HOW CAN EARLY ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT BENEFIT MY CHILD?

• Correct and guide the growth of your child’s jaw to help the permanent teeth come in straight
• Regulate the width of the upper and lower arches - Create more space for crowded teeth
• Avoid the need for permanent tooth extractions later in life
• Correct thumb sucking and help improve minor speech problems

For parents, it’s not always easy to know if your child may need orthodontic treatment.

WHAT NEEDS CORRECTION

The amount of treatment needed to correct a problem will determine how long the process takes. Different patients react to treatments differently. While it may take one patient only 12 months to complete treatment, it may take another patient 24 months. Treatment times can vary depending on how quickly your body responds and how much work is needed to give you the show-stopping smile you expect.

YOU!

Your willingness to use the appliances your orthodontist gives you plays a major role in the length of time it takes to complete your treatment. Always remember to take care of your braces and appliances; this truly will help make your treatment shorter!

WHEN SHOULD MY CHILD SEE AN ORTHODONTIST?

If you notice any of the following problems, it’s time to make an appointment with your orthodontist.

• Overbite/Overjet
• Underbite
• Crowded teeth
• Crooked teeth
• Protruding teeth from finger sucking
• Issues with speech
• Breathing through the mouth
• Difficulty biting or chewing
• Cracking or popping jaws
• Any teeth or jaw abnormalities