Create a Confident
Smile for Life
Let Carillon Family Dental give your child the beautiful smile they deserve!
request a free consultation
How to Know if Your Child Needs Orthodontic Treatment
Have you ever thought about whether your child might need braces? If so, it’s time to schedule an orthodontic consultation. Early diagnosis could lower the length of time needed for orthodontic care – and even reduce the need altogether! Here are some early signs that your child might need to see an orthodontist:
Crowded teeth
If adult teeth don’t have enough room to grow, they can start crowding against each other. Teeth that grow too close together can cause misalignment, discomfort, and can make it difficult to clean away bacteria and plaque.
Underbites, overbites, and crossbites
Abnormal bites can cause teeth to grind against each other, wearing down enamel and making it easier for cavities to form. If the front and bottom rows of teeth are not properly aligned, this can cause long-term damage through gum recession or tooth fractures.
Gaps and Spaces
As much as 80 percent of facial growth will be complete by eight years old – and while gaps and spaces are undeniably endearing in childhood, once they are set in place, they can cause dental complications as an adult. Large gaps and spaces can contribute to chewing difficulties or promote bad breath, yellow teeth, and even gum disease.
If you think your child might need an orthodontist – or if you’re considering getting orthodontic treatment yourself – Carillon Family Dental can help.
Our dentists have decades of experience in examining, diagnosing, and providing orthodontic treatment for patients of all ages. We’ll work hand-in-hand with you and your child to create a customized treatment plan, empowering her to smile confidently for years to come!
request a free consultation
Our Return to Health Pledge
Keeping You Safe and Healthy
The importance of oral health cannot be overstated – especially in a time when health is front and center of our day-to-day lives. You deserve the opportunity to maintain your oral health in a clean, safe, and comfortable environment. Our Return to Health pledge gives patients the confidence to schedule their next appointment without concern. Our staff is fully committed to:
- Staying up-to-date on national health mandates and emerging research
- Maintaining strict infection control standards from the ADA and CDC
- Wearing PPE at all times (including N95 masks, face shields, and gowns)
- Minimizing contact through contactless check-ins, check outs, and virtual dental appointments
Visit our office with confidence, knowing your safety and dental health are our top priorities. Whether it’s been a few months or a few years since you’ve been to the dentist, it’s time to get your oral health back on track with Carillon Family Dental.
Frequently Asked Questions
What orthodontic issues is Invisalign capable of treating?
In short: YES! This is a crucial step in ensuring that your child’s mouth is healthy and strong for years to come. Early orthodontic consultations can drastically reduce – or eliminate – the amount of time spent in orthodontic treatment, saving you money while setting your child up for long-term oral health.
Best of all, orthodontic consultations with Carillon Family Dental are completely free of charge. It’s never been easier to invest in your child’s oral health!
request a free consultation
When should I bring my child in for an orthodontic consultation?
There is no hard and fast rule on how old a child should be before they see an orthodontist – but a good rule of thumb is to bring them in once they start getting their permanent teeth. Keep in mind that many complications that lead to orthodontic treatment can be identified and corrected before the age of seven (so don’t put off their consultation for too long).
What can I expect from an orthodontic consultation?
An orthodontic consultation is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of a patient’s oral development. During an orthodontic consultation, a dentist will inspect the teeth, gums, facial shape, and bite. We may take x-rays, photographs, digital scans, or plaster moulds to get a better idea of how a patient’s teeth, gums, and jaw are growing and interacting with each other.
Afterwards, your dentist will be able to identify whether early orthodontic treatment is needed and will recommend a customized treatment plan.
Does orthodontia always mean braces?
Not always. While braces are the most commonly known, there are many different types of orthodontic treatment, such as braces, Invisalign®, etc. Once we are able to examine your child’s mouth during the consultation, we’ll be able to recommend the right treatment for their unique needs.