Sacramento’s
Childrens Orthodontist
Early orthodontic care at Szymanowski Orthodontics is the best way to ensure that your child’s smile will develop to be as perfect as they are!
Dr. Damon Szymanowski and our team will treat your children like our own by giving them the best possible orthodontic care.
A Great Smile Starts at Szymanowski
Problems with the jaw and teeth can develop early for children all around Sacramento, and some symptoms of that include crowding of the teeth, protruding teeth, underbite, early/late loss of baby teeth, etc.
By age seven, your child's teeth have developed enough for Dr. Szymanowski to spot subtle problems with jaw growth and emerging teeth before all of your child’s baby teeth are lost.
This check-up may reveal that your child's bite is fine, and braces for kids aren't necessary. Or, Dr. Damon Szymanowski may identify a developing problem but recommend monitoring your child's growth and development, and then, if indicated, begin treatment at the appropriate time for your child.
In other cases, Dr. Szymanowski might find a problem that can benefit from early treatment.
The entire staff starting with the front desk were extremely courteous and kind. I am extremely happy with my initial visit—it couldn't have gone any better. Thank you!
Jessie T.
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What Is Early Treatment?
Early treatment may prevent or intercept more serious problems from developing and may make treatment at a later age shorter and less complicated.
By evaluating potential problems early in a child’s development, you create a greater opportunity for effective treatment. Vigilance and early intervention will help guide healthy growth and development. This will help to prevent serious problems down the roar.
Even if intervention isn’t necessary, Dr. Damon can monitor your child’s development and better call for treatment when it may be necessary. In some cases, Dr. Szymanowski can achieve results that may not be possible once your child’s face and jaws have finished growing.
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Kids Should Get an Orthodontic Check-Up By 7
While orthodontic treatment can begin at any age, there is definitely a recommended time to begin your treatment at Szymanowski Orthodontics.
Starting at an early age ensures the best possible result with the least amount of cost and expense.
The AAO (American Association of Orthodontists) and Dr. Damon Szymanowski recommend that Sacramento children should receive their first orthodontic evaluation at the first sign of a problem, usually between ages seven and eight.
While the age that kids get braces may vary, orthodontic treatment most often begins between 9 and 14. Some orthodontic problems are easier to correct if they’re treated early.
At such an early stage of development, treatment may not even be necessary, but being vigilant from an early age can ensure a long future with a happy, healthy smile.
If Dr. Szymanowski determines your child will need treatment, he’ll let you know when it will be best to begin treatment. This gives your orthodontist the best chance to:
- Guide jaw growth
- Lower the risk of trauma to protruded front teethv
- Correct harmful oral habits
- Improve appearance and self-esteem in your child
- Guide permanent teeth into a more favorable position
- Create a more pleasing arrangement of teeth, lips and face
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Signs the Bite's Not Right
It's not always easy to tell when your child around Sacramento may need braces or has an orthodontic problem, because even teeth that look straight may be hiding a problem bite.
There’s more to orthodontics than just improving the smile. Treatment also improves bad bites, which can lead to larger medical problems later in life.
A bad bite is known as a malocclusion, which can occur as a result of misalignment in the teeth or jaw. These malocclusions can have a negative effect on not only your smile, but the way you chew, your ability to clean, and your overall self-esteem.
Here are some clues that may indicate the need for orthodontic attention:
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- Difficulty chewing or biting
- Biting the cheek or biting into the roof of the mouth
- Protruding teeth
- Breathing through the mouth
- Thumb-sucking
- Crowded, misplaced or blocked-out teeth
- Jaws that are too far forward or back
- Upper and lower teeth that don't meet, or meet in an abnormal way
- An unbalanced facial appearance
- Grinding or clenching of the teeth
FAQs About Orthodontics for Children
Learn More at Your Free Consultation
If your child has a dental issue, please contact us by setting up a free consultation at our Sacramento office.
Your Szymanowski Orthodontics team will work with you to ensure your child has a lifetime of healthy, beautiful smiles!