Exceptional Early Orthodontic Treatment in Tucson
We know you want your child's smile to be healthy and beautiful throughout their lifetime. Part of achieving those results is bringing your child in to visit our orthodontist at a young age. Dr. Bedoya and our staff at Doctor Smiles Orthodontics happily provide early orthodontic treatment as a way to ensure the proper development of your child's teeth, gums, and jaws.
From the moment you and your child walk through our doors, we take the time to get to know you personally. By using age-appropriate language and interactive demonstrations of our dental equipment, our team helps your little one feel welcomed and important. Our goal is to make going to the orthodontist something to look forward to and not something to dread. If you think your child needs early orthodontic treatment in Tucson, contact one of our friendly staff to schedule your appointment today!
CALL US: (520) 571-1756 REQUEST APPOINTMENT
Your Helpful Tucson Orthodontist
Before you come into our office, you may have some questions about the process of early orthodontic treatment. We want you and your child to feel confident about all our services and will gladly address any questions or concerns you have before beginning treatment. As a part of our Tucson orthodontist's commitment to making you as comfortable as possible, here are a few of the most commonly asked questions and their answers.
When Should You Begin Orthodontic Treatment?
Our orthodontist can improve the smiles of patients across all ages. However, it is best to begin treatment in early childhood. Your child's initial orthodontic evaluation should take place at the first indication of an orthodontic problem or by age seven, as recommended by The American Association of Orthodontists.
During this age, full orthodontic services like Invisalign or braces might not be required, but a thorough examination allows our orthodontist to anticipate the most advantageous time to begin treatment. Additionally, visiting Dr. Bedoya at this age ensures the greatest long-term result. By doing this, we help minimize your time in our office and limit unexpected expenses from occurring in the future.
Why Is Age Seven Considered the Optimal Time for an Initial Evaluation?
The first evaluations and treatments your child will undergo are considered Phase 1 orthodontics. Typically, the first adult molars will erupt around age seven, establishing the back bite. At this time, Dr. Bedoya can predict how your child's bite will develop by analyzing side-to-side and front-to-back tooth relationships. Should your child's incisors erupt, this may be an indicator of a possible overbite, open bite, gummy smile, or crowding. The earlier we perform these evaluations, the higher the chance of preventing long-term problems and crafting an incredible smile.
If your child requires Phase 1 intervention, Dr. Bedoya will fully educate you on the process and what to expect during treatment. Some solutions she may recommend include limited phase braces, spacers, and other dental appliances. Typically, most treatments in this phase take about one year.
What Is Phase 2 Orthodontics?
When all your child's adult teeth develop, we will begin Phase 2 orthodontics, if needed. Usually, we start treatment between the ages of eleven and twelve. Our primary focus during this phase is to ensure the aesthetics and function of your child's smile. During this age, the jaws and gums of your child are still malleable, and it is the optimal time to begin preventive orthodontics. If they are necessary, we start using braces and growth modification appliances at this time.
Are There Benefits to Early Orthodontic Evaluation?
Early evaluation allows us to be proactive in detecting problems and gives us greater opportunities for more effective treatments. This intervention guides growth and development, helping maintain complete oral health that can last a lifetime.
When orthodontic intervention is not immediately required, Dr. Bedoya carefully monitors your child's dental development. By doing so, she can identify the ideal time to begin orthodontic services like braces or Invisalign.
What Are the Advantages of Early Orthodontic Treatment in Tucson?
Orthodontic treatment isn't simply about making sure your child's teeth are straight. We look at the complete picture to ensure lasting dental health and wellness. Some benefits of early orthodontic treatment include:
- Making space for crowded, erupting teeth
- Influencing jaw growth to improve facial symmetry
- Reducing treatment time with braces
- Preserving space for unerupted teeth
- Minimizing the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth
- Lowering the need for tooth removal
Start Safeguarding Your Child's Smile Today!
At Doctor Smiles Orthodontics, we are passionate about the long-term health of your child's smile. By exploring our options for early orthodontic treatment in Tucson, you can help prevent bite, alignment, and aesthetic issues from developing. A visit to your trusted orthodontist is a step toward a future of beautiful smiles. If you need braces for kids in Tucson, contact us directly or book an appointment online to get your child started on early orthodontic treatment today!
CALL US: (520) 571-1756 REQUEST APPOINTMENT
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