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Braces For Kids In West Islip & Massapequa, NY

Home » Braces » Braces For Kids In West Islip & Massapequa, NY

Early Prevention With Braces

Early Orthodontic Treatment For Children

What is the difference between early orthodontic treatment and regular orthodontic treatment, and why might my child need early treatment? How will early treatment with braces benefit my child in the long run?

These are just a few of the questions surrounding the topic of early orthodontic treatment for children. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children see an orthodontist as early as age seven. At this point, Dr. Joe will evaluate whether your child will need orthodontic treatment.

Early treatment (also known as Phase One) typically begins around age eight or nine (Phase Two will begin around age 11 or older). The goal of early treatment is to correct the growth of the jaw and certain bite problems, such as underbite. Early treatment also helps to make room for permanent teeth to come in properly, lessening the chance of extractions in the future.

How to tell if your child may need early orthodontic treatment:

  • Early or late loss of baby teeth (your child should typically start losing teeth around age five and will have all permanent teeth around age 13)
  • Difficulty chewing and/or biting
  • Mouth breathing
  • Your child continues sucking his or her thumb after age five
  • Speech impediments
  • Protruding teeth (the top teeth and the bottom teeth extend away from each other)
  • Teeth that don’t come together in a normal manner or even at all
  • Shifting of the jaw when your child opens or closes his or her mouth (crossbites)
  • Crowded front teeth around age seven or eight

What Causes Orthodontic Problems, And How Will Braces Benefit My Child?

Orthodontic problems such as crowding of the teeth, too much space between the teeth, jaw growth problems, protruding teeth, and bad bites can be inherited or caused by injury to the mouth, early or late loss of baby teeth, or thumb-sucking habits.

Most children lose all their baby teeth by age 13, and by the end of their teen years, the jaw bones will harden and stop growing. Orthodontic procedures for adults often take more time and can involve tooth extraction or oral surgery. Receiving early orthodontic treatment as a child can help prevent the need for orthodontics as an adult, leaving little to no chance of extraction or surgery in the future.

If your child is between the ages of seven and eight and shows signs of needing orthodontic care, or if you have been directed by your family dentist to visit the orthodontist, please contact our practice and schedule an appointment. Our team will provide your child with an initial exam and discuss with you the best steps to take toward caring for your child’s smile.

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Get Started Today!

All smiles start with a complimentary consultation. This visit will give you the opportunity to meet our team, learn more about orthodontics, receive a complete initial exam, and find out which treatment options will best meet your needs.

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PATIENT REVIEWS

Our 5-Star Experience

We are a family-friendly orthodontic office, where our patients love us and their parents trust us! Check out what our patients are saying about their 5-star experience with Dr. Joe and his amazing team.

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Our Locations

Come Visit Us

If you’re considering orthodontics for yourself or your child, or if you’re ready to achieve a smile you will love to share, we’re ready to get started! We have two convenient locations in the West Islip and Massapequa, NY communities to best serve you.

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Locations

West Islip

  • 150 Higbie Lane
    West Islip, NY 11795
  • (631) 661-3025

Massapequa

  • 200 Boundary Avenue Massapequa, NY 11758
  • (516) 798-6786

Contact Hours

Monday 11:00am – 8:00pm
Tuesday 8:00am – 6:00pm
Wednesday 11:00am – 8:00pm
Thursday 8:00am – 6:00pm
Friday 8:00am – 5:00pm
Saturday 9:00am – 3:00pm (Appt Only)
Massapequa

West Islip

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