Taking care of teeth at home is easier and more effective when teeth are properly aligned. This reduces the risk of tooth decay and gum disease which, if left untreated, can eventually lead to more serious overall health issues.

Orthodontic care also provides a more solid foundation for biting and chewing. When an improper bite is not corrected, speech and/or chewing difficulties can occur, including increased wear on tooth enamel and jaw problems.

The American Association of Orthodontics recommends that children first visit the orthodontist by age seven, but for kids with jaw-growth or tooth problems, the first visit may need to be as early as age five or six. Even if treatment does not begin at this time, it’s beneficial to start making a plan. Your child may need an orthodontic exam if any of the following are present:

• Difficulty chewing or biting
• Grinding of teeth, especially at night
• Mouth breathing
• Finger sucking or other oral habits
• Crowding, misplaced or blocked teeth
• Jaw shifting or clicking

At Dental Depot, we look forward to caring for our patients throughout every stage of their lives – and when the need for orthodontics arises, we can easily accommodate those services right along with routine care and cleanings.

In addition to traditional braces, we also offer more discreet options, including lingual braces, which are placed on the back of the teeth; and Invisalign, which are clear, custom-made aligners that gradually move teeth into position based on the patient’s customized treatment plan.

Your Dental Depot Orthodontics team is happy to provide you with a complementary consultation to assess your child’s specific needs, discuss with you and your child the aspects of orthodontic care and the benefits of each option, and to make a plan together for the best course of action.