Orthodontics for Children

Around the age of seven, the age at which the American Association of Orthodontics recommends visiting the orthodontist, most children have both primary (baby) teeth and permanent (adult) teeth. That mix makes it easier to diagnose and correct tooth and jaw problems sooner and without surgical intervention. Not all children need orthodontic treatment, but an evaluation with your doctor in Roselle, IL is necessary to determine which children can benefit from treatment.

Monitor Your Child for the Below Conditions:

Thumb, pacifier or other oral habit
Crowded or misplaced teeth
Difficulty chewing or eating
Early or late loss of baby teeth
Mouth breathing
Jaw that is not proportionate to the rest of the face
Teeth that come together abnormally
A jaw that pops or makes sounds when opening and closing

Early Treatment Is Beneficial Because It:

Creates more space for crowded teeth
Can avoid the need for future oral surgery
Avoids the need for permanent (adult) teeth to be extracted
Corrects thumb sucking or other oral habits and helps improve minor speech problems
Regulates the width of the upper and lower jaws
Corrects and guides the growth of the child's upper and lower jaw so the permanent (adult) teeth come in the proper place