Kids can begin seeing the dentist on a regular basis around the age of three years old. These visits help keep track of their dental health and ensure that their smiles are developing properly. Around the start of their first or second grade years, you should bring them in for their first orthodontic consultation. This can seem quite young, but there are several benefits in starting alignment treatment at this age. In today’s blog, your Riverside, CA, orthodontic team is here to talk about interceptive treatments.
What To Expect At The Initial Consultation
During the very first visit with their orthodontist, the team may need to take X-rays of your child’s smile. This helps us get a close look at the alignment of their teeth and can be used to estimate their treatment time. We will take X-rays and pictures, closely examine their smile, and assess what services may be necessary. In some cases, your child may need interceptive care including expanders, spacers, or retainers before they can get started with braces.
Starting Phase One
Interceptive treatment is used to help guide the growth of your child’s jaw. If you began orthodontic care as an adult, you may not need preemptive treatments because your jaw has fully developed. However, in younger patients, we can use some tools to guide the growth of their jaw so there is enough space for the teeth to shift. This can include expanders to widen the jaw, spacers to leave room for prematurely lost teeth, and retainers to hold teeth in place before starting braces. Your orthodontist can inform you if any of these services are needed for your child.
Next Steps After Interceptive Treatment
Once all of their baby teeth have made way for the permanent ones, and their jaws are properly developed, it’s time to start the alignment process. In most cases, we recommended traditional braces for young patients and teenagers. The brackets and wires are used to gradually shift the teeth into the correct position. This process can take around one to two years depending on the severity of the spacing issues. We also offer more discreet options for teens and adults if needed, such as with Invisalign or clear braces.
Get Started With Phase One Today
When it’s time for your child to begin alignment treatment, our team is here to help. Learn more about Riverside Dental Group’s orthodontic options today by calling (951) 788-8557 or contacting your nearest location today:
Riverside Dental Group at Magnolia in Riverside, CA at (951) 689-5031.
Dental Associates of Moreno Valley in Moreno Valley, CA at (951) 697-6800.
Riverside Dental Group at Woodcrest (951) 776-9001.
Oasis Family Dental in Temecula, CA at (951) 695-2290.
Dental Associates of Riverside in Riverside, CA at (951) 369-1001.
Dental Associates of Corona in Corona, CA at (951) 273-9580.
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