Looking for an orthodontist that offers braces for kids? Call our office to set up an appointment with one of our orthodontists in Caledonia, MI! We offer traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, self-ligating braces, and mouth guards. Orthodontic treatment is a journey. We would be more than happy to help your child down the path toward a beautiful, healthy smile.
When Should Orthodontic Treatment Start?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends children receive orthodontic evaluations around age 7. But there’s no exact age for children to begin orthodontic treatment. Our orthodontists in Caledonia determine treatment on a case-by-case basis. Around age 7, your child will most likely have a mix of baby and adult teeth. This makes it easier for our orthodontists to diagnose and correct teeth and jaw issues.
Early treatment allows our orthodontists to:
- Correct and guide the growth of your child’s jaw to help the permanent teeth come in straight
- Regulate the width of the upper and lower arches
- Create more space for crowded teeth
- Avoid the need for permanent tooth extractions later in life
- 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 may need orthodontic treatment. That’s why we recommend each child receive an orthodontic evaluation around age 7.
Here are some signs your child may need braces:
- Difficulty biting or chewing food
- Finger or thumb sucking
- Mouth breathing
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- Crowded, misplaced, or blocked teeth
- Teeth that come together wrong or not at all
- Jaws and teeth that are not proportionate to the rest of the face
- 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. These phases take place during different times in your child’s oral development. Your child may need two-phase treatment if we need to coordinate the growth of their upper and lower jaws.
- 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. But it’s important to remember that each patient is different.
- Resting Period – There is a resting period between Phase 1 and Phase 2 while your child’s permanent teeth erupt.
- Phase 2 – We’ll resume orthodontic treatment once all the adult teeth erupt. The goal of Phase 2 Treatment is to move your child’s adult teeth into their permanent positions. During this phase, we’ll make sure your child’s teeth and bite are straight and 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 now will give your child a healthy, beautiful smile for the future. Our orthodontists in Caledonia, MI, are accepting new patients! To request an appointment with Hannapel Pellillo Orthodontics, call (616) 891-7272.
