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
Friendly, knowledgeable staff. I felt seen and heard as a potential client. Once I made the decision to get braces, the process was seamless. At 67, I’m looking forward to the end result!
The Flemming and Wise team is outstanding. Kind staff, quick & efficient appointments and better results than we imagined!
From start to finish Fleming & Wise was amazing. They are nice & understanding, while also never leave you waiting more than a couple minutes. They always tell you everything you need- what to expect, what you will feel etc. As an adult I had to get braces & they made the process better than I could have expected. I’m so happy my friends & dentist recommended them to me.
Awesome group of People. Friendly and willing to answer any questions I had regarding my daughter‘s braces. I would recommend them to anyone.
My young daughter has been a patient here for the past 6-7 years, through two phases of braces. Today, when her braces came off, her teeth looked absolutely beautiful.I am beyond satisfied not only with the orthodontic care she received, but also with the professionalism, kindness, and respect shown to both of us at every visit.I highly recommend Dr. Wise and his staff for the exceptional care they have provided to my daughter. Her smile is even more beautiful now, and she will always remember her visits to your office. The popsicles were always her favorite part - and I have to mention the little gift she received today in honor her last day of braces.Thank you Dr Wise and staff!
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