in Alpharetta, GA
Early Orthodontic Treatment
Starting orthodontic care for your young child may seem drastic. However, beginning proactive care early in some children can help minimize or even eliminate their need for more extensive treatments in the future. Give your child a lifetime of healthy smiling by scheduling an initial consultation with your Alpharetta orthodontist.
Why Should I Choose Early Orthodontic treatment?
Early orthodontic treatment, also referred to as “Phase 1 orthodontic treatment” or “interceptive orthodontic treatment”, refers to orthodontic treatment performed between the ages of 7-10. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that a child's first check-up be at age 7. At this time, your child has enough permanent teeth to allow Dr. Tauber to spot subtle problems with jaw growth patterns, as well as emerging teeth. Early orthodontic treatment is often required if your child has major oral development issues that should be corrected while their mouths are still growing.
Did you know
The American Academy of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first visit with an orthodontist by age 7.
Ready to schedule your appointment?
A palatal expander is an appliance that gradually widens your child’s upper jaw to create more room for their adult teeth or to correct jaw misalignment. Using an expander as part of early orthodontic treatment reduces the need to extract permanent teeth in the future and increases the size of your child’s airway to improve breathing.
As your child grows, their baby teeth are destined to fall out to make room for their adult counterparts. But when they fall out too early, it can heighten the risk for orthodontic complications later on. We want your child to thrive, which is why we offer space maintainers, a solution that keeps your child's teeth from shifting and having misalignment issues as they erupt.
When you bring your child to a board-certified orthodontist like Dr. Tauber, you’re getting the peace of mind knowing that your little one’s smile is in the hands of an experienced professional who is dedicated to keeping up with the latest advancements in orthodontics and patient care.
When you bring your child to a board-certified orthodontist like Dr. Tauber, you’re getting the peace of mind knowing that your little one’s smile is in the hands of an experienced professional who is dedicated to keeping up with the latest advancements in orthodontics and patient care.
Kid Corral Program for Rising Smiles
- Tour the office
- Complimentary Exam
- Yearly smile check-ups
Get started on the right path
Set your little one's smile up for success by enrolling them in our Kid Corral Program for Rising Smiles. They will receive an office tour, a complimentary exam, yearly tooth check-ups, and fun surprises!
The Early Orthodontic Treatment Process
Initial Consultation
At your child’s initial appointment, photographs and x-rays will be exposed to take measurements of their jaw bones and check eruption of permanent teeth. Dr. Tauber will complete a comprehensive exam and discuss your child’s overall oral health to determine if your child has a need for early orthodontic treatment.
Personalized Treatment Plan
Once your child is approved for treatment, their orthodontist will develop a customized treatment plan. This could include special braces, habit appliances to help with things like thumb-sucking or bad swallow, palate expanders, headgear, and a variety of other treatments. Every child is different, so your orthodontist will discuss their plan with you and schedule all of the necessary follow-ups and checkups.
Regular Orthodontic Check-Ups
Early orthodontic treatment typically takes about 12 months, though some patients may have shorter or longer treatment times. During this time, your child will come back to our office for frequent visits. Dr. Tauber will check on their oral health, examine their progress, and make sure everything’s on track. This same process will continue until your child’s treatment is complete.
Ready to Visit?
We can't wait to see you!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of early orthodontic treatment?
Early treatment can be in a patient’s best interest if their problem is one that could worsen over time and cause severe dental issues in adulthood if left untreated. The goal of early treatment is to recognize and eliminate these problems as early as possible, so a child’s teeth and jaw can properly grow and maintain space for incoming adult teeth.
What are the signs that my child may need early orthodontic treatment?
If your child is showcasing one or more of the following signs & symptoms, they may be a good candidate for early interceptive orthodontic treatment:
- Underbites
- Crossbites
- Crowded teeth
- Excessively gapped teeth
- Extra or missing teeth
- Excessive thumb, finger, or pacifier sucking
Our team is happy to work directly with you and your child to assess these symptoms before they become severe issues over time.
What causes orthodontic problems in my child?
While many orthodontic problems are inherited, some are caused by common habits over time, such as thumb sucking, finger sucking, or excessive pacifier use. Other factors such as mouth breathing, dental disease, abnormal swallowing, poor dental hygiene, or early or late loss of baby teeth, accidents, and poor nutrition can alter your child’s teeth and jaw alignment. No matter the cause, our team will cater to your child’s unique needs and teach them healthy habits for a lifetime of optimal oral health.
At what age should my child be seen by an orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that your child’s first check-up should take place before the age of 7 or any time an orthodontic issue is noticed before then. By the age of 7, your child’s mouth holds enough permanent teeth for an orthodontist to gain a strong understanding of your child’s mouth and jaws as they develop. This provides your orthodontist with plenty of information to give your child a tailored treatment.
How much does early interceptive orthodontics cost?
The cost of early interceptive orthodontics is different for each patient. Factors that may affect the cost include the severity of your child’s teeth misalignment, appointment and visits, insurance type, and more. The best way to find out how much you’ll pay for your child’s early interceptive orthodontics is to schedule a consultation with your orthodontist.
Stable Orthodontics Makes Straight Teeth a Breeze
