Youth Orthodontics in Centennial, CO
At Movement Orthodontics, we know how important it is for your child to have a happy, healthy smile as part of their overall well-being. As a leading provider of specialized youth orthodontic services in Centennial, CO, we are dedicated to properly developing your child’s teeth and jaw. We’re here to provide personalized and compassionate care, whether your kid needs traditional braces or clear aligners.
Braces for Children: What Is The Right Age?
Generally, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that children see an orthodontist at 7 or the earliest sign of malocclusion. It’s easier to fix some orthodontic issues, like underbites or very crowded teeth, at this age because your child’s teeth are still developing. However, many orthodontic problems are best treated after all the permanent teeth come in. Making an early appointment will let you know if your child needs treatment. The majority of children receive braces between the ages of 9 and 14.
The importance of orthodontic treatment for maintaining oral health cannot be overstated, especially for children. Children’s orthodontic needs evolve as they grow, and addressing them early can ensure your child has a lifetime of healthy, beautiful, and confident smiles.
What is Phase 1 Orthodontic Treatment?
A child’s first orthodontic treatment, also known as Early Interceptive treatment, is performed when he or she still has a mix of baby and adult teeth. During this phase, potential problems are addressed before they become more serious. An orthodontic appliance may be used to guide jaw growth, create space for incoming teeth, and correct harmful oral habits before they become serious problems.
Indications for Phase 1 Orthodontics
Phase 1 Orthodontics may benefit your child if:
- Their teeth are crooked, crowded, or gapped
- Dental crossbites where teeth are biting on the wrong side
- Impacted adult teeth are erupting in the wrong direction
- Your child is having self-confidence issues with their smile
- They do not have a correctly aligned bite
- They have protruding teeth
- They have habits that could negatively affect the development of their jaw and bite (for example, sucking their thumb or digits).
- They have speaking or speech problems.
- When the jaw is not proportionate to the rest of the head
- When baby teeth obstruct incoming adult teeth
- The shape of their jaw makes it difficult for them to breathe comfortably and effectively.
Orthodontic problems like misaligned teeth, difficulty chewing, or shifting jaws should be taken seriously. Untreated orthodontic problems may result in tooth decay, gum disease, tooth loss, difficulty eating and sleeping, speech impairments, malnutrition, and confidence issues.
Why Consider Youth Orthodontics?
- Early Intervention
Addressing orthodontic issues early on can reduce the complexity and length of future orthodontic treatment. - Healthy Development
Teeth and jaw alignment prevent cavities, reduce gum disease risk, and improve your child’s ability to chew and talk. - Improved Confidence
A straight, beautiful smile can significantly enhance your child’s self-esteem.
By monitoring your child’s orthodontic development early on, Dr. Dao can detect problems such as overcrowding, misalignment, or bite issues. This proactive approach prevents future complications and reduces the need for extensive treatments later. Scheduling your child for an appointment for pediatric orthodontic treatment is vitally important for their development.
Invest in Your Child’s Confident Smile
We’re here to make sure your kid gets the best orthodontic care. Contact us today to learn more about our braces and clear aligner options for kids in Centennial, CO. Together, we can create a lifelong, healthy, and beautiful smile for your child. Contact us at 303-228-3350 or book online for more information.