Burlingame Smile Studio in Burlingame offers a warm welcome to those visiting from San Bruno, Hillsborough, and Millbrae.
Start Orthodontics for Children Early
Dr. April Lee advises that patients follow the recommendation of the American Association of Orthodontists by bringing 7-year-old children in for an assessment. At this early age, a careful examination can ensure proper pediatric orthodontic treatment and the healthiest smile.
Request An Appointment TodayChildren’s Orthodontist
A children’s orthodontist aims to improve the look and function of a child’s smile by employing a variety of appliances and treatments. Orthodontists are responsible for fitting fixed devices like braces, which utilize gentle pressure to align teeth into the proper position.
When you visit a pediatric orthodontist, your child will receive a thorough bite and teeth assessment. From there the orthodontist will determine which treatment is best suited for your child’s smile.
Orthodontic Treatment for Teens
The teenage years are one of the most common times to begin comprehensive orthodontic treatment.
By this stage, most permanent teeth have erupted and Dr. April Lee can evaluate the alignment of the teeth,
bite, and jaw to recommend a treatment plan designed around your teen’s individual needs.
At Burlingame Smile Studio, teenagers have several options for creating a healthier, straighter smile,
including traditional braces and Invisalign clear aligners. Dr. Lee will help your family compare treatment
options based on your teen’s orthodontic needs, lifestyle, and preferences.
Whether your teen is dealing with crowded teeth, spacing, an overbite, underbite, crossbite, or another
alignment concern, our goal is to make orthodontic treatment as comfortable and convenient as possible.
Invisalign for Teens
For teens who would prefer a less noticeable alternative to braces, Invisalign clear aligners may be an
excellent option. Invisalign treatment uses a series of custom-made, removable clear aligners to gradually
move the teeth into their planned positions.
Clear aligners can be particularly convenient for busy teenagers because they can be removed for eating,
brushing, flossing, sports, and other activities. Because there are no metal brackets or wires, many teens
also appreciate the discreet appearance of Invisalign throughout treatment.
Dr. Lee is a Diamond Top 1% Invisalign Provider and can determine whether Invisalign treatment is appropriate
for your teen’s specific orthodontic needs. Learn more about Invisalign clear aligners or schedule a consultation with Burlingame Smile Studio.
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Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment
When you bring your child in for an orthodontic evaluation, your child will receive benefits including:
- Timely Detection: If your child does have pressing orthodontic needs, Dr. Lee will recommend an efficient treatment. The earlier we diagnose and treat orthodontic problems, the more comfortable and affordable treatment will be.
- Guide Growth: With early treatment or close monitoring, Dr. Lee can guide your child’s jaw growth and development. This guidance will prevent serious problems from occurring down the road.
- Plan and Prepare: Dr. Lee can tell you a lot about your child’s potential needs after a simple assessment. Your child will also have the opportunity to get to know our caring team and become comfortable with the way our office works.
When Might My Child Need Early Treatment?
Early treatment can help your child by:
- Creating space in the smile for crowded teeth to erupt properly.
- Promoting facial symmetry by influencing jaw growth.
- Reducing risk of trauma to protruding teeth.
- Protecting enough space for adult teeth to erupt properly.
- Reducing possibility for necessary tooth extractions.
- Reducing future orthodontic treatment time.
All children should be seen by their orthodontist by age 7, but some of the indications that your child may need orthodontic attention include:
- Difficulty chewing or biting comfortably.
- Mouth breathing.
- Finger, thumb, or pacifier sucking.
- Crowded or blocked teeth.
- Late or early loss of baby teeth.
- Popping and clicking sounds in the jaw.
- Crossbite, overbite, underbite, or open bite.
Two-Phase Treatment
For her younger orthodontic patients, Dr. Lee has a two-phase treatment plan. Two-phase treatment works better as an early orthodontic treatment because the two phases work together to address tougher issues.
The first phase is meant to address skeletal and dental imbalances in children while they still have mixed baby and adult teeth. This is followed by a second treatment after all the adult teeth have erupted to produce optimal looks and function for the whole mouth.
Dr. Lee recommends the two-phase orthodontic treatment when it will maximize a patient’s ability to attain an ideal smile. Two-phase treatment is the best way for some patients to straighten their teeth, improve their bite, and enhance their total facial features.
Phases of Orthodontic Treatment
The phases of this plan are meant to help children get better results with their orthodontic treatment than the traditional treatment plan.
Phase One: Laying the Foundation for a Beautiful Smile
Phase One: Laying the Foundation for a Beautiful SmileDuring Phase One, our team will influence the jaw to develop properly, and we will promote the correct eruption of adult teeth.
Two-phase treatment can help children avoid:
- Malocclusion (bad bite).
- Bite discomfort or difficulty chewing.
- Speech impediments.
- TMJ pain.
- Tooth extraction.
- Surgical treatments.
Resting Period
A resting period is necessary in the two-phase treatment process. During this resting period, the remaining permanent teeth are left alone as they erupt without interference. A successful first phase treatment will ensure that the new teeth erupt properly and with plenty of space.
Phase Two: Perfect Your Smile
Everybody wants a healthy and attractive smile. During the second phase, Dr. Lee will make sure each tooth is in its ideal location in the mouth. Our team will establish harmony between the lips, jaw, tongue, and teeth. This will guarantee a functional and confident smile for years to come!
What If I Forego Two-Phase Treatment?
If Dr. Lee advises that you take advantage of two-phase treatment, delaying or foregoing orthodontics may result in more invasive treatments later on. In many cases, receiving early treatment is more effective, comfortable, and affordable than putting it off.
How Long Does It Take To Straighten Teeth?
Learn More About Two-Phase Braces for Kids
All patients should come into our office for an orthodontic analysis around the age of 7. We can help every patient determine if early treatment may be advantageous for their unique smile. To learn more about two-phase treatment, please contact us at Burlingame Smile Studio! We'll help you to identify whether braces are right for your kids.
Before & After Smile Transformations
See real examples of how orthodontic treatment can improve alignment, function, and confidence.
Contact Burlingame Kids Orthodontist Dr. April Lee
We hope to give your child a worry-free orthodontic experience and help them achieve their healthiest smiles. You can protect your child’s teeth and gums with a visit to Burlingame Smile Studio. We take orthodontic treatment for children very seriously.
Our staff will always treat you and your loved ones with respect and compassion. For more information about early orthodontic treatment or to schedule a visit, simply call, text, or email our office today!
