orthodontists, it’s best for children to receive their first orthodontic exam by age 7. During this time, the jaw bones haven’t fully developed yet and the permanent teeth are beginning to erupt.
When you bring your child in for his or her first orthodontic exam, this doesn’t mean treatment will begin immediately. Every child is different and every child’s smile develops at a unique rate. Dr. Senties will only suggest treatment if it can benefit your child’s quality of life.
How do I know if my child needs early orthodontic treatment?
If you notice any of the following signs in your child, he or she may benefit significantly from treatment.
- Lack of self esteem or confidence when smiling
- Jaws or teeth are disproportionate to the rest of the face
- Inability or difficulty to bite into food or chew properly
- Digestive issues caused by improper chewing
- Early, late or irregular loss of baby teeth
- Crooked, crowded or gapped teeth
- Some speech difficulties
- Grinding or clenching of teeth
- Teeth that are blocked and cannot erupt
- Thumb sucking / finger sucking
- Jaw pain or facial pain
- Jaw shifting, popping or clicking
- Difficult or pain when chewing or biting
- Persistent mouth breathing
- Biting the cheeks or the roof of the mouth
Our Goal with Early Orthodontic Treatment
Through early treatment, we aim to:
- Improve self-image / self-esteem.
- Guide proper development of your child’s jaw bones
- Ensure that the upper and lower dental arches are wide enough to fit all of the permanent teeth
- Prevent or reduce facial asymmetries (asymmetric growth)
- Prevent the teeth from crowding or being blocked out
- Prevent the need for more severe treatment methods (such as jaw surgery or extractions) in the future
- Correct damage from thumbsucking to improve speech, chewing function and appearance
- Guide permanent teeth to proper positions
- Decrease the risk of trauma to protruding teeth
Phase 1 and Phase 2 Orthodontic Treatment
Early orthodontic treatment is most effective when separated into two phases, designed to work alongside the natural development of the teeth and jaw bones.
What is Phase 1 treatment?
Phase 1 orthodontic treatment is typically completed between the ages of 7 and 12. The purpose of this treatment is to establish a strong foundation with a sufficient amount of space for permanent teeth to emerge in alignment.
If your child’s palate (upper arch) is too narrow, this will be apparent during this time. The palatal expander appliance is often used during phase 1 to widen the upper jaw, creating enough space for all permanent teeth to fit in the mouth without crowding or overlapping.
If your child has a severe “underbite” (the lower teeth being ahead of the upper teeth), orthopedic correction of this problem with the use of a headgear is most effective at this stage.
What is Phase 2 treatment?
In most cases, phase 2 treatment will begin in the early teen years, when all (or most) baby teeth are lost, and all (or most) permanent teeth have fully emerged.
During this phase, we focus on the final position of all the teeth and jaw bones. Full orthodontic treatment with braces is often completed to establish a harmonious, proportionate facial appearance and to position the teeth in a straight and beautiful alignment.
How to Get Braces for Kids in Alamo Ranch, San Antonio
If your teen child needs orthodontics, we’re here to make it easy. Here’s how to get kids’ orthodontics in Alamo Ranch, San Antonio, in 3 steps:
1. Book a complimentary consultation with Dr. Senties! After you submit the form, we’ll reach out to get your first visit on the books.
2. Visit us for a free full smile assessment and consultation. Dr. Senties will examine your child’s teeth, jaws and bite alignment to determine whether they need treatment. If so, he’ll develop a personalized treatment plan.
3. Visit us periodically for check-ins, and have peace of mind that you’ve set your child up for a lifetime of healthy, happy smiles.
If you have any questions, please reach out to us! We’d love to hear from you.
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Book your free consultation with Dr. Senties and our team in Alamo Ranch, San Antonio, and start living the confident life you’ve always dreamed of.
