Is early evaluation more effective?
Early detection allows for more effective and less invasive orthodontic treatment. By monitoring your child’s dental development, we can identify and address potential issues before they become more complex. This proactive approach helps guide jaw growth, create space for emerging teeth, and reduce the need for future extractions or lengthy treatments.
At Knox City Orthodontics, we only recommend braces for kids or other treatments when they’re truly necessary - but early evaluations ensure we’re prepared to act at the right time for the best results.
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The ideal age for braces for kids
By age 8, your child’s first molars have appeared, establishing their bite pattern. This is the perfect time for an orthodontic evaluation, as it allows us to assess their tooth alignment, bite development, and potential concerns like crowding, overbites, or a gummy smile.
Early intervention, known as interceptive treatment, can guide jaw growth and create space for emerging teeth - often reducing the need for more complex treatment later on. If your child is between ages 8 and 10, we encourage you to book an appointment, especially if you have a referral from your dentist. If they’re older than 10, we also offer free initial consultations to determine the best approach for their smile.
Interceptive treatment can affect your child for life
Here are some of the benefits of early orthodontic treatment:
- Creating facial symmetry by influencing jaw growth
- Reducing the length of treatment time needed with braces
- Reducing the need for tooth removal
- Creating room for crowded ‘erupting' teeth
- Reducing the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth
- Preserving space for teeth that haven’t yet ‘erupted’
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Is orthodontic treatment or braces for kids the right choice?
Orthodontic treatment isn’t just about a straighter smile - it also helps correct bite issues (malocclusions) that occur when teeth or the jaw are misaligned. These issues can impact chewing, speech, oral hygiene, and even facial development.
At Knox City Orthodontics, we offer braces for kids to address misalignment early, improving their bite, facial profile, and overall confidence. If you're unsure whether your child needs treatment, our team is here to help with expert advice and a free initial consultation.
How braces for kids can help treat a ‘bad bite’
Untreated malocclusions (bad bites) can lead to a range of dental issues. Crowded teeth make brushing and flossing difficult, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Protruding teeth are more vulnerable to accidental chipping, while crossbites can cause uneven tooth wear and improper tooth growth. An open bite may even contribute to tongue-thrusting habits and speech difficulties.
With early intervention, braces for kids can correct these issues, guide proper jaw development, and prevent more serious complications later on. At Knox City Orthodontics, we provide expert care to ensure your child’s smile is both healthy and confident for life.
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