Get a Head Start on a Beautiful Smile
As a parent in Hot Springs, you want the best for your child - that includes healthy teeth and a pleasing smile.
Our team will treat your children like our own by giving them the best possible orthodontic care.
Kids Should Get an Orthodontic Check-Up By 7
By seven years old your child's teeth have developed enough for subtle problems with jaw growth and emerging teeth to still be spotted while some baby teeth are still present.
This check-up may reveal that your child's bite is fine, and braces for kids aren't necessary.
Other times, Dr. Hall may identify a developing problem but recommend monitoring your child's growth and development, and then, if indicated, begin treatment at the appropriate time for your child.
In other cases, they might find a problem that can benefit from early treatment.
What Is Early Treatment?
Early treatment may prevent or intercept more serious problems from developing and may make treatment at a later age shorter and less complicated.
In some cases, our team at Hall Orthodontics will be able to achieve results that may not be possible once the face and jaws have finished growing.
Choosing the Best Time for Treatment
While the age that kids get braces may vary, orthodontic treatment most often begins between the ages of 9 and 14. Some orthodontic problems are easier to correct if they’re treated early.
If Dr. Hall determines your child will need treatment, they’ll let you know when it will be best to begin treatment. This gives your orthodontist the best chance to:
- Avoid the need for permanent tooth extractions later in life
- Correct thumb sucking and help improve minor speech problems
- Correct and guide the growth of your child's jaw to help the permanent teeth come in straight
- Regulate the width of the upper and lower arches
- Create more space for crowded teeth
Signs the Bite's Not Right
It's not always easy to tell when your child in Hot Springs may need braces or has an orthodontic problem. Even teeth that look straight may be hiding a problem bite.
Here are some clues that may show Dr. Hall your child may need orthodontic attention:
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- A hard time chewing or biting food
- Jaws that pop or make sounds when opening and closing
- Teeth that come together abnormally, or do not come together at all
- Jaws and teeth that are not proportionate to the rest of the face
- Crowded front teeth around age seven or eight
- Mouth breathing
- Finger or thumb sucking
- Crowded, misplaced, or blocked teeth
Learn More at Your Free Consultation
If your child has a dental issue, please contact us by setting up a free consultation at our Hot Springs office. Early treatment now will give your child a healthy, beautiful smile for the future.
We can talk about your child's orthodontic options and develop a treatment plan customized to your child's needs.