Early Treatment for Kids
Braces for Kids
You want what’s best for your child, and we do too!
That includes having a healthy smile that sets the foundation for a lifetime of confidence. At Fritz & Wilson Orthodontics, we treat your children as if they were our own.
Dr. Fritz, Dr. Wilson and our team bring you modern early orthodontic treatment in a caring and family-friendly environment.
When is the best age to get braces?
The AAO (American Association of Orthodontists) recommends that children receive their first orthodontic evaluation at age 7.
Age 7 sounds young, we know, but this doesn’t mean that orthodontic treatment will begin at age 7. Our board-certified orthodontists will only suggest the right treatment at the right time for each patient.
Is early orthodontic treatment necessary?
Orthodontic treatment isn’t just about ‘straightening teeth’, it’s about establishing a healthy foundation for a beautiful set of permanent teeth, and setting the stage for a lifetime of beautiful and confident smiles.
The goal of early treatment is to develop the jaws to allow for ideal dental development. By supporting proper growth of the jaw and correcting certain bite concerns (such as an underbite, crossbite or crowding) early on, we can eliminate the need for more invasive forms of treatment (such as jaw surgery) in the future.
Does my little one need treatment?
If any of these symptoms sound familiar, we encourage you to request a complimentary consultation with us!
- Persistent mouth-breathing
- Thumbsucking or tongue-thrusting habits
- Early, late or irregular loss of baby teeth
- Crooked, crowded or gapped teeth
- Jaw pain or facial pain
- Jaw shifting, popping or clicking
- Difficult or pain when chewing or biting
- Inability to chew food properly
- Digestive issues caused by improper chewing
- Lack of self esteem or confidence when smiling
A free assessment of your child’s growth gives you the peace of mind that your child is thriving.
Why is age 7 considered the optimal time for screening?
By the age of 7, the first adult molars erupt, establishing the back bite. During this time, an orthodontist can evaluate front-to-back and side-to-side tooth relationships. For example, the presence of erupting incisors can indicate possible overbite, open bite, crowding or gummy smiles. Timely screening increases the chances for an incredible smile.
What are the advantages of interceptive treatment?
Some of the most direct results of interceptive treatment are:
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Creating room for crowded, erupting teeth
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Creating facial symmetry through influencing jaw growth
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Reducing the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth
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Preserving space for unerupted teeth
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Reducing the need for tooth removal
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Reducing treatment time with braces
Two-Phase Early Orthodontic Treatment
Early orthodontic treatment is best separated into two phases, designed to work alongside the natural development of the teeth and jaw bones.
What is Phase 1 treatment?
Phase 1 orthodontic treatment is typically completed between the ages of 7 and 10 and is aimed to prepare the mouth for permanent teeth to emerge in a healthy alignment with a sufficient amount of space.
During this phase, your child may be treated with a palatal expander appliance to widen the upper jaw and create enough room for permanent teeth to grow.
What is Phase 2 treatment?
This phase generally begins in the early teen years, when all of the permanent teeth have erupted. Phase 2 treatment focuses on aligning the teeth and jaws to create a harmonious facial appearance. During this phase, a full treatment of braces is often completed.
Every child develops at a different rate, and your child’s treatment plan will be 100% personalized to his or her needs. At your first visit, we’ll help you make the right choice for your little one!
What is the cost of braces for kids?
We do everything we can to make the cost of braces in Holly Springs affordable for you and your family.
On your first visit, we’ll present our financing options (0%-interest in-house financing), calculate your insurance coverage and work out a financing plan that helps your little one smile confidently for a lifetime.
See our list of discount opportunities & learn more about financing orthodontics and insurance coverage!
