Expert Orthodontist for Children’s Orthodontics near Leominster, MA

When Should You Schedule Your Child’s First Orthodontic Appointment?

Our expert orthodontist can enhance a smile at any age, but there is an optimal time period to begin orthodontic treatment. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that the initial orthodontic evaluation should occur at the first sign of orthodontic problems, or no later than age 7. At this early age, orthodontic treatment may not be necessary, but our expert for children’s orthodontics near Leominster, MA, can evaluate erupting teeth to detect issues such as possible overbite, open bite, crowding, or gummy smiles.

Early Orthodontics Is NOT About Getting Braces

At Walker Orthodontics, we provide an early evaluation to guide the growth and development of your child’s jaw and teeth to prevent more serious problems later. Beginning treatment at this time ensures the best result AND the least amount of time and expense. As the teeth are often misaligned early in the young child, our goal for early orthodontic treatment is actually to avoid or reduce the need for braces in the future.

What Are the Benefits of Early Intervention?

Our expert orthodontic team at Walker Orthodontics can tell if your child will benefit from early orthodontic treatment, since many potential problems may not be visibly apparent until prevention is too late. Some of the advantages of early treatment include:

• 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 incoming teeth
• Reducing the need for tooth removal
• Reducing treatment time with braces

Your Child’s Healthy Bite Leads to a Beautiful Smile

If necessary, Dr. Walker may recommend a “pre-braces” appliance for your child. This type of treatment uses myofunctional techniques, which focus specifically on muscle function to address poor oral habits, which are often the underlying cause of crooked teeth. Myofunctional orthodontic techniques have been practiced by orthodontists and dentists for over 50 years.

For example, Walker Orthodontics may prescribe the daily use of a Myobrace to improve the function of your child’s facial muscles, tongue posture, and breathing, leading to their optimal facial development and straighter teeth. These appliances are minimally invasive and provide remarkably fast results! In fact, parents tell us that teachers often notice improved behavior, classroom attention, and scholastic performance after just a few weeks of treatment.

Is Your Child a Candidate for Early Children’s Orthodontics near Leominster, MA?

Ultimately, orthodontics does more than make a pretty smile – it creates a healthier you! If your child has difficulty chewing or biting, or shows signs of mouth breathing, protruding teeth, or a speech impediment, it is time to make an appointment with our experienced team at Walker Orthodontics. Even when early orthodontic prevention is not necessary or recommended, early evaluation still allows our orthodontists to monitor your child’s growth patterns and focus on the ideal time to begin braces after all their teeth have erupted.

For Your Child’s Expert Evaluation, Start with Our Complimentary Walker Orthodontics Smile Assessment

Call 978.345.7988 or click here to request your complimentary, no-obligation Walker Orthodontics Smile Assessment. Your free, new patient appointment includes a complete oral exam and health history, digital x-rays, an office tour, and a consultation with Dr. Walker or Dr. Neely – a $400 value!

5-Star-Rated Orthodontist for Myobrace & Children’s Orthodontics near Leominster, MA – Serving Groton, Leominster, Fitchburg, Harvard, Townsend, Ayer, Orange, Lunenburg, Westminster, Winchendon, Worcester, Littleton & Concord, MA