Get a Head Start on a Beautiful Smile
As a parent in Clinton, Madison, and the surrounding areas, we know you want the best for your child. That includes healthy teeth and a pleasing smile!
Our team will treat your children like our own by giving them the best possible orthodontic care, from start to finish.
Kids Should Get an Orthodontic Check-Up By 7
Orthodontic problems can affect both children and adults - even those who wore braces when they were young. That's because teeth are more mobile than you might think. In fact, teeth move very gradually all the time in response to the normal forces of biting and chewing.
But the teeth can also be pushed out of proper alignment when, for example, young children develop unhealthy habits such as thumb sucking or tongue thrusting.
These and other orthodontic problems usually become apparent around age seven, when the permanent teeth have started to come in. That's why an orthodontic evaluation is recommended for all kids at this age.
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. Moffett and Dr. Walley will be able to achieve results that may not be possible once the face and jaws have finished growing.
Choosing the Best Time for Treatmen
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. Moffett or Dr. Walley thinks your child will need treatment, they'll let you know when it will be best to begin treatment. This gives your orthodontist 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 the Bite's Not Right
It's not always easy to tell when your child may need 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 Clinton or Madison office.
Our team is here and ready to talk with you about your child's orthodontic options and develop a treatment plan customized to their unique needs!