Kids’ orthodontics

Children's orthodontists in Allen & McKinney, TX

Early childhood (7 and under)

At Creekview & McKinney Orthodontics, we treat our patients like we would treat our own family.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic checkup no later than age 7. This doesn’t necessarily mean that every child will begin active treatment or need braces at this age. In fact, a vast majority of our patients who see us for the first time at this age are not ready for treatment or braces. Instead, we begin to follow our young patient’s dental development over time so that when orthodontic treatment or braces may be necessary, it can be started at just the right time. We can even help you plan your budget for orthodontic costs by giving you ample warning before any treatment begins. This is how we treat our children and we encourage all of our patients to seek out a consultation for their children by age 7 or sooner if their family dentist recommends it.

Childhood years (7 - 12)

As our young children grow, many changes occur with their smiles. The most obvious is the eruption of permanent teeth along with the growth of the face and jaws. Many times, the first few teeth are crowded out and can’t come in properly. Or perhaps the incisor teeth could be protruded and at a greater risk of traumatic injury. This is the time when orthodontics becomes an art. Will the teeth have room? Do we need to expand the mouth? Will normal growth and development allow the teeth to come in straight with time? While many times the answers to these questions are obvious, sometimes a conservative approach, with the orthodontist as an observer, is the best solution. There are some children, however, who do need early intervention to prevent a developing problem from worsening. This is called Phase I treatment and usually lasts less than a year, but it varies a lot according to the complexity of the case. Interceptive orthodontic treatment can take anywhere from 3 to 14 months.

Signs that indicate the need for an orthodontic checkup:

  • Protruded upper incisor teeth
  • Severe crowding of the incisor teeth
  • A finger-sucking habit
  • A crossbite (upper teeth biting on the inside of the lower teeth)
  • A jaw growth abnormality (either an underdeveloped or a protruded lower jaw)
  • An open bite (teeth do not come together in the front)

These and other common problems may require early orthodontic intervention. However, we are not aggressive in early treatment.

Schedule a free consultation with the kids’ orthodontists in Allen and McKinney, Texas, at Creekview & McKinney Orthodontics today to learn more!