Guiding Your Child’s Smile and Bite Development

Tooth decay is the most chronic childhood disease in our country. According to studies, children with poor oral health are more than three times as likely to miss school due to dental pain. While these statistics are alarming, the good news is that tooth decay is for the most part preventable. Scheduling regular checkups and cleanings for your child at the dentist is essential for maintaining their oral health. Beyond routine dental care, your dental care professional will help your child establish the best oral hygiene homecare regimen to help maintain a healthy smile for a lifetime. The dentist will also provide dietary guidance as to which foods can be harmful to your child’s smile. As added protection against dental decay, periodic fluoride treatments to strengthen the enamel of your child’s new teeth and the application of dental sealants when the permanent molars come into place are recommended.

Common Dental Issues

Not enough space for the permanent teeth to erupt.

Excessive space between teeth.

The upper front teeth excessively overlap the lower front teeth.

Upper teeth bite inside of the lower teeth (can affect jaw growth).

Correcting habits like thumb-sucking or tongue thrusting that can affect tooth and jaw alignment.

FAQs

Growth Guidance & Early Orthodontics

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have an orthodontic evaluation by age 7. At this age, the permanent teeth are starting to come in, and we can accurately assess jaw growth and alignment.

Phase I treatment is early treatment (usually between ages 7 and 10) focused on correcting jaw growth problems, making space for permanent teeth, or addressing harmful habits. It is done to reduce the severity of a problem before all permanent teeth arrive.

Addressing growth issues early can guide developing teeth, correct harmful bite problems (like crossbites), simplify Phase II (traditional braces) treatment if needed, and often result in a better long-term outcome for your child’s smile and function.

We monitor your child’s growth at every routine check-up. We use clinical observation and low-radiation digital X-rays to track jaw development and tooth eruption, ensuring we intervene only when necessary and at the optimal time.