Orthodontics for kids is a specialized branch of dentistry that focuses on diagnosing, preventing, and treating dental and facial abnormalities in children. At Little Smiles of Eastvale, we offer a range of orthodontic treatments suited for children, including space maintainers, traditional metal braces, and Clear Aligners First. Orthodontics for kids is not just about straightening teeth, it's about creating a foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles. Early orthodontic intervention also has the added benefit of improving your child's oral health and boosting their self-esteem.
Your child's early years are the best time to correct any dental issues they may have. Early orthodontic treatment can prevent more serious problems from developing and may make treatment at a later age shorter and less complicated. It's not just about aesthetics, it's about setting your child up for a lifetime of good oral health. Orthodontic treatment can correct overcrowding, crossbites, overbites, and underbites, and can even improve the appearance and function of your child's lips and face.
Orthodontic treatment can start as early as age 6 or 7!
This is the differentiator paragraph copy. This is the differentiator paragraph copy. This is the differentiator paragraph copy. This is the differentiator paragraph copy.
See real patient success stories.
Orthodontics for kids can drastically improve your child's oral health. Straight teeth are easier to clean, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease. Correcting bite issues can also prevent wear and tear on the teeth and reduce the risk of future dental problems.
Orthodontic treatment can dramatically improve your child's appearance, leading to enhanced self-esteem. A beautiful smile can boost your child's confidence, positively impacting their social interactions and overall quality of life.
Early orthodontic treatment can prevent future dental issues. It can correct jaw growth, guide permanent teeth into more favorable positions, and reduce the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth. It's a proactive approach to your child's oral health.
The first step in the orthodontic treatment process is the initial consultation. The orthodontist will examine your child's teeth, mouth, and jaw to determine the need for orthodontic treatment. This consultation will help us understand your child's unique needs and develop a personalized treatment plan.
After the initial consultation, we'll develop a detailed treatment plan. This plan will outline the type of orthodontic appliance to be used (space maintainers, traditional metal braces, or Clear Aligners First), the duration of treatment, and any necessary follow-up care.
The final step is the implementation of the treatment plan. This could involve fitting your child with their chosen orthodontic appliance and providing instructions for care. Regular follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor progress and make necessary adjustments.
Absolutely! Just because your child is wearing braces doesn’t mean they have to sit out of sports. While braces are sturdy, wearing a properly fitted mouthguard designed specifically for braces is important to protect their teeth and mouth during practices and games. Dr. Zala can help guide you on selecting the right mouthguard for your little athlete to ensure they stay safe while staying active.
Yes. Retainers are essential for maintaining the new positions of their teeth while the surrounding bone and tissues adjust. For younger kids, we may recommend “permanent” retainers, which consist of a wire that’s bonded to the back of the teeth to keep them in place. It’s only removable by an orthodontist, so your child won’t have to worry about remembering to wear it.
However, removable clear retainers or Hawley retainers are also available for kiddos who can be trusted to be diligent about wearing their retainers as instructed. No matter the type of retainer, Dr. Zala will provide clear guidance on how to best care for it. This final step is essential in maintaining that beautiful, confident smile we’ve worked to achieve together!
The length of orthodontic treatment can vary depending on your child’s unique needs and the type of appliance used. For example, treatments like Clear Aligners First typically take around 6 to 18 months, while traditional metal braces often require 18 to 24 months.
Treatment times may be more complex and hard to predict if your little one needs additional appliances like a palate expander, since every child grows and develops at a different rate.
Dr. Zala will walk you through the treatment timeline during your consultation so you’ll know just what to expect. Every smile grows at its own pace, but rest assured, we're here to make the journey as smooth, and fun, as possible for your child.
Some of the most common signs that your child might need braces include crowded or crooked teeth, gaps between teeth, or bite issues such as a crossbite, overbite, or underbite. These issues can affect their ability to chew, speak, and clean their teeth effectively.
The best way to know for sure is to schedule a consultation. And the best time to book may be earlier than you think! The American Association of Orthodontics recommends orthodontic screenings for kids as young as 6-7.
While treatment with braces and other orthodontic appliances may not start right away, this is the perfect time for an orthodontist like Dr. Zala to check on your child’s oral development, note any potential issues, and help you find the best path forward for their oral health and development.
At Little Smiles of Eastvale, Dr. Mitesh Zala will take a close look at your child’s teeth, jaw, and bite development to assess if orthodontic treatment is the right choice for a happy, healthy smile.
.png)
.png)
.png)
