Children’s Orthodontics

Is Early Orthodontic Treatment for Children Necessary?

Parents are usually relieved to learn that “early orthodontics” at Today’s Orthodontics is NOT about getting braces! Rather, overall oral health is affected by proper alignment and symmetry of your smile, jaw, and face. Your child’s early evaluation with our children’s orthodontists in Canton, Novi, Livonia, and Woodhaven, MI, is not simply for aesthetics but will help guide the growth and development of your child’s jaw and teeth – preventing more serious problems later.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that your child’s initial orthodontic evaluation should occur by age 7 – the time when adult teeth are erupting. At Today’s Orthodontics, we evaluate erupting teeth to detect issues such as a possible overbite, open bite, crowding, or gummy smiles. We can tell if your child will benefit from early treatment, as many potential problems may not be visibly apparent until prevention is too late. Beginning treatment at this optimal time not only ensures the greatest result but also means less time and expense down the road.

Not sure if your child would benefit from an orthodontic evaluation? Today’s Orthodontics is here to answer any question you may have about the process!

Signs That Your Child Needs an Orthodontic Assessment

It is especially important to schedule a screening with our team if you notice any of the following conditions in your child:

• Crowded or misplaced teeth
• Difficulty in chewing or biting food
• Early loss of baby teeth
• Mouth breathing
• Finger or thumb sucking
• Jaws that “pop” when opening and closing
• Misaligned teeth that close abnormally or without touching
• Jaws and teeth that are not in proportion to the rest of the face

What Are the Benefits of Early Treatment?

While you don’t need to rush into obtaining braces for your young children, some oral health issues can be avoided with early screening and treatment, including:

• Open bites – when the upper and lower teeth are unable to physically touch each other when the jaws are closed
• Crossbites – when the two rows of teeth don’t meet correctly. A misaligned bite can cause tooth decay, gum disease, stress on the jaw muscles, headaches, and more
• Speech impediments
• Injury to protruding teeth

Schedule Your Child’s Evaluation with Our Children’s Orthodontists in Canton, Novi, Livonia, and Woodhaven, MI

We invite you to schedule your child’s complimentary Today’s Orthodontics Smile Assessment by clicking here to use our convenient online form or by calling 734-454-9200. Regardless of the outcome, after consulting with our team, parents often feel reassured about their child’s overall oral health. They also appreciate having the opportunity to acquire a wealth of information about cutting-edge orthodontic treatment options – for now or in the future. Call us today and let us put your mind at ease!

As one of the premier orthodontic practices in Canton, Livonia, Novi, and Woodhaven, MI, our team at Today’s Orthodontics also provides 5-star-rated orthodontic care to children and adults in Plymouth, Farmington Hills, Walled Lake, Trenton & Brownstown, MI, and surrounding areas.