Child Orthodontics

Teeth misalignment, gaps and spaces, bite issues, and crowding of the teeth typically begin in early childhood, and early treatment of these issues can prevent aesthetic and functional damage later in life. Plus, early orthodontic treatment can ensure that your child avoids issues with self-confidence based on the look of their teeth. The experienced orthodontists at Great Neck & Mid-Island Dental Associates offer an array of options for children and adolescents that are designed to provide them with effective treatment and a beautiful smile for years to come.

Orthodontics for Toddlers, Kids, and Teens

According to the American Association of Orthodontists, your child should have his or her first orthodontic evaluation by the time they reach 7 years of age. This is the age when the first molars should have erupted, which allows our orthodontist to identify potential problems by comparing the front-teeth to the back-teeth.

There are many types of orthodontic treatments available, depending on the specific problems that may be present and the severity of those issues. At our practice, we offer effective ways to treat orthodontic irregularities that do not involve uncomfortable and noticeable metal brackets placed along the teeth. For younger children, we can utilize orthodontic appliances to encourage healthy jaw growth and give the mouth adequate room to accommodate permanent teeth. This can also reduce the extent of orthodontic treatment later, if it becomes necessary at all.

The information below lists some of our options for children and teenagers who may need orthodontic treatment to correct crooked or crowded teeth, issues with over-, under-, or cross-bite, and other problems.

Ceramic Braces

Metal braces have proven to be one of the most reliable and effective ways of improving orthodontic problems and moving the teeth into a straighter position. However, they have the disadvantage of drawing attention to the fact that you are undergoing treatment, which can be especially hard for children and adolescents who are trying to build their self-esteem. Ceramic braces available at our practice work in much the same way as metal braces, but they are somewhat difficult to see. Tinted to match the color of your child’s teeth, ceramic braces are not as noticeable as their metal counterparts and are resistant to stains. This orthodontic option can improve an array of issues with much less aesthetic distraction compared to traditional metal braces.

Radiance^™ Clear Braces

Radiance^™ clear braces are made from a crystal of pure sapphire. They are virtually invisible, and very smooth along the teeth, significantly reducing the risk of irritation along the soft tissues of the mouth. Radiance^™ offers children and teenagers a way to straighten the teeth more discretely and more comfortably, with results that can create beautiful smiles for years to come.

3M Unitek^™ Digital Modeling

3M Unitek^™ digital modeling technology creates a 3-D computer image of your child’s teeth and gums, offering our orthodontists the opportunity to visualize any problem areas with tremendous precision. This ultimately helps them to create a customized treatment plan that offers even greater chances of successful results. The 3M Unitek^™ technology also works as an effective communication tool between you, your child, and your orthodontist, providing a very clear look at the teeth so that you can achieve a comprehensive understanding of the problems and the treatments that can correct them.

Contact Great Neck & Mid-Island Dental Associates

If you would like more information on our orthodontic treatment options for children and adolescents, or if you would like to schedule an orthodontic evaluation, please contact Great Neck & Mid-Island Dental Associates today.