Pediatric Orthodontic Options - Lake Nona & Winter Garden, FL

Now or Later? The Best Time For Orthodontics

Straight Teeth, Happy Smiles

Is it time for a smile makeover? Once your child receives their first tooth, it might be time to visit our pediatric orthodontist, Dr. Jordan Jones!

Early children’s orthodontics evaluation can help identify and correct any dental concerns before they become more severe, saving you and your child time, discomfort, and possibly even money in the long run. Some children may require pediatric orthodontics treatments before age seven due to the development of malocclusions (bad bites) and receive care as early as 2-3 years of age.

With a wide range of treatment options available, early steps can be taken to reduce the need for major orthodontic treatments at a later age. With Esteem Pediatric, you can feel confident that your little one’s smile will be taken care of from the very beginning!

What Is The Best Time For Orthodontic Treatment?

Since orthodontic needs can be recognized at such a young age, we offer pediatric orthodontics and children’s orthodontics to not only take care of these tiny teeth while they develop, but ensure a healthy smile and mouth the older your child gets:

Infancy: Birth - 12 months

We begin seeing children when they receive their first tooth. Since children’s baby teeth begin to come in about 6-8 months of age, it’s important to start cleaning their mouth and teeth as soon as they appear. Typically these tiny teeth aren’t anything to worry about this young, but something to lookout for is baby bottle tooth decay. This is caused by frequent and long exposures of an infant’s teeth to liquids that contain sugars found in milk. We recommend washing your baby’s mouth, gums, and teeth with a damp washcloth after feedings to remove plaque. With routine dental visits, we can ensure a healthy, solid foundation for when the rest of the baby teeth come in.

Early Childhood: 1-6 years

At this stage in children’s orthodontics, we’re concerned with underdeveloped dental arches, the premature loss of primary teeth, and harmful habits such as finger or thumb sucking. Children will begin cleaning their teeth and developing hygiene routines and regular dental visits. If treatment is needed in this stage of development, it can oftentimes lead to the elimination for the need of future orthodontic treatments.

Middle Childhood: 6-12 years

At this age, we will begin to see the eruption of the permanent incisor (front) teeth and six-year molars. While the eruption of these permanent teeth can cause some pain and discomfort, treatment concerns with jaw malocclusion and dental realignment begin to start. This is an excellent time to introduce children’s orthodontics if necessary, as your child’s hard and soft tissues are typically very responsive to orthodontic treatments. It’s also in this stage that cavities are prevalent, however they can be prevented with a clean, healthy diet of yogurt, vegetables, protein, and cheese which are healthy for teeth. To help with the prevention of cavities, watch your child’s sugar intake at this age and make sure they are brushing and flossing their teeth at least twice a day. You can also talk to Dr. Jones about our sealant treatments to strengthen the enamel on the back molars and even fluoride treatments to help prevent tooth decay.

Adolescence: 12-18 years

At this stage, your child’s permanent teeth are fully erupt and the development of their final bite is forming. Oftentimes by this stage, many children have seen an orthodontist for any dental issues they may have for crowding, crookedness, or bad bites. Regular dental visits are still encouraged to continue the practice of good oral hygiene habits such as brushing and flossing regularly to maintain healthy teeth and gums. While your child is older, it’s still important to maintain a healthy diet, steer away from sugary drinks, avoid mouth piercings, and tobacco use.

When Should My Child Get Braces?

While there isn’t a set age in which children should receive braces, Dr. Jones will help guide you and your child to find the optimal time to begin treatment if necessary. Every child’s mouth and dental needs are unique and may require different treatment plans.

Since many changes occur during childhood, you may begin to notice issues with your child’s teeth and bite alignment. By the time your child is seven years old, the most common orthodontic issues such as overcrowding, uneven bite, crooked teeth, overbite, underbite, and protruding teeth will become visible.

Some children benefit from early orthodontic treatment before all of their adult teeth have come in to help guide the growth of the jaw and development of teeth. This makes it easier to achieve a straighter smile later.

Traditionally, orthodontic treatment with braces or clear aligners begin between the ages of 11-14 when all the permanent teeth have erupted. However, it’s never too late to get braces! Some adults even choose to receive their orthodontic treatment to correct any dental issues they may have.

If you find yourself asking what age is best to get braces, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jones to discuss your child’s dental concerns and create a treatment plan to set your child up for a life full of healthy, dazzling smiles.

Pediatric Orthodontic Options - Lake Nona & Winter Garden, FL

Now or Later? The Best Time For Orthodontics

Straight Teeth, Happy Smiles

What Is The Best Time For Orthodontic Treatment?

When Should My Child Get Braces?

Don’t Let The Timing of Your Orthodontic Treatment Pass By!

Schedule an appointment with Dr. Jones today.

Lake Nona, Fl

Winter Garden , Fl

Who We Are