Orthodontic care is a crucial part of your child’s overall health and well-being. But did you know that early intervention can prevent more complex dental issues later in life? At Burlingame Smile Studio, we specialize in two-phase orthodontic treatment for children, focused on creating confident, lasting smiles.
Here’s what parents need to know about early orthodontic care and how it can set your child on the path to long-term dental health.
Signs Your Child May Need Early Orthodontic Treatment
Detecting dental issues early can make all the difference. Keep an eye out for these common signs that your child may benefit from an orthodontic evaluation:
- Difficulty chewing or biting
- Mouth breathing or prolonged thumb-sucking habits
- Crowded, blocked, or misaligned teeth
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- Jaw popping, clicking, or alignment concerns (such as crossbite, overbite, underbite, or open bite)
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends every child have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. Early assessment ensures potential problems are caught early, streamlining treatment and reducing future complications.
Understanding Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment
Two-phase orthodontic treatment aims to ensure your child’s teeth align properly for life.
Phase One: Laying the Foundation for a Healthy Smile
This phase addresses key developmental concerns during childhood while the jaw is still growing.
- It guides jaw development to ensure proper growth.
- It creates space for adult teeth to prevent crowding or malocclusion.
- It helps prevent future issues, including speech problems, TMJ discomfort, and the need for invasive extractions or surgeries.
Resting Period
After Phase One, there’s typically a resting phase. During this time, permanent teeth are allowed to erupt naturally while we monitor progress without active treatment.
Phase Two: Perfecting the Smile
Once all permanent teeth are in place, Phase Two begins.
- Teeth are aligned for optimal aesthetics and function.
- Treatment ensures harmony between the lips, jaw, tongue, and teeth.
- The result? A long-lasting, healthy, and confident smile.
Why Early Treatment Matters
Proactive orthodontic care makes a world of difference compared to waiting until adolescence or adulthood.
- Early intervention avoids more costly and invasive treatments later down the road.
- It creates a more comfortable and efficient process for your child, reducing the risk of complications.
- Most importantly, it addresses issues during critical developmental periods, setting a solid foundation for better oral health.
Virtual Orthodontic Monitoring for Busy Families
Life gets busy—our practice understands that. That’s why Burlingame Smile Studio utilizes Dental Monitoring technology to make orthodontic care more convenient. Using a simple selfie, you can track your child’s orthodontic progress from the comfort of home. This reduces the need for frequent in-office visits, without compromising quality or outcomes. It’s orthodontic care on your schedule.
Set Your Child Up for Success Today
Burlingame Smile Studio is dedicated to providing stress-free, personalized orthodontic care for children. By acting early, you ensure your child’s smile and oral health remain strong for years to come.
Schedule your child’s orthodontic evaluation by age 7 to discuss treatment options with Dr. Lee. Call us today or visit our website to book your consultation.
Your child’s smile deserves it!
Contact Dr. April Lee at Burlingame Smile Studio we serve Burlingame, CA, Hillsborough, and Millbrae.
(650) 231-2680
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
1740 Marco Polo Way Ste 12
Burlingame, California
94010
