What is Orthodontic Growth Monitoring for Kids?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children see an orthodontist as early as age seven, and we think it's a great idea, too. At this age, our orthodontists can evaluate whether your child will need early orthodontic treatment, which typically begins around age eight or nine (Phase Two will begin around age 11 or older).
The goal of growth monitoring is to optimize the start time for treatment, whether a 2-phase approach is appropriate for your child or not. And because we believe every kid deserves a lifetime of confident, healthy smiles, we're happy to offer free growth monitoring, starting with a free consultation. Let's get your little one's first visit booked today!
How To Tell If Your Child May Need Early Orthodontic Treatment:
- Early or late loss of baby teeth (your child should typically start losing teeth around age five, and will have all permanent teeth around age 13)
- Difficulty chewing and/or biting
- Mouth-breathing
- Your child continues sucking his or her thumb after age five
- Speech impediments
- Protruding teeth (the top teeth and the bottom teeth extend away from each other)
- Teeth that don't come together in a normal manner or even at all
- Shifting of the jaw when your child opens or closes his or her mouth (crossbites)
- Crowded front teeth around age seven or eight
What Causes Orthodontic Problems, and How Will Early Treatment Benefit My Child?
Orthodontic problems such as crowding of the teeth, too much space between the teeth, jaw growth problems, protruding teeth, and bad bites can be inherited or caused by injury to the mouth, early or late loss of baby teeth, or thumb-sucking habits.
Most children lose all their baby teeth by age 13, and by the end of their teen years, the jaw bones will harden and stop growing. Orthodontic procedures for adults often take more time and can involve tooth extraction or oral surgery. Receiving early orthodontic treatment as a child can help prevent the need for orthodontics as an adult, leaving little to no chance of extraction or surgery in the future.
If your child is between the ages of seven and eight and shows signs of needing orthodontic care, or if you have been directed by your family dentist to visit the orthodontist, please contact our practice and schedule an appointment. Our team will provide your child with an initial exam, and discuss with you the best steps to take toward caring for your child's smile.
Fleming & Wise Orthodontics Reviews
I couldn’t believe how fast the process was and Calle explained everything she was doing step by step.
Absolutely a positive experience!! From initial consultation to brace placement, the entire staff goes above and beyond to make you feel comfortable with every aspect of treatment. Dr. Wise explained the plan thoroughly prior to my decision to proceed; Dr. Solanki assisted with part of the procedure. Rachelle was the dental assistant who placed my braces and eased any trepidation by her patience and reassurance. All of the office staff is equally exceptional. I highly recommend and look forward to seeing my new smile.
Everyone is so nice and very knowledgeable. My 14 year old daughter had to get braces and was really nervous before her appointment. Afterwards she felt silly for being so scared. Two more years to go!
Best orthodontist office ever. Kind, caring, no problem scheduling appointments, and straight- forward pricing and payment options
Love Dr. Wise and all the staff we encounter! I had my fifth and final daughter in today for records and treatment planning appointment, brackets going on end of this month! We have been nothing but thrilled with our experience and results! Can not speak highly enough!!!! As always, thank you for everything!
1149
Total Reviews
5
Star Average Rating
