Early Orthodontic Treatment in
San Antonio, TX
At San Antonio Orthodontics, our mission is simple: help our patients achieve healthy smiles through quality orthodontic treatment. As a leading San Antonio orthodontist, we’re proud to serve patients of all ages with comprehensive orthodontic care. Sometimes the orthodontic treatment process needs to start early – and when that’s the case, we offer early orthodontic treatment to help San Antonio kids achieve great smiles.
When Should I First Bring
my Child to the Orthodontist?
Chances are you’re wondering when you should first take your child to the orthodontist. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends parents bring their children in for an initial evaluation at age 7. At this age, we can identify developing malposition of the teeth and jaws allowing us to choose the ideal time for treatment. We won’t always start orthodontic treatment at this early age, but evaluating early gives us the flexibility to plan ahead and begin treatment at the perfect moment.
Why Age
Seven?
Around age 7 the first molars and other key dental “landmarks” will have grown in, and your San Antonio orthodontist can evaluate how your child’s bite is developing. With the help of an orthodontics x-ray, we can identify if the child is missing any adult teeth, if they have any extra teeth that may cause deviations in normal tooth eruption, or if they have facial bones that are growing abnormally. Depending on the specific needs of your child, your San Antonio orthodontist may recommend early interceptive orthodontic. Only a fraction of children need the first phase of treatment, and if it is not needed we will observe your child’s dental development until the perfect time for their treatment.
Why Does My Child Need
Early Orthodontic Care?
Early orthodontic care isn’t right for everyone – but for children who need it, it allows the orthodontist to guide the growth of the jaws and prevent bigger issues for your child’s smile in the future. In childhood, the bones of the mouth are more malleable than in adolescence, which allows us to use specialized devices to influence the growth of the jaw and achieve a better bite. We can also evaluate the amount of crowding in the mouth and prevent permanent teeth from getting stuck in the jaws and not being able to erupt as they should. In the long run, this treatment helps to minimize the total time your child spends in braces, and it can prevent costly, extensive treatments like jaw surgery later in life.
For children who need it, early orthodontic care can come with a wide range of advantages:
- Achieve a healthier, more beautiful smile
- Improve child’s self esteem
- Prevent the need for oral surgery
- Minimize total time spent in braces
- Solve significant bite issues like crossbite, overbite, or underbite
- Protect protruding front teeth from damage
- Eliminate the need for tooth extractions
- Prevent permanent teeth from getting stuck in the jaw and not being able to erupt normally.
- Influencer jaw growth and improve facial symmetry
Consultation
Schedule a Consultation with
Your San Antonio Orthodontist
If you are ready to bring your child in for their first appointment, we would love to help. Use our easy online form to request an appointment at our San Antonio office, or don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.