Orthodontics & Braces for Children in Lakewood, California (CA)

Orthodontics for Children in Lakewood, California – Your Top Invisalign Orthodontist

It is best for Dr. Brodsky to see children around age 7 to advise if early interceptive orthodontic treatment is required. The first permanent molars and incisors have usually come in by this time and crossbites, crowding and other problems can be evaluated. When treatment is begun early, the orthodontist can guide the growth of the jaw and guide incoming permanent teeth. Early treatment can also regulate the width of the upper and lower dental arches, gain space for permanent teeth, avoid the need for permanent tooth extractions, reduce the likelihood of impacted permanent teeth, correct thumb-sucking, and eliminate abnormal swallowing or speech problems. In other words, early treatment can have significant importance in treating some malocclusions.

Early treatment does not benefit all children. If early treatment is not needed, orthodontic treatment may not need to begin until the age of 10 or 12. At this age, most children are about to lose their last couple “baby” teeth. This is the most ideal time to start treatment. Once children lose their last “baby” tooth, orthodontic treatment can become more challenging. It is recommended that all children be seen by Dr. Brodsky by age 15. At age 15 certain bones in the face permanently fuse together, which may make orthodontics more difficult and less predictable in certain cases.