Pediatric Orthodontics – Worcester, MA
Correct Your Child’s Smile Earlier, Not Later
If you had the peace of mind that your child’s oral health was taken care of and that you could save money on costly treatments for their future care, wouldn’t you take the steps necessary to make it happen? If your child is dealing with orthodontic problems at a young age, it’s always easier to get it taken care of now while their teeth are still developing, using pediatric orthdontics in Worcester, MA. At Simply Orthodontics, Dr. Alkhoury recommends that you bring your child in for an exam by the age of seven, as this is the age where orthodontic issues are most recognizable and treatable.
What is Pediatric Orthodontics?
The basic idea of Phase 1 orthodontics is relatively straightforward. The main goal is to help your child achieve a healthy smile and avoid problematic overcrowding, misalignment, bite problems and address non-nutritive habits ahead of time. It gives Dr. Alkhoury a chance to create enough room in their mouth for permanent teeth to erupt, which is extremely important to avoiding complications later. Once your child reaches the age of seven, we recommend that you bring them into the orthodontic office so we can confirm the growing patterns of your child’s teeth and jaw.
What Kind of Treatments Accompany this Specialty?
Keep in mind that these types of orthodontic treatments are generally not as long as more traditional options like braces. In contrast, these treatments tend to last between 9 and 12 months. When we talk about specific treatments, we often refer to options like headgears or other functional appliances. We also talk about limited phase braces, or braces that are only worn for a fraction of the time compared to traditional solutions. We might use a specialized retainer, an expansion appliance, or a space maintainer as well, all of which are designed to treat specific concerns.
What are the Benefits of Pediatric Orthodontics?
If it’s indicated that your child is a candidate for early intervention, you’ll learn that there are many benefits that accompany treatment. For one, we can reduce the risk of teeth becoming impacted as they erupt, as more room will be available for their teeth to grow and develop. It also helps your child avoid speech problems, which are often caused by failing to address early orthodontic issues when they appear. The sooner we can influence your child’s growth in a positive manner and create harmony with their arches, the more likely we can correct harmful oral habits (i.e. thumb-sucking, tongue-thrusting) and improve the aesthetics of their smile.