Orthodontic Care for Children in Dunn, NC
 When people think of orthodontics, the image of a teenager with braces often comes to mind. However, early orthodontic care plays a vital role in guiding proper dental development well before the teen years. At Dunn Pediatric Dentistry, we help parents understand that orthodontics isn’t just for older children—it can be essential even for kids as young as seven.
Why Early Orthodontic Evaluation Matters
By age seven, your child’s mouth has developed enough for an orthodontist to detect emerging issues that may require attention. Early evaluation allows us to intervene proactively, which can minimize the need for more complex treatment later in life.
Orthodontic assessments at a young age help address underlying structural problems in the jaw and teeth—long before they become serious. Our goal is to ensure your child’s bite, alignment, and smile develop in a healthy, balanced way.
Common Orthodontic Issues in Young Children
Certain orthodontic problems become more apparent between the ages of 7 and 9. Early intervention can prevent long-term complications and promote proper oral development.
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Overbites and Underbites - Improper jaw alignment can worsen over time and lead to pain or speech issues.
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Crowded Teeth - When teeth erupt too close together, they can come in crooked or misaligned.
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Thumb-Sucking Habits - Persistent thumb-sucking beyond the toddler years may alter how teeth erupt and affect bite alignment.
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Premature or Delayed Tooth Loss - Losing baby teeth too early or too late can interfere with the normal eruption of permanent teeth. |
These issues often go unnoticed by parents but are easily identified during an orthodontic exam.
Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment Explained
For many children, orthodontic care is delivered in two distinct phases:
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Phase One (Ages 7–11): Focuses on guiding jaw growth and addressing major bite issues before all adult teeth have erupted.
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Resting Period: A break between phases allows remaining permanent teeth to develop naturally.
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Phase Two (After Age 12): Involves final alignment of teeth, often with braces or clear aligners. |
Starting treatment earlier doesn’t always mean a child will avoid braces entirely, but it can reduce how long they’re needed—and the complexity of treatment.
Modern Braces and Orthodontic Options for Teens
Orthodontic technology has advanced significantly. Today’s teens have a variety of treatment options that are more comfortable and less noticeable than traditional braces.
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Metal Braces - Still a reliable option, now smaller and more comfortable.
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Ceramic Braces - Blend in with teeth for a more discreet appearance.
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Clear Aligners - Nearly invisible trays that can be removed for eating and brushing.
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Self-Ligating Braces - Use fewer appointments and apply gentler pressure. |
Our dental team will recommend the best orthodontic solution based on your child’s needs, preferences, and oral development.
The Impact of Habits Like Thumb-Sucking
While thumb-sucking is common in infants and toddlers, prolonged thumb-sucking beyond age four can interfere with dental development. It can lead to issues such as:
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Open Bites - Gaps between upper and lower front teeth when the mouth is closed.
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Speech Impediments - Misalignment can cause articulation problems.
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Tooth Eruption Problems - Thumb-sucking may prevent teeth from erupting in the correct position. |
Breaking this habit early is key to avoiding orthodontic complications down the road.
When Should Your Child See an Orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age seven. At Dunn Pediatric Dentistry, we follow these guidelines because early evaluations give us the opportunity to guide your child’s smile before problems become more difficult to correct.
If your child is around age seven and hasn’t seen an orthodontist, now is an ideal time. Early care sets the foundation for long-term oral health and reduces the risk of more invasive treatments later.
FAQs
Why is age seven recommended for an orthodontic evaluation?
By age seven, children typically have a mix of baby and adult teeth. This makes it easier for orthodontists to identify bite problems, crowding, and jaw alignment issues while there’s still time to guide proper development.
Can early orthodontic care prevent the need for braces?
Not always, but early care can reduce the severity or duration of future treatments. In some cases, it may prevent the need for braces altogether by correcting issues before they worsen.
Is thumb-sucking really harmful to my child’s teeth?
Yes, prolonged thumb-sucking can change the alignment of a child’s teeth and the shape of their bite. It’s important to address the habit early to avoid long-term issues that may require orthodontic correction.
What are signs my child may need orthodontic treatment?
Signs include early or late loss of baby teeth, difficulty chewing, thumb-sucking past age four, crowded or protruding teeth, and noticeable jaw shifts. If you observe any of these, schedule an evaluation.
Contact Us Today!
Early orthodontic care can make a lasting difference in your child’s oral health and confidence. At Dunn Pediatric Dentistry, our dental team is here to evaluate, guide, and support your child’s smile as it develops. If your child is around the age of seven or showing signs of bite or alignment issues, don’t wait.
Call (910) 984-0026 or Click Here to Book an Online Appointment. |
