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As your child grows and develops, they should see an orthodontist who specializes in orthodontics for children. Orthodontic Associates can help your child grow up with a straight, healthy and confident smile.
Why Age 7
The American Association of Orthodontists, AAO, recommends “children get their first check-up with an AAO orthodontist either at the first recognition of an orthodontic problem or at age seven.” At this age, your child’s teeth and skeletal structure are continually changing and could require early treatments to correct. Children often have a mix of baby and adult teeth, and our orthodontists can examine if a problem exists while recommending what treatment may be needed and when.
Growth & Development Visits
At Orthodontic Associates, we make it easy to bring your child in for regular growth and development visits at one of our three Oklahoma City metro locations. There is no charge for these visits or x-rays until treatment is recommended.
Throughout growth and development visits we can also help identify bad oral habits, like thumb-sucking, dependence to pacifiers past age one and tongue thrust habits. These habits past a very young age can become damaging to your child’s teeth and oral bite.
Once your child is old enough, we may recommend Invisalign clear aligner treatment or modern braces to align their bite and straighten their teeth for a healthier, more beautiful smile.
“These appointments give us a chance to get to know the young patients and develop a relationship with them. Then, when they are ready for orthodontic treatment, trust and confidence have been established. The kids are excited to start braces or Invisalign treatment with us,” says Dr. Geoff Sparks.
Early Orthodontic Treatment
Many kids start their first phase of orthodontic treatment between the ages of seven and 10. We can treat their smile with Invisalign clear aligners or modern braces, with an option for colorful elastics. The treatment type depends on what is best for the individual child and what the doctor recommends.
Phase one, or early, orthodontic treatment often opens space for final adult teeth to grow in place while straightening their current smile. Phase two, usually between ages 11 and 15, straightens and aligns a child’s bite after the rest of their adult teeth have grown into their smile.
Some additional advantages of early orthodontic treatment include proper jaw development, reducing the need for permanent tooth extractions, help to prevent impaction of permanent teeth, and guiding permanent teeth into their optimal position. In some cases, it may help in avoiding jaw surgery later in life. Furthermore, orthodontic treatment can also help improve self-esteem and confidence with an improved smile.
As soon as we start seeing our growth and development patients, they are excited to learn that they are enrolled in our Patient Reward Program and start earning points to make purchases in our prize cabinet. We regularly stock the cabinet with toys, games and gift cards making each visit fun and exciting!
Schedule a Free Consultation
We welcome you to call us anytime at 405-947-1526 to schedule your child’s free consultation at any of our locations in Oklahoma City and Edmond. Though not required to see us, we happily accept referrals from your child’s dentist and work closely with them throughout treatment.
Orthodontic Associates is locally owned by five board-certified orthodontists specializing in braces and Invisalign for kids, teens and adults.
The doctors have over 100 years of dental and orthodontic experience. The orthodontists work closely as a team to develop each patient’s individualized treatment plan. The goal is to give patients an exceptional experience as well as a beautiful and healthy smile. Patients can enjoy the team approach or have the option of working with just one of the doctors.
Orthodontic Associates is a Diamond Plus Provider of Invisalign clear aligners and has treated more than 5,500 Invisalign patients, which is the most in the state of Oklahoma for a privately owned practice.
