Junior Braces
When it comes to orthodontics, many people associate braces with the teenage years, assuming that a child’s first orthodontic visit can wait until middle school. However, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) and the American Dental Association (ADA) recommend that children receive an orthodontic screening no later than age seven.
At Frigo Orthodontics, we are dedicated to providing enriching and life-changing orthodontic care for children, offering a range of options like juniors braces. Early intervention is vital to ensuring a smoother treatment process and can lead to significant cost and time savings. We aim to provide our community with a fun, kind atmosphere that is kid-friendly.
Are Junior Braces Right for Your Child?
Typically, we place junior braces on children between the ages of seven and 12 during Phase I of their orthodontic journey. If necessary, orthodontic treatment during the early stages of your child’s development allows our orthodontists to achieve more difficult results once the face and jaw have finished growing. Correcting improper bites early on can prevent damage to adult teeth. Although some young patients may require braces or additional work later, junior braces often result in less extensive future treatment.
Benefits of Kids’ Braces
- Early intervention: By starting treatment early, we can address orthodontic issues when they are easier to correct, leading to more efficient results.
- Correcting tooth alignment: Junior braces can help correct tooth alignment, ensuring a more even and beautiful smile as your child grows.
- Bite pattern correction: We can address bite patterns during Phase I, promoting better oral health and reducing the risk of future complications.
- Deter overcrowding: Acting early can prevent overcrowding with adult teeth, reducing the need for future orthodontic treatment.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Get Braces?
Children between seven and 12 are usually ideal candidates for junior braces. However, each child is unique. If your child is between six and seven, we encourage you to schedule a consultation to determine the best time to start your child’s treatment.
Signs Your Child Needs Junior Braces
If your child has any of these conditions or behaviors, we may recommend early intervention orthodontics or junior braces:
- Underbites and crossbites
- Protruding front teeth
- Crowding of teeth
- Early loss of baby teeth
- Thumb sucking
Options for Junior Braces
We offer a range of comfortable and practical kids’ braces for our young patients. Technological advances in orthodontics have made the treatment process more precise and less painful. With Damon braces, we can reduce the frequency of adjustments and the need for elastic bands. Additionally, we provide retainers after we remove braces to prevent teeth from shifting and maintain the results achieved during treatment.
Empowering your child’s orthodontic journey
At Frigo Orthodontics, orthodontic treatment shouldn’t be daunting. Our team is committed to making the process enjoyable for your child through a fun and friendly atmosphere. We aim to build a positive relationship with your child, ensuring they feel comfortable and confident throughout their orthodontic journey.
Involving your child in their orthodontic treatment can make the experience more enjoyable. We ensure that they feel engaged and in control of their orthodontic journey. In addition, we offer mentorship and bus shuttle services to make the process smoother.
What to Expect During Your Child’s First Visit
During your child’s first visit to Frigo Orthodontics, our team will conduct a comprehensive exam, including photos and x-rays. This consultation will help our orthodontists determine if early intervention orthodontics, such as juniors braces, would benefit your child. If immediate treatment is not necessary, we will recommend periodic check-ups to monitor growth and development until the optimal time for treatment.
Our goal is to provide more than just braces for kids– we strive to give your child a lifetime of confidence and radiant, beautiful smiles. If you’re considering braces for your child or have any questions about orthodontic treatment, please get in touch with us for a consultation. Our team of experts is always happy to discuss your child’s orthodontic needs and how we can help.