A Trusted Children’s Orthodontist Serving Oakdale, NY
If you’re concerned about your child’s orthodontic health, Ocean Blue Orthodontics is here to provide comprehensive solutions. Since 1964, our children’s orthodontist has been a trusted provider of orthodontic services in Oakdale, New York. We offer a variety of treatments, including braces for kids, to ensure your child has a healthy, beautiful smile.
Children’s Orthodontic Evaluations
Addressing orthodontic issues early can make treatment easier and more effective, which is why the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child undergo an orthodontic evaluation by the age of seven. During an orthodontic assessment, our children’s orthodontist will carefully examine your child’s bite and jaw alignment to determine if they need braces or other preventive measures.
If we identify any issues, we will monitor your child’s growth patterns and decide when to start treatment after their teeth have erupted. Early evaluations don’t always result in immediate treatment—many parents leave our office reassured that treatment can be postponed or may not be needed at all.
Signs Your Child Needs Braces
Early orthodontic treatment is crucial because many problems aren’t visible until they become more difficult to manage. While only a professional children’s orthodontist can determine the need for treatment, some signs to watch for include:
- Protruding teeth
- Speech impediments
- Difficulty chewing
- Crowded teeth
- Teeth that overlap
- Mouth breathing
- Gaps or uneven spacing
- Thumb-sucking beyond age three
If we recommend early treatment, it can reduce or eliminate the need for braces or jaw surgery in the future, prevent the need for adult tooth extractions, and promote proper facial development. Ocean Blue Orthodontics offers advanced pediatric orthodontics, such as self-ligating Damon braces, which provide effective results without the discomfort of metal brackets or ties.
How Braces Can Benefit Your Child
If you’re considering braces for your child, you may have peace of mind in your investment knowing that braces can provide quite a few benefits, including:
- Improved Oral Health: Braces help in aligning teeth that may be crooked or overcrowded, making them easier to clean and reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease.
- Prevention of Tooth Damage: Misaligned teeth are more susceptible to chipping and wear. Braces help evenly distribute biting pressure across all teeth, reducing the risk of damage.
- Enhanced Speech: Certain speech impediments caused by misaligned teeth can be corrected through the strategic use of kids' braces, enhancing clarity in speech.
- Boost in Self-Esteem: Children who are self-conscious about crooked teeth can gain confidence from having a straighter, more uniform smile.
- Long-Term Savings: By addressing dental issues early with braces for kids, you can potentially prevent more extensive and expensive dental treatments in the future.
The Importance of Children's Orthodontics in Oakdale, NY
When your child receives braces from a pediatric orthodontist in Oakdale, NY, there's a good chance they'll feel much better about their dental health and appearance in the long run.
Initially, the process of getting kids' braces at a children's orthodontics clinic may involve some discomfort and adjustment. However, as they get used to their braces, many children start to experience the positive effects, both functionally and aesthetically.
A visit to a kids' orthodontist in Oakdale, NY for braces can help correct misalignments that might be causing your child discomfort or difficulty in eating, speaking, or maintaining dental hygiene.
As the braces work to align their teeth, your child is likely to see a noticeable improvement in how they feel about their smile. This boost in confidence can be significant, especially during the critical developmental years.
Pediatric orthodontics focuses not just on straightening teeth but also on promoting the correct development of the jaw and facial structure. This holistic approach ensures that your child will not only end up with a straighter smile but also with improved overall oral health.
Over time, as their smile improves, children often feel a newfound sense of confidence and pride in their appearance, thanks to the careful and expert care of their pediatric orthodontist.
Schedule an Appointment With Our Orthodontist
Ocean Blue Orthodontics is a compassionate children’s orthodontist serving Oakdale, NY. Contact us today—our team will be happy to answer all your questions and schedule a consultation with our pediatric orthodontist.