A young girl smiles in a dental chair as a Children's Orthodontist at BeSpoke Orthodontics in Burtonsville, MD prepares her exam.

Children’s Orthodontist Burtonsville, MD

At BeSpoke Orthodontics in Burtonsville, MD, two dentists examine a young girl's teeth as she sits in a dental chair.

Give Your Child a Lifetime of Smiles

Your child deserves a healthy, confident smile with well-aligned teeth and jaws. Although the ideal age for orthodontic treatment can differ, Dr. Latoya Callahan, along with the American Association of Orthodontists, advises scheduling an initial evaluation by the age of seven.

What is Early Treatment?

Early orthodontic care at Bespoke Orthodontics can stop or address more serious problems before they arise. This approach may also make future treatments quicker, easier, and less costly. In some cases, Dr. Latoya Callahan can achieve lasting results during growth years that would be much harder to reach after the jaw and facial bones have matured.

When is the Best Time for Treatment?

Although the age for starting braces will differ, most orthodontic treatments in Burtonsville, begin between ages 9 and 14. Treating orthodontic issues early can help fix problems more quickly and effectively while the child’s mouth is still growing.

Role of a Children’s Orthodontist

A children’s orthodontist deals specifically with diagnosing and treating dental problems in kids from infancy into their teenage years. Unlike general pediatric dentists who focus on oral hygiene and cavities, orthodontists concentrate on improving the alignment of teeth and jaws. They ensure your child has a straight and healthy smile using devices like braces, clear aligners, or other orthodontic appliances.

Importance of Early Orthodontic Intervention

Early orthodontic treatment, or interceptive orthodontics, addresses dental issues at an early stage to prevent serious problems later. Benefits include:

A young boy smiles in a dental chair holding a toothbrush and dental model, assisted by BeSpoke Orthodontics in Burtonsville, MD.

Preventing severe
dental issues

A healthy, radiant smile boosts self-confidence and leaves a lasting positive impression.

Improving appearance
and confidence

Starting treatment early can reduce future costs, save time, and prevent unnecessary discomfort.

Enhancing oral health

Properly aligned teeth are simpler to clean, which helps lower the chances of cavities and gum disease.

Benefits of Children’s
Orthodontic Treatment

Oral health is a vital component of your overall well-being. It goes beyond achieving a beautiful smile, it’s about keeping your mouth healthy, free of diseases, and functioning properly. This guide offers essential tips and insights to help you enhance your oral health and maintain effective hygiene habits.

Improved Oral Health and Hygiene

Orthodontic care contributes to better overall health by ensuring a clean, disease-free mouth. The key habits include daily brushing, flossing, and scheduling regular dental check-ups.

Enhanced Speech Development

Aligned teeth aid in clearer pronunciation and improved articulation. Consistent dental care, proper oral hygiene, and a well-balanced diet play an important role in supporting speech development.

Prevention of Future Dental Issues

Effective oral care helps reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease. Preventive practices include brushing twice a day, flossing regularly, minimizing sugary foods, and keeping up with professional dental cleanings.

Boosted Confidence and Self-Esteem

A bright, healthy smile builds confidence and leaves a lasting positive impression. Achieving this requires good oral hygiene, routine dental check-ups, and maintaining a diet rich in essential nutrients.

Understanding Children’s 

Orthodontic Treatment

Orthodontic appliances are devices used by orthodontists to correct issues with teeth and jaw alignment. These tools come in different forms, each tailored to treat specific dental concerns. Below are some of the most commonly used orthodontic appliances:

Braces

Brackets are attached to each tooth and connected with wires.

Aligners

Transparent trays fit on teeth, gradually shifting their position.

Retainers

These are used after braces or aligners to keep the teeth in their new position.

Space maintainers

Protect the gap caused by losing baby teeth too early.

Importance of Early Evaluation

The American Association of Orthodontists advises scheduling a child’s first orthodontic evaluation by age seven. Identifying concerns such as overcrowding or bite problems early on can make treatment easier and help prevent more serious issues later.

A young girl smiles in the dental chair at BeSpoke Orthodontics in Burtonsville, MD as the orthodontist holds a dental mirror.

Treatment Process

Consultation

Includes examination, X-rays and impressions.

Appliance Placement

Orthodontic devices are fitted based on the treatment plan.

Follow-ups

Regular adjustments to monitor and ensure progress.

Retention

A retainer is often used after treatment to maintain results.

At BeSpoke Orthodontics in Burtonsville, MD, a smiling child with a blue bib holds a stuffed animal in a green dental chair.

Appointment Duration and Frequency

The duration and frequency of orthodontic appointments depend on the type of appliance and the complexity of the dental issue. Braces often require adjustments every four to six weeks, while aligners are typically replaced every two weeks. Most appointments last about 30 to 60 minutes. Total treatment time varies by case, ranging from six months to three years or longer.

Common Orthodontic
Issues in Children

Here are some frequent orthodontic concerns addressed at Bespoke Orthodontics:
Confident, smiling boy with short curly hair and glasses in a blue polo, perfect for BeSpoke Orthodontics in Burtonsville, MD.

Overbite, Underbite, Crossbite and Spacing Problems

Overbite: Upper teeth overlap with the lower teeth excessively, causing speech or chewing problems.
Underbite: Lower teeth protrude beyond upper teeth, leading to chewing problems and jaw pain.
Crossbite: Some upper teeth sit inside lower teeth, leading to uneven wear, gum disease and bone loss.
Spacing Problems: Gaps or overcrowding can hinder chewing, speech and oral hygiene.

Crooked or Misaligned Teeth

Crooked or misaligned teeth can result from factors like genetics, thumb sucking, or injuries. These alignment problems often make cleaning more challenging, increasing the likelihood of tooth decay and gum disease.

Crowding or Spacing Issues

Crowding happens when teeth don’t have enough room to align properly, making thorough cleaning difficult and raising the risk of cavities. On the other hand, spacing issues create gaps where food can become trapped, promoting decay and discomfort.

Thumb Sucking and Other Oral Habits

Prolonged thumb sucking, though a common habit in young children, can lead to misaligned teeth and structural changes to the roof of the mouth, making early orthodontic evaluation essential.

Orthodontic Treatment Options for Children

Orthodontic appliances are devices used by dental specialists to correct alignment and spacing problems in the teeth and jaw. These appliances come in different types, each tailored to treat specific dental issues. This guide explores four widely used orthodontic appliances: traditional braces, clear aligners, functional appliances, and retainers.
A smiling teen with traditional braces and a white t-shirt stands against a light background at BeSpoke Orthodontics in Burtonsville, MD.

Traditional Braces

Traditional braces have long been a cornerstone of orthodontics and continue to be the most common type of orthodontic appliance.

Components

Brackets, archwires and ligature elastics.

Benefits

Effective for severe misalignments, durable and suitable for a wide range of dental issues.

At BeSpoke Orthodontics in Burtonsville, MD, a dentist with gloves fits Clear Aligners on a young patient's upper teeth.

Clear Aligners

Clear aligners offer a modern, discreet alternative to traditional braces, providing a more aesthetic option for teeth straightening.

How They Work

Use consistent pressure to gradually move teeth, with new aligners replaced every two weeks.

Advantages

Discreet, removable for eating and cleaning and convenient for oral hygiene.

Essential tools at BeSpoke Orthodontics in Burtonsville, MD: two pink retainers, a metal key, and an open pink case on white represent Functional Appliances from Children’s Orthodontist.

Functional Appliances

Functional appliances are specialized devices used to correct jaw growth problems, often recommended for children and teenagers.

Types

Twin Block, Bionator and Herbst appliances.

Benefits

Can improve jaw function and facial aesthetics, preventing future dental problems.

At BeSpoke Orthodontics in Burtonsville, MD, a child smiles in the dental chair as colorful retainers are displayed by a gloved professional.

Retainers

Retainers play a crucial role in maintaining results after treatment, helping to prevent teeth from shifting back to their original positions.

Types

Removable (can be taken out for cleaning) and fixed (permanently bonded).

Benefits

Essential for maintaining the results of orthodontic treatment and a lasting smile.

At BeSpoke Orthodontics in Burtonsville, MD, a child gets a dental checkup from a masked orthodontist using dental tools.

Importance of Early Orthodontic Intervention

Interceptive orthodontics is an early intervention approach that focuses on addressing dental issues while a child’s jaw is still developing. This proactive treatment can help prevent more complex orthodontic problems later. Benefits include minimizing serious dental concerns, enhancing appearance, and promoting better oral health. For kids aged 6-10, this is the optimal time to correct issues like crossbites and crowding since their jaw is still growing. Between ages 11-15, when permanent teeth are in place, braces become an effective way to resolve alignment concerns.

Finding the Right Pediatric Orthodontist

Choosing the right orthodontist for your child involves considering their expertise and experience to meet your family’s needs. Look for an orthodontist with advanced training in orthodontics and a strong background in treating children. Also, consider practical factors like the office location, flexible hours, treatment costs, and available payment plans or insurance coverage. Selecting the right orthodontist ensures your child gets high-quality care and enjoys a positive and comfortable experience.

A young girl has her teeth examined by a children’s orthodontist at BeSpoke Orthodontics in Burtonsville, MD.

Conclusion

Bespoke Orthodontics emphasizes the significance of early orthodontic evaluations, advising that children visit by age seven. Early care can tackle potential concerns, such as overbite, underbite, or crowding, reducing the risk of more complex problems later. Through tailored treatments, including braces or retainers, children can achieve better oral health, boosted self-confidence, and easier future treatment. Dr. Latoya Callahan delivers expert care in a comforting and child-friendly setting.

FAQ

What age should a child go to orthodontist?

It’s great that you’re taking steps to prioritize your child’s dental health! The American Association of Orthodontists advises that children see an orthodontist for their first evaluation around the age of seven. While this may seem early, it’s the perfect time to monitor your child’s jaw growth and teeth. This initial visit doesn’t necessarily mean treatment is needed right away. It’s simply a way to ensure their development is on the right track and to address any potential concerns early.

Can a 6 year old see an orthodontist?

Absolutely! A 6-year-old can benefit from an orthodontic visit. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, kids should have their first check-up with an orthodontist by the age of seven, or even earlier if there’s concern about their dental development. Early evaluations are ideal for identifying potential issues with jaw growth or teeth alignment. Taking this step early helps set the foundation for lasting oral health.

How painful are braces for kids?

It’s normal for children to feel slight discomfort when they first get braces or after adjustments. This occurs as the braces work to align their teeth. The tenderness is temporary, typically lasting a few days, and can be relieved with over-the-counter pain medications or warm saltwater rinses. Most kids adjust quickly to wearing braces, and before long, they barely notice them. While there may be some initial discomfort, the results are well worth it for a lifetime of healthy, aligned smiles!