Prepare Your Child for a Lifetime of Smiles
As a parent in Atlanta, we know you want the best for your child, including healthy teeth and a pleasing smile!
Kids Should See an Orthodontist By Age 7
There are some orthodontic problems that should be addressed between the ages of 7 and 10, before all of your child’s permanent teeth have erupted.
In most cases, Dr. Francis will take a “wait-and-see” approach, and will re-evaluate the growth and development of your child periodically.
We will monitor your child as they grow and Dr. Francis will recommend the ideal time for your child to start treatment, if it becomes necessary.
What is Early Treatment?
Early treatment may prevent or intercept more serious problems from developing and may make treatment at a later age shorter and less complicated.
In some cases, Dr. Francis will be able to achieve results that may not be possible once the face and jaws have finished growing.
Choosing the Best Time for Treatment
While the age that kids get braces may vary, orthodontic treatment most often begins between the ages of 9 and 14. Some orthodontic problems are easier to correct if they’re treated early.
If Dr. Francis determines your child will need treatment, he’ll let you know when it will be best to begin treatment. This gives him the best chance to:
- Guide jaw growth
- Lower the risk of trauma to protruded front teeth
- Correct harmful oral habits
- Improve appearance and self-esteem in your child
- Guide permanent teeth into a more favorable position
- Create a more pleasing arrangement of teeth, lips and face
Signs Your Child’s Bite Isn’t Right
It can be difficult to tell when your child needs braces or has an orthodontic problem. Even teeth that look straight may be hiding a problem bite.
Here are some clues that may indicate the need for orthodontic attention:
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- Difficulty chewing or biting
- Breathing through the mouth
- Thumb-sucking
- Crowded, misplaced or blocked-out teeth
- Jaws that are too far forward or back
- Biting the cheek or biting into the roof of the mouth
- Protruding teeth
- Upper and lower teeth that don't meet, or meet in an abnormal way
- An unbalanced facial appearance
- Grinding or clenching of the teeth
Learn More at Your Free Consultation
If your child has a dental issue, please contact us by setting up a free consultation at our Atlanta office.
We look forward to talking more about your child's orthodontic options and developing a treatment plan customized to their needs.