La Habra/Chino Hills, CA – Every parent wants the best for their child, and that should include taking your child to see a pediatric orthodontist at the right time. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends children visit an orthodontist at the age of seven. But what are the benefits of visiting an orthodontist at this age?

Get a jumpstart on your child’s smile with Pediatric Orthodontics

When your child begins a relationship with an orthodontist that treats children, you can get a jumpstart on their smile. Dr. Robert Gire of Gire Orthodontics can recognize any unexpected or abnormal growth patterns, identify problems with speaking, biting or chewing, and craft a treatment plan that will create the most ideal smile for your child. 

Dr. Gire will be able to provide the treatment your child needs at just the right time. For some children, early interceptive treatment can prevent more extensive and expensive treatment later. Dr. Gire can monitor your child’s growth and then determine when treatment should begin to have the most impact.

Why You Should Consider Pediatric Orthodontics For Your child

Many parents may consider orthodontic treatment to be just cosmetic, but it goes far beyond that. A bad bite can impact how your child functions through every day activities, such as speaking and eating. Teeth that are misaligned or crowded can be harder to keep clean, making them more susceptible to cavities and gum disease. A straighter smile can also improve your child’s self-esteem and confidence.

Orthodontists that are comfortable treating pediatric patients, such as Dr. Gire, will have the goal of preventing developing issues, eliminating the cause of the issue, and guiding the growth of the facial and jawbones to ensure enough space for the permanent teeth. Some children may require treatment while they still have some baby teeth while others may be able to wait until their permanent teeth have fully erupted. 

A Pediatric Orthodontist May Recommend Early Treatment For:

• Underbites
• Crossbites
• Crowded front teeth
• Teeth spaced too far apart
• Extra or missing teeth
• Teeth that meet abnormally or not at all
• Habits such as pacifier use or thumb sucking

If your child is around the age of seven or older and hasn’t yet seen an orthodontist, schedule a consultation today at Gire Orthodontics. The best time to correct any potential issues is while your child is still growing. A straighter smile and properly aligned bite can not only help your child confidently greet the world, it can improve their oral health, help them speak clearly, and improve how they bite and chew.