Kids’ orthodontics
Kids' orthodontists in Pearland & Bellaire, Texas
Kids should see a pediatric orthodontist by age 7
Your child needs teeth and jaws that are properly aligned to have a long-lasting, beautiful smile – in other words, a healthy bite. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends children see an orthodontist for kids’ for an initial evaluation no later than seven years old. By seven, your child’s teeth have developed enough for subtle problems with jaw growth and emerging teeth to be spotted while some baby teeth are still present.
This complimentary first visit may reveal that your child’s bite is satisfactory and that braces for kids aren’t necessary.
In other cases, your Pearland or Bellaire pediatric orthodontist, Dr. McGrory or Dr. McCarty, may identify a developing problem but recommend monitoring your child’s growth and development and then, if indicated, begin orthodontic treatment at the appropriate time for your child.
Occasionally, your pediatric orthodontist may find a problem that can benefit from early orthodontic treatment.
What is early orthodontic treatment?
Early orthodontic treatment, also referred to as Phase I treatment, may prevent or intercept more serious problems from developing and make any future orthodontic treatment at a later age shorter and less complicated.
When needed, early treatment allows your kids’ orthodontist in Pearland or Bellaire to achieve results that may not be possible once the face and jaws have finished growing.
Choosing the best time for kids’ braces
While the age at which 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 are treated early.
If Dr. McGrory or Dr. McCarty thinks your child will need early orthodontic treatment, she will let you know when it will be best to begin. This gives your pediatric orthodontist the best chance to:
Guide jaw growth
Lower the risk of trauma to protruded front teeth
Correct harmful oral habits
Improve appearance and self-esteem in your child
Guide permanent teeth into a more favorable position
Create a more pleasing arrangement of teeth, lips, and face
Signs your child should see a pediatric orthodontist
It’s not always easy to tell when your child has an orthodontic problem or if kids’ braces may be need. Even teeth that look straight may be hiding a problem bite. Here are some clues that may indicate the need for orthodontic attention:
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- Difficulty chewing or biting
- Breathing through the mouth
- Thumb-sucking
- Crowded, misplaced or blocked-out teeth
- Jaws that are too far forward or back
- Biting the cheek or biting into the roof of the mouth
- Protruding teeth
- Upper and lower teeth that don’t meet, or meet in an abnormal way
- An unbalanced facial appearance
- Grinding or clenching of the teeth
Our braces for kids in Pearland & Bellaire
At McGrory Orthodontics, we offer the following options for kids’ braces in Pearland and Bellaire, Texas:
During your child’s free consultation, if we find kids’ braces are needed, we can discuss which option is right for them and answer any questions you may have.
How much do braces cost for kids?
The cost of braces for kids in Pearland and Bellaire can vary depending on the severity of your child’s orthodontic issues, the type of braces recommended by our family orthodontist and your dental insurance benefits. The best way to discover the total cost of braces for kids is to schedule a free consultation with our kids’ orthodontists near you! We offer a variety of payment plans to suit your budget and accept many dental insurance policies.
Book a free consultation for kids’ orthodontics near you
If your child is around seven or older, please schedule a free orthodontic consultation at McGrory Orthodontics in Pearland or Bellaire, Texas, today!
Our expert Greater Houston pediatric orthodontists will evaluate and discuss your child’s orthodontic options and develop a kids’ orthodontic treatment plan customized to their needs.
