Pediatric Orthodontics

Pediatric orthodontics in Atlanta, GA is a specialized field of dentistry focused on diagnosing, preventing, and treating dental and skeletal irregularities in children. Early orthodontic intervention can significantly impact a child’s dental health and overall development, laying the foundation for a lifetime of healthy, beautiful smiles. At Rêve Orthodontics, led by the experienced Dr. Meagan Sturm, we are dedicated to providing exceptional pediatric orthodontic care across our locations in Decatur, Atlanta, and Snellville.

The Importance of Pediatric Orthodontics in Decatur, GA

Pediatric orthodontics focuses on addressing orthodontic issues in children while their teeth and jaws are still developing. Early intervention allows us to identify and correct potential problems before they become more severe. Here’s why pediatric orthodontics is crucial:

• Guiding growth and development: Children’s jaws and teeth undergo significant growth and change. Early orthodontic care helps guide this growth, ensuring that teeth and jaws develop correctly and reducing the risk of more complex issues in the future.
• Preventing severe problems: Addressing orthodontic issues early can prevent them from worsening. For example, correcting severe crowding or bite issues early can reduce the need for more extensive treatment later.
• Improving function and esthetics: Early treatment can enhance a child’s bite, speech, and chewing ability while improving the alignment and appearance of their teeth.
• Boosting confidence: A well-aligned smile can have a positive impact on a child’s self-esteem and confidence.
• Reducing future treatment time: Early intervention can often lead to shorter and less complex treatment during the teenage years, as many issues are addressed before they become more pronounced.

When Should a Child See an Orthodontist?

The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age seven. At this age, most children have a mix of primary (baby) teeth and permanent teeth, which allows us to assess their dental development and identify any potential issues.

Early Evaluation Benefits

An early evaluation allows us to:

• Detect issues early: Identify any dental or skeletal problems that may benefit from early intervention.
• Create a customized treatment Plan: Develop a personalized plan based on the child’s unique needs and growth patterns.
• Monitor development: Keep track of the child’s dental development and make adjustments to the treatment plan as needed.

Common Orthodontic Issues in Children

Several common orthodontic issues can be addressed with pediatric orthodontics. Here are some of the most frequently encountered problems:

• Crowding: When there isn’t enough space in the mouth for all the teeth, resulting in overlapping or misaligned teeth. Crowding can affect both the appearance and function of the teeth.
• Spacing issues: Gaps or spaces between teeth can be caused by missing teeth or abnormal tooth development. Proper spacing is essential for optimal dental function and aesthetics.
• Bite problems: Issues such as overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite can affect how the upper and lower teeth align when the mouth is closed. These problems can impact chewing, speaking, and overall dental health.
• Jaw discrepancies: Misalignment of the jaws can cause problems with bite and overall function. Early intervention can help guide jaw growth and correct discrepancies.
• Thumb sucking and other habits: Habits like thumb sucking or tongue thrusting can affect dental development. Orthodontic treatment can help address these habits and their impact on dental alignment. Contact us to learn more.

The Process of Pediatric Orthodontic Treatment in Snellville, GA

Pediatric orthodontic treatment involves several key steps, from the initial evaluation to the completion of treatment. Here’s an overview of what to expect:

Initial Consultation and Examination

The journey begins with an initial consultation at Rêve Orthodontics. During this visit, our orthodontist in Atlanta, GA will:

• Review medical and dental history: Understand the child’s medical and dental history to identify any potential concerns.
• Conduct a clinical examination: Assess the child’s dental alignment, bite, and jaw relationship.
• Take diagnostic records: Use X-rays, photographs, and impressions to create a comprehensive picture of the child’s dental development.

Treatment Planning

Based on the examination and diagnostic records, Dr. Sturm will develop a personalized treatment plan. This plan may include:

• Early intervention: Recommendations for early treatment, such as space maintainers, expanders, or other appliances to address specific issues.
• Monitoring: Regular visits to monitor the child’s growth and development and make adjustments as needed.
• Comprehensive treatment: A plan for future orthodontic treatment, if necessary, to address any remaining issues as the child’s permanent teeth erupt.

Early Intervention

If early intervention is needed, Dr. Sturm may recommend:

• Space maintainers: Appliances to hold space for incoming permanent teeth if primary teeth are lost prematurely.
• Palatal expanders: Palatal expanders are devices to widen the upper jaw and create more space for the teeth.
• Partial braces: Braces or other appliances to address specific alignment issues.

Comprehensive Treatment

As the child’s permanent teeth emerge, comprehensive orthodontic treatment may involve:

• braces: Traditional metal braces or ceramic braces to align the teeth and correct bite issues.
• Clear aligners: Removable aligners that gradually shift the teeth into place.
• Additional appliances: Devices such as retainers or bite plates to address specific issues.

Retention and Maintenance

After completing orthodontic treatment, retainers are essential to maintain the results and ensure that the teeth remain in their new positions. Dr. Sturm will provide:

• Custom retainers: Designed to keep the teeth in place and prevent shifting.
• Ongoing monitoring: Regular visits to monitor the results and make any necessary adjustments.

Conclusion

Pediatric orthodontics plays a vital role in ensuring the optimal dental health and development of children. At Rêve Orthodontics, Dr. Meagan Sturm and her team are dedicated to providing expert care and support throughout every stage of your child’s orthodontic journey. With our locations in Decatur, Midtown Atlanta, and Snellville, we are conveniently positioned to serve your family’s needs. If you’re considering orthodontic care for your child, contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how pediatric orthodontics can benefit your child’s smile and overall dental health.

Ready to transform your smile? Schedule a consultation at Rêve Orthodontics today! Visit us at one of our three locations — 1789 Clairmont Rd, Decatur, GA 30033; 931 Monroe Dr NE, Ste C-201, Atlanta, GA 30308; or 2371 Henry Clower Blvd SW, Ste A, Snellville, GA 30078. Call us at (770) 972-6000 to start your journey toward a beautiful, confident smile!