Orthodontics
Every child deserves a confident, healthy smile. At Dental Care 4 Kids, we make that happen with orthodontic treatments designed just for kids and teens. Whether your child needs braces or another orthodontic solution, we’re here to help guide you every step of the way. Let’s explore how orthodontic care in Englewood can help shape their best smile.
Understanding Orthodontic Care
Let’s talk about orthodontics and what it means for your child. You can basically think of orthodontics as a way to guide your child’s beautiful smile as they grow.
Orthodontic care is not just about getting straight teeth, though that’s definitely part of it. It’s also about ensuring your child’s bite works well so they can eat comfortably, speak clearly, and flash those confident grins.
You might be wondering when you should start thinking about orthodontics. Here’s the scoop: We recommend having a first look around age seven. Now, don’t worry, this doesn’t mean your child will need braces right away. It just helps us spot any potential issues early on.
Common Orthodontic Problems in Children
Growing smiles sometimes need a helping hand. Those little quirks you notice about your child’s teeth? They’re totally normal and fixable.
- Crowded teeth happen when there isn’t enough space for all the adult teeth to line up nicely. You might see some teeth overlapping or twisting.
- Gaps between teeth are super common, too. That gap-toothed smile can be absolutely adorable, but sometimes those spaces are bigger than you’d like.
- Bite issues show up when teeth don’t meet the right way. Maybe your child’s top teeth stick out too far or their bottom teeth sit in front, making it hard for them to bite into certain foods.
The good news? Catching these issues early makes them easier to fix. If you’ve noticed any of these things about your child’s smile, we’re here to help.
Types of Orthodontic Treatments Available
Every kid who walks through our doors has their own unique smile story. That’s why we offer different treatment options to match their needs and personality. From traditional braces to invisible aligners, we’ll find the perfect fit for your child’s orthodontic journey.
Traditional Braces
Modern braces come in two styles. Metal braces are smaller and more comfortable than ever (and kids love choosing colored bands to make them unique). Clear braces work the same way but use tooth-colored or clear materials that blend in with your child’s smile. Both types are great at fixing all kinds of smile concerns, from crooked teeth to bite problems.
Clear Aligners
Perfect for teens, clear aligners are virtually invisible trays that straighten teeth without anyone noticing. They’re super stealthy, comfortable, and easy to pop out for eating, brushing, or special moments. Many of our teen patients love them because they can still enjoy all their favorite foods and keep their teeth sparkling clean. Plus, with fewer office visits needed, they’re great for busy families.
Dental Appliances
Sometimes, our team uses special dental appliances to help guide your child’s teeth and jaw growth. Maybe your child needs space maintainers to save room for adult teeth or palate expanders to create more space. Or perhaps they could benefit from gentle reminder appliances that help with thumb-sucking habits. Each solution helps make your child’s journey to a healthy smile easier.
What to Expect During Orthodontic Treatment
Starting orthodontic treatment is an exciting step for your child. Here’s what the journey might look like:
First Visit
We’ll start your child’s first orthodontic visit with a gentle exam, followed by a friendly chat. We’ll first get a complete picture of your child’s teeth and jaw using advanced imaging. Then, we’ll do a thorough examination to assess their teeth, bite, and overall oral health.
After that, we’ll sit down together to talk about the treatment options that could work best for your child. Every child is unique, which is why we love hearing questions and concerns from both parents and kids. Your input helps us create the perfect treatment plan, one that fits your child’s needs, lifestyle, and smile goals.
Getting Started
Once we’ve created your child’s treatment plan, we’ll schedule their appointment to begin their smile journey. Whether they’re getting braces, aligners, or another treatment, we ensure the process is comfortable and stress-free.
On the big day, we’ll walk your child through each step so they know exactly what to expect. We explain everything in kid-friendly terms and give them time to ask questions. Plus, we’ll teach them and you all about caring for their new orthodontic devices, from brushing techniques to foods to avoid.
Regular Checkups
Most kids wear braces or aligners for 18 to 24 months, but every smile is different. During that time, we’ll typically see your child every 6 to 8 weeks for quick adjustment visits. Kids with clear aligners may need fewer visits, as we can provide several sets of aligners at once.
At each visit, we’ll check their progress and make any needed adjustments. For braces, this might mean changing wires or elastic bands. Your child can even pick new colors if they’d like. If they’re using other appliances like expanders, we’ll adjust those, too.
Each appointment is quick and gentle. And we always celebrate your child’s progress toward their perfect smile. Our team loves seeing how our young patients’ smiles change and grow with each checkup.
Final Visit
On the final visit, we’ll remove your child’s braces or finish their last set of aligners. Then, we’ll fit them for a retainer to keep their new smile looking great.
Retainers are an important part of the journey, as they help keep teeth in their new positions. We’ll show your child exactly how to wear and care for their retainer, so their beautiful new smile withstands the test of time.
Why Choose Dental Care for Kids
Wondering why you should choose our clinic? We’re all about kids’ smiles. From our fun office to our gentle care, everything we do is designed to make your child feel right at home.
Here’s a little more about what makes us special:
- Smiles start here: Our whole team loves working with children. We know how to make dental visits comfortable and even fun, so kids actually look forward to seeing us.
- Expert care: We’ve helped thousands of young smiles grow beautifully. Our team stays up to date with the best ways to straighten teeth and fix bite problems to ensure the highest quality of care.
- Family friendly: We make orthodontic care easy with convenient appointment times and a team that respects your schedule. Plus, we’re always here when you have questions.
At Dental Care 4 Kids, we’re committed to giving your child the healthy, confident smile they deserve. Come see what makes us different by scheduling your child’s visit today.
Schedule Your Child’s Orthodontic Appointment
Are you ready to start your child’s smile journey? We’d love to meet you.
The best time for the first Englewood orthodontic appointment is around age 7, but we welcome children of all ages. Early visits simply help us catch and fix small issues before they grow bigger. But if your child is older, don’t worry. We’re happy to create beautiful, healthy smiles for kids and teens at any stage of their orthodontic journey.
