Early detection is the key—and did you know King Orthodontics can leverage your child’s natural growth spurts for optimal orthodontic treatment?

Some children require preventive measures to ensure a smoother dental future. The sooner this happens the better, before existing challenges worsen. In fact, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child be examined by an orthodontist at age seven.

The sooner we address certain challenges the easier they are to treat  

Many factors play into the evaluation of a patient’s dental future. The size of the mouth, jaw, and teeth are an indication of what will be involved. X-rays of the position of the permanent teeth before they erupt can also help us anticipate the needs of the patient.

We leverage predictable growth spurts

King Orthodontics in Pittsburgh is able to anticipate the ideal timing based on typical growth spurts, when your child’s face and jaw will grow. These typically occur first around age eight or nine, and again during puberty, between ages 11 and 12. The goal is to combine these spurts with orthodontic treatment.

Make room for future adult teeth now

A child with a very small jaw will most likely need assistance to accommodate his or her future adult teeth—otherwise, crowding will occur.

Expander appliances are extremely helpful. They help broaden the palette of the mouth to allow for extra space in the mouth. This way, new adult teeth may emerge into position without being squeezed, reducing the need for braces later.

Anticipate future needs

Until permanent teeth erupt, we won’t know for certain about crowding and alignment, but a trained, experienced orthodontist will make an educated guess and develop a treatment plan accordingly.

Don’t wait—call today!

King Orthodontist in Pittsburgh specializes in straightening teeth and correcting jaw growth problems. We welcome our youngest patients through the door and look forward to evaluating their dental development.

Often, we’ll simply monitor their growth and development, and have you check back, but by bringing your child in sooner rather than later, you gain peace of mind that they’re on the right path to a healthy and radiant future.