Get a Head Start on a Lifetime of Smiles
As a parent in Warrior, AL, we know you want the best for your child, and that includes healthy teeth and a confident smile through orthodontics!
As a mom herself, Dr. Abenoja will treat your children like our own by giving them the best orthodontic care possible.
Orthodontic Check-Ups Are Recommended By Age 7
Early detection is an effective way to help your children enjoy healthy teeth. The American Association of Orthodontists and Dr. Abenoja recommend that the initial orthodontic evaluation should occur at the first sign of orthodontic problems or no later than age seven.
At this early age, orthodontic treatment may not be necessary, but Dr. Abenoja will monitor the patient so that she can anticipate the most advantageous time to begin treatment. Early treatment ensures the greatest result and the least amount of time and expense.
Early evaluation provides both timely detection of problems and greater opportunity for more effective treatment. Prudent intervention guides growth and development, preventing serious problems later.
When orthodontic intervention is not necessary, Dr. Abenoja can carefully monitor growth and development and begin treatment when it is ideal. Some of the most direct results of interceptive treatment in children are:
- Creating room for crowded, erupting teeth
- Creating facial symmetry through influencing jaw growth
- Reducing the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth
- Preserving space for unerupted teeth
- Reducing the need for tooth removal
- Reducing treatment time with braces
Some orthodontic problems should be addressed at Warrior Orthodontics when your child is between age 7 and 10—before they have all of their permanent teeth.
Early detection is an effective way to help your children enjoy healthy teeth at Warrior Orthodontics. Most of the time, Dr. Abenoja will take a “wait-and-see” approach and re-evaluate the growth and development of your child periodically.
What Is Early Treatment?
Early treatment at Warrior Orthodontics helps to prevent or intercept more serious problems from developing and may make treatment at a later age shorter and less complicated.
In some cases, Dr. Abenoja will be able to achieve results that may not be possible once the face and jaws have finished growing.
Choosing the Best Time for Treatment
While the age that kids get braces will vary, orthodontic treatment most often begins between the ages of 9 and 14 at Abenoja Orthodontics. It’s easier for Dr. Abenoja to correct some orthodontic problems when they’re treated early.
Dr. Abenoja corrects arch development with phase one orthodontic treatment to develop the arches, often using a palate expander. Dr. Abenoja also treats crossbite and can help discourage thumb sucking (with a habbit appliance).
If Dr. Abenoja thinks your child will need treatment, she’ll let you know when it will be best to begin treatment, and this gives her the best chance to:
- Guide jaw growth
- Lower the risk of trauma to protruded front teeth
- Correct harmful oral habits
- Improve appearance and self-esteem in your child
- Guide permanent teeth into a more favorable position
- Create a more pleasing arrangement of teeth, lips and face
Learn More at Your Free Consultation
If your child has a dental issue, please contact us by setting up a free consultation at our office in Warrior, AL.
We can talk about your child's orthodontic options and Dr. Abenoja can develop a treatment plan that will meet their unique needs.