Pediatric Orthodontics – Southbridge, MA
Helping Young Smiles Grow Up Right
Caring for your little one’s dental health while they’re young could save you a great deal of time and money on future treatments. This is particularly true for orthodontic issues, which are easier to address early on, before the teeth and jaws have finished developing. Dr. Gutierrez provides pediatric orthodontic services that make a huge difference in your child’s smile during their critical early years. We highly suggest calling us to set up an appointment when your son or daughter is around the age of seven. At this age, the majority of orthodontic problems are easily recognizable and treatable with limited phase braces or other appliances used for pediatric orthodontics in our Southbridge, MA orthodontist's office.
What Is Pediatric Orthodontics?
Also known as Phase 1 orthodontics, pediatric orthodontics posits that dealing with orthodontic problems early enough in life, severe complications can be avoided in the future. Our primary goal is to prevent dental misalignment, overcrowding, and bite problems. We’ll also help your child quite any non-nutritive habits they may still have, like thumb-sucking, that could hinder their oral health. We can even adjust their teeth that have already erupted to ensure there’s plenty of room for the adult teeth to grow in. At the initial consultation, we’ll have the opportunity to evaluate the growth patterns of your little one’s teeth and jaws.
What Kinds of Treatments Are Involved in Pediatric Orthodontics?
Phase 1 orthodontic treatment usually takes between nine and 12 months – significantly shorter than traditional braces. Your son or daughter might need to wear headgear or some other type of orthodontic appliance to fully adjust their teeth and jaws. They may also wear limited-phase braces, which are worn for a brief fraction of the time compared to regular braces. Personalized retainer and space maintainers are also considered Phase 1 appliances. Each of these treatments will be 100% customized to meet your child’s needs.
What Are the Benefits of Pediatric Orthodontics?
Not every child needs early orthodontic intervention, but when it’s recommended, there are several reasons why it’s best to begin care sooner rather than later. For one, it allows us to keep the spaces left by baby teeth open so that the permanent teeth have ample room to erupt in the future. Correcting orthodontic issues can also prevent other developmental problems that are related to the mouth, including certain speech impediments. Lastly, it lets us influence the growth of your child’s mouth and ensure their upper and lower arches come together correctly while also improving the general appearance of their smile.