Juniors
Caledonia & Hastings Orthodontic Care
Looking for an orthodontist who offers braces for kids? Call our office to schedule an appointment with one of our orthodontists in Caledonia & Hastings, MI! We offer traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, self-ligating braces, and mouthguards. Orthodontic treatment is a journey. We would be more than happy to guide your child along the path to a beautiful, healthy smile.
When Should Orthodontic Treatment Start?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children receive orthodontic evaluations around age 7. However, there is no exact age for starting orthodontic treatment. Our orthodontists in Caledonia determine the best approach on a case-by-case basis. Around age 7, your child will most likely have a mix of baby and adult teeth, which makes it easier for our orthodontists to diagnose and correct teeth and jaw issues.
Early treatment allows our orthodontists to:
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Correct and guide the growth of your child’s jaw to help permanent teeth come in straight
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Regulate the width of the upper and lower arches
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Create more space for crowded teeth
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Reduce the need for permanent tooth extractions later in life
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Correct thumb-sucking and help improve minor speech problems
How Do I Know If My Child Needs Braces?
It’s not always easy to know if your child needs orthodontic treatment. That’s why we recommend that every child receive an orthodontic evaluation around age 7.
Here are some signs your child may need braces:
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Difficulty biting or chewing food
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Finger- or thumb-sucking
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Mouth breathing
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Early or late loss of baby teeth
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Crowded, misplaced, or blocked teeth
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Teeth that do not meet properly or fail to come together
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Jaws and teeth that are not proportionate to the rest of the face
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Jaws that pop or make sounds when opening and closing
What Is Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment?
We may need to divide your child’s orthodontic treatment into two distinct phases, which occur at different stages of their oral development. Two-phase treatment may be necessary if we need to coordinate the growth of your child’s upper and lower jaws.
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Phase 1 – The goal of Phase 1 treatment is to create space in your child’s jaw for all their permanent adult teeth. Your child may need two-phase treatment if they have a narrow upper jaw or crowded teeth. It’s important to remember that each patient is different.
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Resting Period – There is a resting period between Phase 1 and Phase 2 while your child’s permanent teeth erupt.
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Phase 2 – Orthodontic treatment resumes once all the adult teeth have erupted. The goal of Phase 2 treatment is to move your child’s permanent teeth into their final positions. During this phase, we ensure your child’s teeth and bite are straight and properly aligned. The average Phase 2 treatment lasts 18 to 24 months.
Call Hannapel Pellillo Orthodontics!
It’s never too late to schedule an orthodontic evaluation for your child. Early treatment can help ensure your child enjoys a healthy, beautiful smile for the future. Our orthodontists in Caledonia & Hastings, MI, are currently accepting new patients! To request an appointment with Hannapel Pellillo Orthodontics, call (616) 891-7272.
