When Should You Make an Orthodontic Appointment for Your Child?

Ready to kick your smile into gear? Brandon Orthodontics is the perfect place for anyone needing help with their teeth – even children. Dr. Brandon uses only the latest technology and methods while providing a casual atmosphere that makes you feel comfortable. Whether you are an adult, teen, or child, we can provide orthodontic treatment plans in San Clemente, California, to bring teeth into optimal shape. We have years of experience in braces and other treatments like Invisalign clear aligners and habit therapy. If you have any questions, such as what age to schedule your child’s first orthodontic appointment, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Beautiful Smiles Start Early

At Brandon Orthodontics, we believe that creating beautiful smiles starts early. And we understand how important it is for children to have a positive experience when visiting the orthodontist and strive to create a comfortable and fun environment for our young patients. But when exactly should you make an appointment with an orthodontist for your child?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children be evaluated by an orthodontic specialist no later than age 7. While this may seem like a young age to consider braces, there are several reasons why visiting us during these critical growth years is essential.

First, early treatment can help correct issues before they become more serious. If we identify any problems while the jaws and teeth are still developing, we can often provide proactive treatment that prevents further complications. This type of preventative care can save you time and money in the long run.

Early treatment can also help ensure that your child’s permanent teeth come in correctly and evenly spaced. If their permanent teeth are crowded or misaligned due to jaw size discrepancies, we can plan orthodontic treatments such as braces or retainers to realign them properly. By providing early intervention, we can minimize the treatment needed later in life—and who doesn’t want to save those extra visits?

Finally, early visits allow us to track your child’s development over time to determine if any additional treatments will be necessary before their adult teeth come in fully. This type of monitoring helps us customize a treatment plan tailored specifically to meet your child’s needs now and in the future.

What is Habit Therapy?

At Brandon Orthodontics, we specialize in children’s orthodontic treatments, including habit therapy. Habit therapy helps children who have developed early childhood oral habits, such as thumb sucking and tongue thrusting. Left unchecked, these habits can lead to dental and orthodontic issues like misaligned teeth and difficulty speaking. Through habit therapy, we work with the child and their parents to help them understand why it’s important to replace bad oral habits with good ones. We also provide several resources and tips to support the child while transitioning from harmful habits. Our goal is always to give kids the best smiles possible without putting extra stress or discomfort on them during this development time.

Children’s Orthodontist in San Clemente, CA

If you are looking for children’s orthodontic treatments in the San Clemente area, come to Brandon Orthodontics. Making an appointment with an orthodontist for your child does not necessarily mean they will need braces immediately; it simply means that it is time for us to evaluate their dental health and create a personalized plan. At Brandon Orthodontics, we prioritize prevention and ensure your child’s smile is healthy today, tomorrow, and beyond!

You or your child no longer need to be intimidated by going to the orthodontist! Our friendly staff will ensure all your questions are answered before getting started. You’ll know what’s going on throughout the journey towards straighter teeth. Contact us today to schedule a consultation!