Kids Orthodontics Ellicott City, MD

Kids orthodontics is a specialist area that requires knowledge of how kids’ teeth and jaws change as they grow and develop. At Level Orthodontics we have focused on making orthodontic visits positive for kids while still meeting their specific developmental needs. Our approach takes into account that treating kids is different from treating adults in terms of approaches, language and scheduling of treatment. This means young patients get care that fits with how they grow.

When it comes to kids long term dental health early orthodontic care is very important. Many parents want to know when their child should first see an orthodontist. We recommend that they do so at around age 7. Kids at this age have enough permanent teeth to spot potential problems but their jaws are still growing which gives parents the chance to gently guide and correct them before worse problems occur later.

To do well in kids orthodontics you need to build trust with your young patients. Kids are scared to go to the dentist so we work hard to make them feel at ease at our clinic. We show kids the tools we use before we start any treatment and use language appropriate for their age to explain what we are doing. We also encourage kids to ask questions and celebrate small wins during treatment to keep them engaged and motivated.

In the last few years there have been more treatment options for kids. These new options make things more fun and appealing for young patients. In many cases traditional metal braces still work well. But we also have coloured elastic bands that let kids express themselves through their braces. Clear aligners made just for kids is another option for some cases. They are almost invisible which many kids like for social reasons.

Timing is everything in orthodontics for kids as their teeth and bones are always growing. We monitor each child’s growth to determine when the best time is to start active treatment. Some kids do better if they get help early on that helps their jaws expand and makes room for their permanent teeth. Some may have to wait until more permanent teeth come in before they can start full treatment. This tailored timing means each child gets treatment when it will work best. Parents need to be involved in their kids orthodontic treatment but how much they are involved can change as the kids get older.

Younger kids need a lot of help with brushing their teeth and taking care of their appliances while teens want to be more independent with their treatment. We help families set realistic expectations and give them ongoing support as their kids develop and their needs change.

Kids decisions about orthodontic treatment are greatly influenced by school and social factors. We know kids may be worried about how their friends would react to braces or other orthodontic products. So we take the time to talk about these issues and make kids feel good about their treatment. Many kids like to show off their colourful braces or talk about their orthodontic journey with friends who may also be thinking of getting braces.

There may be emergencies during kids orthodontic treatment and we have both kids and parents prepared on how to handle them. Sometimes brackets come loose, wires break or retainers get misplaced. We give clear instructions on how to deal with these problems at home and make sure you get professional help when you need it. We want to keep kids comfortable while minimizing the impact on their treatment.

Long term planning may be necessary for complex cases involving developing children and this may involve working with other professionals. Most orthodontic problems in kids can be fixed with regular treatment but very bad jaw problems may need Surgical Orthodontics later on after the face has finished growing to get the best functional and cosmetic results.

Our Ellicott City kids orthodontic program is all about making good memories that will last a lifetime and help kids develop healthy habits and beautiful smiles. We believe kids who have good orthodontic experiences are more likely to keep their teeth healthy and be proud of their smiles as they grow up.

We also service the following areas, Howard County, Columbia, Catonsville, Pikesville, Woodlawn, Elkridge, Jessup, Laurel, Fulton, Clarksville, Halethorpe and Hanover MD.