Pediatric Orthodontist Ellicott City, MD

Pediatric orthodontics requires special skills and knowledge to meet the needs of growing kids as they grow. At Level Orthodontics we have spent a lot of time learning about how kids’ teeth and jaws grow over time. This allows us to give them the right treatment for their age that helps them grow properly and look great and healthy. Because kids’ faces are still growing and developing and because they need gentle, kid-friendly care our approach is very different from adult orthodontics.

An early orthodontic evaluation is very important to find problems before they get worse and harder to fix. Around age 7 when permanent teeth start to come in and the growth patterns of the jaw become more clear we think kids should get their first orthodontic checkup. This early screening allows us to monitor development and step in at the right time when treatment will be most effective and least invasive.

There are many benefits to getting orthodontic treatment early and straightening teeth is just one of them. We can help the jaw expand, make room for permanent teeth to come in and change habits like thumb sucking that may hinder dental development. Also getting treatment early may mean you don’t need more complicated procedures later like teeth extractions or complicated surgeries that may not have been necessary.

To make sure young patients have a good experience you need to pay special attention to their emotional and mental needs. We take extra time to explain treatments to kids in a way they can understand because they are usually hesitant about going to the dentist. Our team uses gentle methods and positive reinforcement to make sure kids feel safe and secure during their orthodontic treatment. We also want parents to be involved but we also know that older kids and teens want to be more independent. Modern pediatric orthodontic methods are more comfortable and effective than those used in the past. Compared to older appliances today’s are smaller, more comfortable and often look better. We have a range of treatments for younger patients like removable appliances, limited braces and clear aligners. These options allow us to meet the needs of each child taking into account how mature they are and how well they can work with others.

Talking to parents is a big part of successful pediatric orthodontic treatment. We keep parents updated on how their child is doing, make sure they understand what they need to do at home and help them with any problems that come up during treatment. We also talk about how important it is to keep your mouth clean and follow the instructions for taking care of your appliances to get the best results from your treatment.

When scheduling orthodontic treatment for kids school becomes a big factor. We know kids can be self conscious about how they look while they’re getting treatment especially at critical social times. We work with families to plan treatment at the right time and give them options that don’t hurt their confidence or social life.
Sometimes complex pediatric cases require an interdisciplinary approach that coordinates orthodontic treatment with other dental disciplines. Some kids with really bad jaw problems may benefit from Surgical Orthodontics when they are in their late teens and their faces have finished growing. This is the best way to get the best results since it combines orthodontic preparation with surgical repair.

In Ellicott City we are dedicated to pediatric orthodontics not just for clinical treatment but for education and prevention. We teach kids and their parents how to keep their mouths clean, what to eat while they’re getting treatment and how important it is to follow treatment instructions. This all encompassing approach ensures things go well and kids learn good habits that will serve them for the rest of their lives. The goal of our pediatric orthodontic program is to give kids good experiences that lead to beautiful smiles and kids who are confident and have good oral health as adults.

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