Is
My Kid a Good Candidate for Dental Braces / Retainers?

If crooked teeth or a misaligned jaw are detracting from your child’s smile, you may want to consider orthodontic treatments. Whether you opt for braces or for clear retainers, your child will be on the way to a perfect smile. For evaluation and to determine if your child is a candidate for dental braces or retainers, contact your trusted team at Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry. We will examine your child’s teeth and bite and will work with you to decide on the best treatment options. We are all about helping our young patients achieve healthy, straight smiles.

When Do Orthodontic Treatments Begin?

The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that children see an orthodontist for the first time between the ages of seven and nine. Even if your child does not have all the permanent teeth, the teeth growth pattern can usually be predicted quite effectively. We may recommend early intervention known as interceptive orthodontics to help ensure faster and better treatment outcomes.

Is Your Child a Candidate for Dental Braces or Retainers?

A candidate for braces or retainers has healthy teeth and gums and practices good daily oral hygiene. If gum disease is present, it needs to be addressed before starting orthodontic treatment because braces raise the risk of gum disease due to increased plaque build up.

Clear retainers work well for older teenagers and adolescents, while children and young teenagers may not be good candidates because their teeth are still growing. In some severe or complex cases, dental braces are the preferred option to achieve the desired treatment outcomes. To determine whether your child is a candidate for braces or retainers, contact Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry.

What Are Dental Braces?

Braces are orthodontic appliances designed to achieve a healthier and straighter smile. They improve your child’s smile by gradually and gently realigning teeth. Braces come with metal brackets attached to the front of the teeth, that are connected by wires and bands. The treatment involves adjusting the wires to guide the teeth to the ideal position.

What Are Retainers?

Some teens and adolescents prefer using clear retainers to align their teeth. Retainers are custom-made aligners that are changed approximately every two weeks following a custom treatment plan. They are virtually invisible and can be removed during eating and for brushing and flossing. Treatment times are six to eighteen months, or longer if needed. Retainers offer a discreet option for patients who prefer not to wear traditional braces.

Conditions Treated by Braces or Retainers

Braces and clear retainers are designed to perfect your child’s smile. They work to correct crooked, crowded, gapped, or misaligned teeth, along with problems with the bite, including a crossbite, open bite, underbite, or overbite.

Quality Orthodontic Treatments in Phoenix, AZ

Contact Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry to schedule an orthodontic screening for your child to determine the need for orthodontic treatment. We work with certified orthodontist in the area to provide optimal care for your child. Whether your child prefers braces or retainers, we are here to help. We are committed to delivering healthy, beautiful smiles. We look forward to caring for your child’s dental needs! Call us today!