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.
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.Â
When you bring your child in for his or her first orthodontic exam, this doesn’t mean treatment will begin immediately.
Every smile develops at its own pace, which is why we carefully monitor growth before recommending treatment. If your child isn’t ready for treatment yet, they’ll get to join our Kids Club! This fun and supportive program allows us to keep an eye on their smile as it grows, so we can begin treatment at just the right time.
If you notice any of the following signs in your child, he or she may benefit significantly from treatment.
Through early treatment, we aim to:
Early orthodontic treatment is most effective when separated into two phases, designed to work alongside the natural development of the teeth and jaw bones.
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.
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.
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.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. At this age, an orthodontist can evaluate how the permanent teeth and jaws are developing and identify potential concerns early. An evaluation at age 7 does not necessarily mean your child will need braces right away.
Signs that your child may benefit from orthodontic treatment include crowded or crooked teeth, gaps between teeth, difficulty biting or chewing, an underbite or other bite problems, early or late loss of baby teeth, protruding teeth, persistent mouth breathing, or teeth that are blocked from erupting properly. An orthodontic exam is the best way to determine whether treatment is necessary.
There is no single best age for every child. Many children begin comprehensive braces treatment during their early teenage years, once most or all of their permanent teeth have erupted. Some children can benefit from earlier treatment between ages 7 and 12 when jaw growth or tooth development needs to be guided.
Phase 1 orthodontic treatment is early treatment that typically takes place between ages 7 and 12. Its purpose is to address specific developmental concerns while a child’s jaws are still growing. Treatment may help create room for permanent teeth, guide jaw development, address certain bite problems, and reduce the risk of more complicated orthodontic problems later.
Not every child needs two phases of orthodontic treatment. Phase 1 is recommended only when early treatment can address a problem that would be more difficult to correct later. If a second phase is needed, it generally occurs after most or all of the permanent teeth have erupted and focuses on their final alignment and bite.
A palatal expander may be recommended when a child’s upper jaw is too narrow. Because a child’s jaw is still developing, an expander can gradually widen the upper arch to create additional space for permanent teeth and help address certain bite or crowding problems.
No. Many children who have an orthodontic evaluation at age 7 do not need immediate treatment. If your child’s smile is developing normally or treatment would be more effective later, Dr. Senties can monitor their growth and recommend treatment at the appropriate time.
Senties Family Orthodontics provides orthodontic treatment for kids at our Alamo Ranch office in San Antonio, Texas. Dr. Senties evaluates your child’s teeth, jaws, bite, and development and creates a personalized treatment plan when orthodontic care is needed.
You can request a complimentary orthodontic consultation with Dr. Senties at Senties Family Orthodontics in San Antonio. During the visit, we’ll evaluate your child’s teeth, jaws, and bite to determine whether treatment is recommended and discuss the appropriate next steps.
