A Parent’s Guide to Orthodontic Treatment for Children
If you think your child needs orthodontic care, the first step is scheduling an orthodontic consultation with an experienced specialist. At Clark Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, our pediatric orthodontic specialist Dr. Mary Flanagan has years of experience working closely with children to create highly individualized orthodontic care plans. Here is our guide to children’s orthodontic care in Clark, NJ.
When Should Your Child Get Braces?
Getting orthodontic treatment at an early age is very beneficial. Orthodontic treatment may be less extensive and expensive if we catch issues early. Children as young as six years old can get braces to treat issues like overcrowding, gaps between teeth, and malocclusion. By starting orthodontic care at a younger age, you are preventing issues from becoming more noticeable and more uncomfortable.
What to Expect at Your Initial Consultation
Our team does everything we can to minimize children’s dental anxiety and create a comfortable, welcoming space. At your initial consultation, we will complete a comprehensive dental exam and take dental x-rays. We may also make dental impressions, molds, or take 3D intra oral scans of your child’s mouth. We will go over our findings and discuss potential treatment options. We will also discuss the cost of orthodontic care and financing options.
How We Design Children’s Orthodontic Treatment Plans
After the consultation, you can decide to proceed with treatment or wait until your child is older. If you decide to proceed, we will schedule another appointment to begin the process of designing your child’s orthodontic treatment plan. When we design a plan, we consider the extent of your child’s issues, their age, their lifestyle and overall health, and the best course of treatment. We will outline the full plan and review each stage so you know what to expect.
Monitoring Your Child’s Progress
Once treatment has begun, we will monitor your child’s progress carefully. You will need to schedule checkups every four weeks so that we can assess their progress. In most cases, treatment plans range between 12-36 months; however, some minor issues can be addressed in as little as six months.
Our Orthodontic Treatment Options for Kids
We offer comprehensive orthodontic treatment options for kids. We will determine which treatment method will be most effective for your child, and then walk you through what to expect. We offer:
- Dental expanders
- Traditional braces
- Clear dental aligners
- Retainers
- Custom mouthguards
Learn More About Kids Orthodontic Care in Clark, NJ
If you have further questions or are ready to schedule an initial consultation for kids orthodontic care in Clark, NJ, contact us at Clark Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics. Dr. Flanagan and her team will guide you through the process of what to expect from the exam to the treatment plan so that you and your family can make an informed decision about your care. Make an appointment with us today.
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Child Dental Care
