Find out if your child’s smile could benefit from getting braces.
Getting braces early on can prevent a host of potential oral health issues for your child. Of course, it isn’t always obvious to know whether your child could benefit from orthodontic treatment. Our New York, NY, orthodontist Dr. Frank Andolino has helped countless children get healthier and straighter smiles.
When should my child see an orthodontist?
The magic age for visiting an orthodontist is no later than 7 years old. During this evaluation, our orthodontist can look for subtle changes in erupting teeth and the development of the jawbone. Your child doesn’t have to have all of their permanent teeth in order to benefit from an orthodontic evaluation.
If we do detect issues with your child’s bite or emerging teeth we will usually continue to monitor the development before deciding whether or not to recommend placing braces. Some problems may clear up all by themselves, or they may benefit from early intervention. Again, this is something that Dr. Andolino will be able to determine during your child’s consultation.
What are the benefits of early orthodontic treatment?
Getting braces early on in childhood can be beneficial for the long-term health of your child’s smile. After all it can,
- Facilitate proper jaw growth
- Reduce the risk for trauma or dental damage
- Improve your child’s appearance
- Improve eating, chewing and speaking
- Direct permanent teeth into the ideal position
Who can benefit from orthodontic treatment?
Most people aren’t born with a perfect smile. Maybe some teeth are off-kilter or your child’s developing teeth are coming in crooked. Whatever the case might be, chances are good that braces can correct these issues. Your child might benefit from early orthodontic treatment if they are dealing with,
- Gaps between teeth
- Crooked or protruding teeth
- Crowding or overlapping teeth
- Trouble chewing due to misaligned teeth
- Missing teeth or extra teeth
- Overbite, underbite, crossbite and open bite
- Disproportionate jaws or teeth
If Dr. Andolino determines that orthodontic treatment could benefit your child's smile there are several types of braces available; from Incognito braces which are placed on the back the teeth, Invisalign Teen using clear and removable aligners, as well as traditional metal and ceramic braces.
Andolino Orthodontics PC in New York, NY provides patients of all ages with the orthodontic treatment they need for a straighter, healthier smile. Call us today to schedule a consultation for yourself, your child or your teen.