Early Orthodontic Treatment in McLean
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Why Choose Early Orthodontic Treatment?
Getting your child started on orthodontics early can benefit their oral health later in life. The American Association of Orthodontics recommends taking your child to see an orthodontist around age 7 to decide whether or not early orthodontic treatment is necessary. Early orthodontic treatment can guide the growth and development of the jaws and adult teeth to optimize their permanent positions. Problems with fully developed teeth and jaws at a later age are more difficult to fix, often requiring surgeries and other complex procedures.
Our Treatments
Expander
Expanders are common orthodontic appliances that widen a child’s jaw during the growth of the bones and cartilage, making it spacious enough for adult teeth. Expanders are available for the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both. They have a mini-screw attached to them that you can turn using a special key to gradually widen the jaw and the dental arch. Most children who get expanders don’t report pain, and if there is any discomfort, it is tolerable. We offer 3D printed expanders with greater accuracy, easier placement, and less chair time.
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Early Braces
It may feel like it’s too early to seek orthodontic evaluation for your child, but the American Association of Orthodontics recommends an evaluation by age 7. Patients this young do not always need orthodontic intervention yet, but if there are issues that could worsen (and we can prevent them), getting started with braces early has the potential to prevent further more problems down the line.
Habit Appliances
Habit appliances are small devices we can use to help your child stop a potentially damaging habit—such as thumb sucking or tongue thrusting—before it causes issues for their bite or alignment. Often made of metal, these devices resemble small retainers that are worn for a short amount of time to break these habits and help prevent further treatment down the line.
Signs Your Child Needs Early Orthodontic Treatment
Early loss of baby teeth before age 5
By using special early orthodontic treatments, we can prevent the early loss of baby teeth which will save them more extensive treatments in the future.
Over-retained baby teeth by age 13
Over-retained baby teeth can occur when they don't have the space to fall out and grow on their own.
Speech impediment
A bad bite and misaligned teeth can contribute to speech problems.
Mouth breathing
If your child continuously breathes out of their mouth, it may be due to misalignment issues.
Thumb sucking after age 5
Excessive thumb, finger, or pacifier sucking may indicate the need for early orthodontic treatment.
Difficulty chewing or biting down
Jaw misalignments or overcrowding in the mouth can cause issues with chewing and biting properly.
Protruding teeth
Protruding teeth are often a sign that your child's teeth aren't erupting into alignment.
Underbite
Early orthodontic treatment is particularly important for children who may have jaw problems such as an underbite or overbite.
Crowded Teeth
Crowded teeth are often a sign that your child can benefit from orthodontics.
Check Out These Beautiful Results!
See the difference that Spark Aligners can make in your smile.
Cross bite, Spacing
Before
After
Frequently
Asked
Questions
What is the best age to start orthodontic treatment?
The American Association of Orthodontics recommends an evaluation by age 7. This does not mean your child will need orthodontic treatment at this age, but it’s the best time to evaluate them as most patients will have their adult upper and lower incisor teeth in addition to their molars. This makes it an ideal time to observe how the rest of the adult teeth will come in and whether or not the teeth are properly aligned.
Is early orthodontic treatment necessary?
Not every child needs early orthodontic treatment, but when they do, it has the potential to prevent further complications or misalignment down the line. Getting started at a young age can also more easily guide the teeth and jaw into the place we want them to be.
How much will early orthodontic treatment hurt?
Early treatment can actually help your child avoid some of the pain and discomfort associated with greater misalignment problems later in life. While some discomfort is inevitable when we’re gradually moving teeth, it should not be painful, and we do everything we can to keep discomfort to a minimum and dental anxieties at bay.
What is early orthodontic treatment, and why is it important?
Early orthodontic treatment focuses on identifying and addressing potential dental or jaw alignment concerns in children, typically between ages 7 and 10. This phase of care helps correct issues before they worsen, like crowding, crossbites, or overbites. By guiding the growth of the jaw and creating space for adult teeth, early treatment can often reduce the need for extensive care in the future.
At The McLean Orthodontist, we take the time to design personalized treatment plans that set the stage for your child’s confident, healthy smile. Wondering if your child might benefit? Schedule a consultation today to get started.
Does insurance cover kids' orthodontics?
Many insurance plans offer partial coverage for kids’ orthodontic treatment, especially when it’s deemed medically necessary. Coverage can vary widely, so we recommend checking your benefits before starting treatment.
At our practice, we’ll work with you to navigate the financial aspects and offer flexible payment options to help make treatment affordable. Rest assured, our team is here to support you every step of the way. Have questions about insurance? Give us a call at (703) 356-8781, and we’ll guide you through the process.
Is early orthodontic treatment painful or uncomfortable for kids?
Modern orthodontic options are designed with your child’s comfort in mind. While some adjustments during treatment, such as braces tightening or fitting aligners, may cause temporary discomfort, it’s typically minimal and quickly subsides.
At The McLean Orthodontist, we provide a welcoming environment aimed at eliminating physical and emotional stress. Dr. Marzban and our team go the extra mile to ensure your child feels confident and at ease through every step of their care. Your child’s comfort is our top priority!
How long does early orthodontic treatment take?
The duration of early orthodontic treatment in McLean often depends on the specific needs of your child. Most Phase 1 treatments last between 6 and 12 months. After this phase, your child may still need occasional visits to monitor their progress.
When necessary, further Phase 2 orthodontic treatment with braces or clear aligners will usually start when all of their adult teeth have emerged. This is usually between the ages of 11-13 for most kids.
Our tailored approach ensures your child receives the right care at the right time. With over four decades of experience, Dr. Marzban specializes in creating efficient and effective plans that set the stage for lasting results.
How do I know if my child is a candidate for early orthodontic treatment?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends all children see an orthodontist by age 7. This initial evaluation helps identify alignment concerns even if no visible problems are present.
Your child might benefit from early treatment if they have crowded teeth, noticeable gaps, difficulty chewing, or habits like thumb-sucking. At The McLean Orthodontist, we offer thorough evaluations to assess your child’s unique needs and guide you toward the best next steps. Call us today at (703) 356-8781 to schedule an appointment and learn more.
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Get in touch with us today to schedule an appointment for yourself or your child’s orthodontic care.
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