At McAllen Orthodontic Group, we specialize in orthodontics for children, helping to identify and treat developing issues before they become more complex. By evaluating your child’s bite and jaw development at an early age, we can guide their growth, prevent potential complications, and simplify future treatment. Our approach ensures that every child receives care that’s tailored to their unique needs at the right time, and with the right plan in place. If you’re looking for orthodontics for children near you, our experienced team is here to help your child smile with confidence.
Why Early Evaluation Matters
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have an orthodontic screening by age 7. At this age, Dr. Joseph Ryan can detect subtle problems with jaw growth and emerging teeth. Early diagnosis allows for timely intervention that can guide teeth into more favorable positions and reduce the need for more complex treatment later.
Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment
Early treatment can:
- Guide jaw growth and incoming permanent teeth
- Regulate the width of upper and lower arches
- Create space for permanent teeth
- Prevent the need for extractions
- Reduce the likelihood of impacted teeth
- Correct thumb-sucking habits
- Address speech and swallowing problems
In short, early intervention can simplify future treatment after the permanent teeth erupt.
Customized Plans for Every Child
Not all children need early orthodontic treatment. Some orthodontic issues are best treated during the teen years. If early treatment isn’t necessary, your child may be placed in our Orthodontic Supervisory Program, where we monitor their dental development through regular visits every 6–8 months at no cost.
What is the Orthodontic Supervisory Program?
The orthodontic supervisory program is for patients who are not ready for treatment and have been placed on recall. This program enables us to monitor the eruptive pattern of the permanent teeth. Sometimes, poor erupted patterns of permanent teeth may be eliminated with early removal of baby teeth and reduce the treatment time required for braces. We will notify your general dentist of any recommendations made during your visit. We normally see the patients on recall every 6-8 months to observe their progress as they grow. There is no fee for this program and it helps the orthodontist determine the optimum time to begin treatment and achieve the best possible result for your child.
Signs Your Child May Need Orthodontic Care
Look for these signs that may indicate a need to see a children’s orthodontist:
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- Difficulty chewing or biting
- Mouth breathing
- Thumb or finger sucking
- Crowded or blocked teeth
- Popping sounds in the jaw
- Misaligned or non-closing bites
- Disproportionate jaw and facial features
- Crowded front teeth by age 7 or 8
What to Expect After Early Treatment
Early treatment helps correct major issues, but it may not eliminate the need for braces in adolescence. A second phase (Phase II) is often recommended once all permanent teeth have erupted to fine-tune alignment. In some cases, no further treatment may be necessary.
More Than Just a Beautiful Smile
Orthodontics for children can also:
- Improve bite function
- Make teeth easier to clean
- Prevent uneven tooth wear
- Support lifelong oral health
Don’t Skip the Dentist!
Orthodontic care doesn’t replace regular dental checkups. During treatment, it’s important for children to continue visiting their family dentist every 6 months for cleanings and exams.
FAQ
Can Orthodontic Issues Affect Speech or Chewing?
Yes. Misaligned teeth or jaw problems can impact how children speak and chew. Early orthodontic care can help correct these issues, improving both function and comfort.
Will Early Treatment Prevent the Need for Braces Later On?
Early treatment can begin the correction of significant problems, prevent more severe problems from developing, and simplify future treatment. Because all of the permanent teeth have not yet erupted when early treatment is performed, their final alignment may not have been corrected. Typically, a shortened comprehensive phase of treatment (Phase II – full braces) in the teen years, after all the permanent teeth have erupted, completes the correction. However, in some circumstances, further orthodontic treatment may not be indicated.
Do We Still Need to See Our Family Dentist During Orthodontic Treatment?
Patients with braces and other orthodontic appliances require more effort to keep their teeth and gums clean. Because we want to ensure the highest level of dental health, we recommend you see your family dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings every 6 months during treatment.
Do You Offer Flexible Scheduling for Children’s Appointments?
Yes. We understand your family’s schedule can be busy, so we offer flexible appointment times to make visits as convenient as possible for both parents and kids.
Get Started with Expert Children’s Orthodontic Care
Early evaluations can make a big difference in your child’s smile. Contact McAllen Orthodontic Group today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward confident, healthy smiles that last a lifetime.