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Pediatric Orthodontics: Early Care for Your Child’s Lifelong Smile

With a focus on gentle, attentive care, we guide your child’s smile through every growth spurt, ensuring they feel comfortable and cared for.
Early Start, Faster Benefit

Looking for the Best Kids Orthodontist Near You at Vails Gate and Monroe, NY?

Healthy teeth are important for your child’s overall well-being. During their early years, the jaw and teeth are still growing. This makes it a good time to address any orthodontic concerns and prevent the need for more complex treatment later. Early intervention can help prevent crowding and ensure proper alignment as adult teeth come in.
At Vail Orthodontics in Vails Gate and Monroe, NY, we specialize in providing a child-friendly Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment. This approach focuses on gently guiding the development of your child’s teeth and jaw for a healthy and functional smile.
The Right Time is NOW

Age 7: A Good Time for Your Child's First Orthodontic Visit

The American Association of Cosmetic Dentists recommends scheduling an orthodontic check-up for your child around age 7. This is because:

Permanent molars and front teeth begin to erupt just around this time.

This allows identification of problems like crowded teeth, improper bite, etc.

It can help ensure healthy development of your child's teeth and jaws.

Smiling Faces, Happy Kids

Hear What Our Little Patients’ Parents Have to Say

Your Child’s Smile Journey

3 Simple Steps to Your Child’s Beautiful Smile

Tiny Smile, Big Start

Phase One:
Interceptive Orthodontic Treatment for Your Little One's Smile

Phase One, also known as interceptive orthodontic treatment, is the first step in your child's journey towards a healthy and straight smile. This phase aims to make future orthodontic treatment shorter and easier for your child. It uses gentle appliances, like partial braces and palatal expanders, that we at Vail Orthodontics, NY, will customize to your child's unique needs.

  • How Long Does It Take?

    Phase One typically takes 6 to 12 months and helps create a strong foundation for streamlined growth and eruption of permanent teeth.

  • Does My Child Need This Treatment?

    Phase One treatment isn't necessary for all children, but it can be very helpful in certain cases. For example, early orthodontic treatment might be recommended if your child has a narrow upper jaw. Addressing this early can prevent more complex problems later.

  • What Common Issues Can Phase One Address?

    • Crowded or protruding teeth
    • Crossbites, overbites, and underbites
    • Early or late loss of baby teeth
    • Thumb-sucking and other harmful habits
    • Speech difficulties
    • Facial asymmetry

A Time of Development

Resting Phase: Observing the Natural Eruption of Little Teeth

Following Phase One, there's a natural resting period. This is when your child's remaining permanent teeth will typically come in. Early intervention can often help these teeth come in straighter. Sometimes retainers may be used to keep the Phase One improvements in place and ensure a smooth transition to future phases of treatment.

The Final Step to a Great Smile

Phase Two:
Aligning Tiny Teeth for a Healthy Smile

After a break in treatment, Phase Two focuses on fine-tuning your child's smile with detailed alignment. This stage often uses full braces on both the upper and lower teeth to carefully adjust their position. The goal is to achieve not only a good-looking smile but also a comfortable bite that functions well.

  • How Long Does it Last?

    Phase Two is usually recommended for children between 11 and 15 years old. It typically takes about 12 to 20 months to complete, leaving your child with a smile that's both healthy and attractive.

  • What to Expect During Phase Two of Your Child’s Treatment?

    • Braces or aligners:

      Full braces or clear aligners will be used to correct any remaining alignment or bite problems.
    • Individualized plans:

      Every child's treatment plan is customized to fit their specific needs.
    • Shorter treatment:

      Early intervention in Phase One can often shorten Phase Two by reducing the need for extra appliances and treatment time.
    • Long-lasting results:

      After treatment, retainers may be recommended to keep your child's smile looking great.
Little Smile, Big Impact

Explore Orthodontic Treatment Options in Vails Gate and Monroe, NY for Your Kid

Braces for Kids

Time-tested solution for straightening your child’s teeth, combining modern materials for a more comfortable experience.

Know More

Invisalign® for Kids

A clear and effective alternative to metal braces, designed to fit seamlessly into your young one’s lifestyle.

Know More

Surgical Orthodontics for Kids

Advanced procedures to address complex dental problems such as jaw issues in kids.

 
Know More

Laying The Groundwork

Long-Term Benefits of Early Orthodontics

Early Development

Helps your child's jawbone and teeth grow properly, providing a good foundation for their permanent teeth.

Reduced Injury Risk

Lowers the chance of your child hurting their teeth or jaw, protecting their oral health.

Improved Speech

Decreases the chance of speech problems, allowing your child to communicate more clearly.

Potential Cost Savings

May reduce the need for more extensive and expensive orthodontic treatments later.

Enhanced Dental Health

Helps prevent cavities, teeth grinding, and gum disease, promoting good oral health for your child.

Long-lasting Smile

Increases the chances of your child having a healthy, functional, and attractive smile that lasts a lifetime.

Confidence Boost

Notice significant improvements even after phase one and watch your child's self-esteem soar.

Dedicated to Your Child’s Smile

Why Choose Vail Orthodontics for Your Child's Orthodontic Care?

Skilled & Experienced Team

Convenient Appointments

Focus on Your Comfort

Personalized Treatment Plans

Advanced Technology

Affordable Payment Options

Flexible Scheduling Options

Long-Lasting Results

Have Questions?

Find Your Answers Here

No, not all children require early intervention. An orthodontist will assess your child’s individual dental development and skeletal growth to determine if early treatment is necessary. While early intervention can address certain issues more effectively, some conditions are better treated later, after development.
Early treatment doesn’t guarantee they won’t need braces later, but it can simplify and shorten future treatment. To better help with this – our expert orthodontist will create a personalized plan based on your child’s unique needs.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an evaluation by age 7 to identify potential problems early. Treatment typically starts between ages 9 and 14, tailored to each child’s development.
Yes! Invisalign® First offers clear aligners specifically designed for children as young as 7. These aligners adapt to growing jaws and evolving dental needs.
Phase One, or early intervention, uses appliances like partial braces to guide jaw and teeth development. Phase Two focuses on perfecting alignment with traditional braces or clear aligners after all permanent teeth have erupted.
Yes! Early intervention can address developing problems like jaw misalignment or crowded teeth when they’re more manageable, potentially preventing more serious issues later.
No! It’s never too late for an evaluation. While age 7 is ideal for a first visit, older children and teenagers can still benefit from treatment. An initial consultation will establish the best course of action.
Retainer wear time varies. Initially, they might need full-time wear for several months, followed by nighttime wear.
Yes, depending on the case, alternatives like Invisalign® might be suitable. During the consultation, we’ll discuss all options and recommend the best solution for your child.
The first visit involves a thorough examination of your child’s teeth, discussion of concerns, and outlining potential treatment plans. This visit is crucial as it sets the path for achieving the best results in alignment with your child’s needs.

With a little planning, your child can keep playing their favorite sports and instruments during treatment. For sports, we recommend a mouthguard to protect braces. If your child is undergoing Invisalign® treatment, they can easily be removed for the duration of their activity. Invisalign® aligners can also be removed while playing an instrument, ensuring comfort and avoiding any impact on performance.

Have a Child Who is 7 or Older?

The ideal time for a first orthodontic visit is at age 7 according to the American Association of Orthodontists. Why? It helps reveal early signs of:
Early detection is key to ensuring your child’s future smile. Don’t delay!