It’s never too late to start the journey to a beautiful smile, but is it ever too early? The answer might not be what you think! According to the American Association of Orthodontists, kids should have their initial orthodontic screening at age 7!
As your child grows, their smile grows with them, and even when they still have their baby teeth, some orthodontic treatment may be necessary to set them up for lifelong success with their orthodontic health. Butterfoss Barton Orthodontics will provide your child with the attention, the care and, if necessary, the treatment they need to prepare their teeth for a lifetime of smiles.
Does My Child Need Orthodontic Treatment?
In short, not necessarily. While experts recommend your child see an orthodontist well before their age is in the double digits, that isn’t to say that seven-year-olds should all be wearing braces. Early evaluation is not necessarily followed by early treatment. Instead, these early screenings are intended to monitor your child’s development so your child’s orthodontist has every opportunity to get your child the best results and prevent future problems.
In some cases, though, early treatment, referred to as Phase 1 orthodontic treatment, is necessary to assist in your child’s development. By the ages of 6 to 8, certain common problems may already be clearly visible and deserving of professional attention. For a full list of these common problems, click here.
Invisalign® First
When early intervention is necessary, Butterfoss Barton Orthodontics is prepared to help. Using the groundbreaking Invisalign® First treatment, our team can target the early signs of malocclusion and misalignment, keeping your child’s smile healthier and brighter.
Like other Invisalign® treatments, Invisalign® First is a removable system made of flexible polyurethane plastic, making these aligners comfortable, discreet and easy to take off for eating, brushing and flossing. These clear aligners are designed to treat a range of issues your child may be experiencing, from spacing issues to severe overcrowding or narrow dental arches. Invisalign® First treatments can also assist with the following:
- Encouraging proper arch development
- Reducing teeth crowding and crossbite
- Aligning teeth to be straighter
- Influencing proper jaw alignment and facilitating a functional bite
- Preserving space for unerupted permanent teeth
Invisalign® First can also serve as an alternative treatment to the traditional fixed appliance used to expand the palate when such treatment is necessary. Invisalign® First targets upper arch expansion while fully accommodating the growing needs of children in addition to providing all the developmental services listed above.
If you think your child may be a candidate for Invisalign® First, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with Butterfoss Barton Orthodontics online or over the phone. Your child deserves the absolute best in orthodontic care, and our team is dedicated to providing the treatment they need to ensure they can grow up to enjoy a beautiful, bright smile!
