When To Get Dental Braces With Our League City Family Dentist

Did you know that 45% of kids need dental braces to correct problems with teeth alignment and bite, also known as malocclusion? Some research suggests that this percentage may be even higher due to more subtle problems that can be overlooked. So it stands to reason that if you’re noticing issues with your child’s teeth, you’re probably wondering if your child needs League City dental braces and, if so, when to begin that process. Our League City dentist can answer those questions and more, enabling you to make the right choices for your family’s oral health. 

What Are Dental Braces and When Are They Needed?

Dental braces are designed to gradually straighten your child’s teeth through a combination of wires and metal brackets, which our League City pediatric dentist tightens every few weeks, thereby applying the pressure necessary to shift your child’s teeth into their proper position. Our League City pediatric dentist recommends braces for the following issues:

• Crowding
• Overbite
• Underbite
• Missing lateral incisors
• Too much space between teeth

Addressing these issues at a young age can positively impact their overall oral health and wellbeing, as well as give them much-needed confidence during the socially formative years of their development.

Our League City Pediatric Dentist Also Offers Invisalign 

If your child has minor to moderate alignment issues, Invisalign is another option offered by our League City family dentist. League City Invisalign is a series of clear, flexible plastic aligners that are worn over the teeth to gradually straighten them, much like dental braces do. Many parents and teens prefer Invisalign because the aligners are virtually invisible and can be removed when eating, drinking, and for special occasions. For more information regarding Invisalign and to see if your child is a good candidate for this treatment, schedule a consultation with our League City dentist. 

When Will Our League City Pediatric Dentist Begin Dental Braces Treatment?

The best time to begin any correction of alignment issues–whether with dental braces or Invisalign–is usually once all baby teeth have fallen out and the majority of adult teeth have grown in. This usually occurs between the ages of 8 and 14. Sometimes our League City family dentist will recommend beginning dental braces treatment earlier, especially if the malocclusion is severe, then revisiting a second stage of treatment later, once all adult teeth are present. The right path for your child depends on his/her unique situation and is best determined with a visit to our League City dentist. 

Begin Your Child’s Path to a Gorgeous, Straight Smile With Autumn Family Dentistry

Our League City dentist is proud to be the best in family dental care, thanks to our expert medical professionals, state-of-the-art facilities, and a compassionate approach to care that makes children and adults comfortable during their visits. If you’re ready to discuss your child’s orthodontic needs and our recommendation for their individualized treatment plan, schedule your consultation today. We’re confident that you’ll be pleased with our services and your child will gain the self-esteem that a bright, properly-aligned smile can provide.