Orthodontic Treatment for Kids
Parents often ask:
When Should My Child First See a Pediatric Orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends scheduling a screening by age 7. At Studio City Orthodontist, Dr. Oscar Reyna-Blanco uses the first visit to check your child’s bite, tooth development, and jaw growth.
Many local dentists are also trained to spot orthodontic concerns. If they see something that needs early attention, they may refer your child to us before age 7.
Why Evaluate Children at an Early Age?
Catching problems early can make a big difference in your child’s smile and oral health. Early diagnosis and treatment can:
Guide erupting teeth into better positions
Preserve space for permanent teeth
Reduce the risk of front teeth injuries from protrusion
Encourage healthy jaw growth for proper alignment
Will Early Treatment Eliminate the Need for Braces for Kids Later?
Early care can correct major problems and prevent severe issues from developing. However, because permanent teeth are still coming in, most children who receive early treatment (Phase I) will need a second phase (Phase II) during their teen years. This phase usually involves a shorter, more focused round of braces.
In some cases, though, early treatment alone may be enough.
What Can Early Orthodontic Treatment Do?
If your child needs early care, Dr. Reyna-Blanco can gently guide the growth of the jaw and help permanent teeth come in properly. Early treatment may also:
Regulate the width of the upper and lower arches
Create space for permanent teeth
Lower the chances of permanent tooth extractions later
Reduce the likelihood of impacted teeth
Correct habits like thumb sucking
Improve swallowing patterns or speech problems
Simply put, early treatment can make orthodontics in the teen years easier, shorter, and more effective.
Does Every Child Need Early Treatment?
Not always. Some orthodontic problems are best corrected during the teen years when all permanent teeth have come in. In certain cases, treatment should wait until a child’s growth is more advanced.
We create a customized plan for every child. If your child is not ready for braces, they will be placed in our Orthodontic Supervisory Program so we can monitor their progress.
What Is the Orthodontic Supervisory Program?
Our supervisory program is designed for children who are not ready to start treatment right away. Here is how it works:
We track the eruption of permanent teeth
We recommend early removal of baby teeth if it can help guide growth
We schedule recall visits every 6 to 8 months to check progress
We update your family dentist about any recommendations
There is no additional fee for this program. It allows us to begin treatment at the best possible time for long-term success.
Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment Beyond a Smile
While a straight smile is the most visible benefit, orthodontics also improves oral health. Braces and aligners can:
Correct the bite for better chewing and speaking
Make teeth easier to clean, reducing cavities and gum problems
Prevent uneven wear on teeth
Help natural teeth last longer into adulthood
Should My Child Still See the Family Dentist?
Yes. Kids with braces or other appliances need to pay extra attention to oral hygiene. To keep their teeth and gums healthy, we recommend visiting your family dentist for a check-up and cleaning every 6 months throughout orthodontic care.
