Did you know that traditional braces are a regular part of pediatric dentistry? Many parents don’t realize that kids sometimes need orthodontic treatment, and at Jerger Pediatric Dentistry, we’re here to guide you through the process and answer all your questions.
Receiving orthodontic treatment from the same dentist your child is used to and trusts can often make the process much less stressful. Because your child is already comfortable with our dental office and caring team, they’ll feel more confident and less anxious.
Let’s explore how we use braces to improve your child’s smile and oral health.
When to Schedule an Orthodontic Evaluation
We recommend an orthodontic evaluation by age seven to determine whether braces or other treatment may be necessary.
If your child has any of the following, braces may be able to help:
- Difficulty biting or chewing
- Difficulty speaking
- Mouth breathing
- Thumb-sucking
- A narrow or protruding jaw
- Crowded or misplaced teeth
- Teeth grinding or cheek biting
- Facial imbalance
What Happens During the Evaluation?
When you visit our dental office for an orthodontic evaluation, we’ll examine your child’s teeth and jaw and address any issues. We’ll discuss any chewing or swallowing concerns and take x-rays to assess their jaw development and tooth position.
Then, we’ll create a treatment plan that may include any of the following:
- Spacers — As the name suggests, spacers create space between your child’s teeth before they get braces.
- Palatal expander — For overcrowding or bite issues, a palatal expander is worn before your child gets braces to create room in their jaw so their teeth fit together better.
- Braces — Once your child is ready for braces, we’ll place them on their teeth and provide the support you need to help your child care for their teeth during treatment.
Looking for Braces for Kids in Decatur, IL?
If you’d like to learn more about how braces can improve your child’s oral health, our experienced dental team will happily assist you! At Jerger Pediatric Dentistry, our goal is to provide gentle, quality care for your little one’s smile.
To schedule a consultation or appointment, please get in touch with our dental office at (217) 875-3080.