What is children’s orthodontics?
Children’s orthodontics, also known as Phase 1 orthodontics, is a treatment that is performed on your child while some baby teeth are still present. The goal of this treatment is to anticipate and eradicate any developing issues, support facial and jaw bone growth, and create ample room for incoming permanent teeth. Children’s orthodontics can provide your child with the proactive care they need to lead a lifetime of strong oral health.
Benefits of Children's Orthodontics
Healthier Growth & Development
Early orthodontic care guides jaw growth and tooth eruption, helping create a strong, balanced foundation for a lifetime of oral health.
Reduced Need for Complex Treatment Later
Addressing concerns early can simplify or shorten future orthodontic treatment and may help avoid extractions or surgery.
Improved Confidence at a Young Age
Correcting bite and alignment issues early helps children feel more comfortable smiling, speaking, and interacting with others.
Better Bite Function & Comfort
Early treatment improves how the teeth fit together, making chewing, speaking, and daily function more comfortable and efficient.
How it works: The children’s orthodontics process
Consultation
Consultation
At your consultation, your orthodontist will determine if treatment is necessary and beneficial for your child. First, your orthodontist will examine your child’s jaw, dental arches, and teeth to check for early signs of gaps, crowding, and misalignment. They will also address all oral habits like nail biting, tongue thrusting, and thumb sucking. Your orthodontist will be sure to share helpful flossing and brushing techniques to ensure good oral hygiene and a successful treatment outcome for your little one.
Appliance Placement
Appliance Placement
After gathering data and deciding on the best orthodontic treatment for your child, your orthodontist will securely place a custom dental appliance into your child’s mouth. Once your child’s dental appliance is securely fixed, your orthodontist will check for proper fit to ensure maximum comfort.
Impressions and Digital Imaging
Impressions and Digital Imaging
Your orthodontist will then take a series of x-rays and impressions or models to document your child’s facial profile as well as any tooth or bite issues to determine if extractions or removable appliances will be necessary, such as a space maintainer, palatal expander, or limited braces. Each case is unique, so while some children benefit from a device used to maintain or move teeth and jaw positions, others see better results when some baby teeth are removed.
Next Steps
Next Steps
Schedule a follow-up appointment with your child’s orthodontist every 4-8 weeks to monitor progress. Children’s orthodontic treatment can be completed in 12-18 months or less, so your child can enjoy a strong, healthy smile for life.
Before & Afters
Underbite
Underbite
Frequently Asked Questions
Check out these frequently asked questions, or call us to speak with our team.
The cost of children’s orthodontics is different for each patient. Factors that may affect the cost include the severity of your child’s teeth misalignment, appointment and visits, insurance type, and more. The best way to find out how much you’ll pay for your child’s care is to schedule a consultation with your orthodontist.
While many orthodontic problems are inherited, some are caused by common habits over time, such as thumb sucking, finger sucking, or excessive pacifier use. Other factors such as mouth breathing, dental disease, abnormal swallowing, poor dental hygiene, or early or late loss of baby teeth, accidents, and poor nutrition can alter your child’s teeth and jaw alignment. No matter the cause, our team will cater to your child’s unique needs and teach them healthy habits for a lifetime of optimal oral health.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that your child’s first check-up should take place before the age of 7 or any time an orthodontic issue is noticed before then. By the age of 7, your child’s mouth holds enough permanent teeth for an orthodontist to gain a strong understanding of your child’s mouth and jaws as they develop. This provides your orthodontist with plenty of information to give your child a tailored treatment.
Early treatment can be in a patient’s best interest if their problem is one that could worsen over time and cause severe dental issues in adulthood if left untreated. The goal of children’s orthodontics is to recognize and eliminate these problems as early as possible, so a child’s teeth and jaw can properly grow and maintain space for incoming adult teeth.
If your child shows one or more of the following signs and symptoms, they may be a good candidate for orthodontic treatment:
- Underbites
- Crossbites
- Crowded teeth
- Excessively gapped teeth
- Extra or missing teeth
- Excessive thumb, finger, or pacifier sucking
Our team is happy to work directly with you and your child to assess these symptoms before they become severe issues over time
Let’s create your dream smile
Your smile deserves a dedicated team who takes the time to get it right. With friendly specialists, modern tools, and a comfortable approach, Waltuch and Callan Orthodontics is ready to help you get started.