You might be surprised to learn that our Doctors and team at Georgia School of Orthodontics recommend an orthodontic appointment even before your child’s last visit from the Tooth Fairy. Orthodontic assessments at Atlanta or Gwinnett office can benefit your child’s life at many stages. Let’s look at some of the reasons why.
There’s a reason why we recommend that every child see an orthodontist by the age of seven. If there’s enough room in your child’s mouth to accommodate all the permanent teeth arriving soon, you’re good to go. But if it looks like there won’t be enough space for those adult teeth, there are solutions we can offer to make the transition from baby teeth to adult teeth a smoother one.
If no treatment is necessary immediately, we can monitor the development of your child’s teeth and bite during periodic visits.
Once your child has achieved that perfect smile, it’s time to maintain it. Teeth move and shift throughout our lives, whether we have had orthodontic treatment or not. But with orthodontic treatment, the bone tissue and ligaments around the teeth remodel over time to hold the teeth in their new and improved positions. That’s why it’s often important to wear a retainer constantly for several months after the braces come off, as bone and ligament become a firm, strong anchor for the newly aligned teeth and bite.
But there’s no one expiration date on retainers! Worn nightly as needed, they help teeth stay securely in their new positions for a lifetime of beautiful smiles.
If you think your child is ready for any phase of orthodontic work, give us a call. We will be happy to make sure there is ample room for permanent teeth to erupt in their proper spots, even during the baby teeth years. If braces are indicated at a later date, we will analyze any potential alignment and bite problems and present all of your treatment options. Finally, after the orthodontic work is completed, we want to ensure your child knows the best way to maintain that beautiful smile with conscientious retainer wear.
If you have any concerns about your child’s teeth or bite, even before the permanent teeth arrive, give our Atlanta or Gwinnett office a call. Early treatment can often prevent future problems and might even lead to faster orthodontic results. At each stage of your child’s growth, we are here to provide your best options for healthy, happy smiles.