Orthodontics
The Importance of an Orthodontic Evaluation
AND WHAT TO EXPECT
Around the age of 7, it’s crucial for your child to receive an orthodontic evaluation. This early assessment allows us to detect any potential issues with jaw growth or your child’s emerging teeth. During the orthodontic evaluation, we create a detailed workup of your child’s dental structure. This includes taking a panoramic image, cephalometric (ceph) X-ray, diagnostic models, and photos. These records help us determine your child’s ideal course of treatment. After the orthodontic workup, we will arrange a separate consultation to discuss our recommended treatment plan and explore financing options. Once you have decided on a path forward for your child, treatment can begin.
Interceptive Orthodontics
WHAT IT IS AND WHY IT’S IMPORTANT
Interceptive orthodontics is a proactive and preventive approach to orthodontics. By initiating treatment while your child’s jaw is still growing, we can effectively address many oral issues before they have the chance to develop into situations that would require more involved treatment later. Our pediatric dentists can carefully guide the growth of the jaw to ensure optimal alignment and sufficient space for the permanent teeth. By addressing dental concerns at an early age, you reduce the likelihood your child will need future extractions or costly surgical interventions during their teen years.
Invisalign
THE CLEAR ALTERNATIVE
Invisalign clear aligners are a groundbreaking addition to orthodontics. Since they are more discreet than traditional metal braces, they are perfect for children who might feel self-conscious about orthodontic treatment. Invisalign’s clear, removable aligners allow for a snug fit and unmatched comfort.
Invisalign is best suited for children who have mild to moderate crowding or spacing issues. The system works by gently shifting your child’s teeth into their correct positions over time. There is a new set of aligners every few weeks with slight modifications, each set bringing your child’s teeth closer to the desired result. The best part? Invisalign aligners are hardly noticeable and can be removed for eating, brushing, and special occasions.
Braces
STEP INTO A STRAIGHTER SMILE.
Braces are still one of the most effective methods for straightening a crooked smile. Through gentle pressure, braces assist in realigning the bite to its correct position. Braces are a suitable treatment to fix a range of dental issues, from simple crowding or spacing problems to underbites, overbites, or crossbites. The result is a beautiful straight smile that your child can proudly show off. However, braces aren’t just about creating a beautiful smile—they are an investment in your child’s future dental health.
Palatal Expanders
PAVING THE WAY TO A WELL-ALIGNED SMILE
A palatal expander is a common pediatric orthodontic appliance that gradually widens the upper jaw to rectify issues caused by a narrow palate. Left unaddressed, a narrow upper jaw can lead to future oral health problems, like impacted teeth and crossbites, that may then require extractions to fix. Though a palatal expander is only a temporary part of your child’s orthodontic treatment plan, the benefits of improved alignment and function are long-lasting.
Space Maintainers
SAFEGUARDING YOUR CHILD’S FUTURE SMILE
Space maintainers play a crucial role in pediatric dentistry. These innovative devices prevent neighboring teeth from shifting into spaces left by the premature loss of baby teeth, ensuring that there is sufficient room for the permanent teeth to properly emerge. This helps your child avoid overcrowding and promotes a healthier, more aligned smile in the long run. It’s worth noting that space maintainers are custom made to ensure they are both comfortable and effective for your child. Once the permanent teeth begin to erupt, we can easily remove these appliances.
Retainers
KEEPING YOUR CHILD’S SMILE ALIGNED
Retainers are an essential part of the orthodontic process to hold the teeth in their final, correct positions. We make sure they have a snug but comfortable fit to provide just enough pressure to stop the teeth from moving back to where they were. While it might seem like an extra step, using retainers protects that straight, healthy smile your child has worked so hard to achieve.
There are options for that unexpected dental procedure.
We want to help you make getting the dental care your child needs easy, with or without insurance.
We work with your insurance to maximize your benefits.
No insurance? We also accept other forms of payment such as credit cards, cash, and check. We also accept CareCredit, which offers flexible monthly payments and zero interest for six or 12 months on larger charges.
Are you looking for a pediatric dental specialist to help guide your child’s growing smile?
Our dedicated team is committed to making your child’s orthodontic journey smooth and stress-free. We’re here to support you and your child throughout the entire process.
Contact Pediatric Dental Specialists–Grand Island today to schedule an appointment.