If you’ve been looking for the best kids orthodontist in Philadelphia, but are feeling a bit overwhelmed by your options, don’t worry — you’re not alone. Needless to say, as a parent, you want someone who is both highly skilled and understanding to do early orthodontic treatment on your kid.

Whether your child has dental alignment concerns, difficulty biting properly, or crooked teeth, Philly Braces (located at 2517 South Broad Street) has got you covered. Below, we’ll talk about why Philly Braces is the right choice. We’ll also talk about why early orthodontic treatment is so important, so stick around.

Why Early Orthodontic Treatment Matters

A lot of people think braces are mostly for teenagers. However, orthodontic care for kids is getting more and more popular. According to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), children should ideally see an orthodontist by age 7.

At this age, kids typically have a mix of baby teeth and adult teeth, which allows orthodontists to detect potential issues early. Visiting an orthodontist at this young age doesn’t mean braces are imminent, though.

The purpose of early or preventative orthodontic check-ups is to make sure there aren’t any problems developing that could become harder to treat later. In other words, it could save your kid a lot of time and discomfort in the long run.

Types of Pediatric Orthodontic Treatments

Orthodontic treatments today are far more varied and child-friendly than they were in the past. Here are some of the most common types of pediatric orthodontic treatments:

Traditional Braces

The classic metal braces are still popular for how effective they are in aligning teeth. Some orthodontists even offer fun-colored bands or brackets shaped like stars to make the experience a little more enjoyable for kids and teens.

Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces use clear or tooth-colored brackets, which means they’re less noticeable than metal braces. However, they are more delicate and can stain more easily. If you decide to go this route, just make sure that your kid cleans their braces carefully.

Clear Aligners

Invisalign and other aligners are made of clear plastic, which is almost invisible on the teeth. Clear aligners are great for children who are responsible enough to wear them at least 22 hours a day (since the aligners are removable). They also have fewer food restrictions than braces.

Retainers

After your kid or teen has spent enough time in braces, they might need to wear a retainer (which will help keep their teeth in their new positions). Retainers can be removable or fixed. It just depends on what’s best for the child or teen.

When Should a Child Start Orthodontic Treatment?

If your kid’s orthodontist in Philadelphia determines that your child could benefit from braces or aligners, it’s generally recommended to start treatment sooner rather than later. Early intervention can make it easier to guide the growth of the jaw and create space for adult teeth.

Most orthodontic treatments for kids start between ages 8 and 14, but the specific timing will depend on your child’s dental needs. If you feel like your kid might need an aligner or pediatric braces in Philadelphia, don’t hesitate to reach out to Philly Braces.

The Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment

There are plenty of reasons why early orthodontic care is beneficial (and, in many cases, necessary):

Boost in Confidence

Kids will feel more confident with a straight smile. This can positively impact their self-esteem as they get older.

Promotes Healthy Growth

Early orthodontic treatment can also guide jaw growth, which makes it easier for adult teeth to come in correctly.

Prevention of Complications

Addressing alignment issues early can also prevent impacted teeth or severe misalignment. These issues are much harder to correct later.

How to Find the Best Kids Orthodontist in Philadelphia

If you’re looking for a reputable kids orthodontist in Philadelphia, you’re certainly in the right place. When looking for an orthodontist for your kid, you should consider a few different factors — like the orthodontist’s experience, their different approaches, and whether or not they’re child-friendly.

We’d recommend choosing an orthodontist who specializes in pediatric care. At Philly Braces, for example, we understand how to make kids feel comfortable and will be able to offer treatment plans that work best for young, developing teeth. Here are some tips for finding the right kids orthodontist:

Ask for Referrals

Talk to your child’s dentist, friends, or family for recommendations. Word-of-mouth referrals can be very reassuring, since you’ll get to hear people’s firsthand experiences.

Check Reviews Online

Look at online reviews to get an idea of other patients’ experiences. Parents often leave detailed feedback on aspects like wait times, friendliness of the staff, and how well the orthodontist interacts with children.

Explore Treatment Options

Make sure the orthodontist offers lots of different treatment options. Every child’s needs are different, and having a variety of options is always a plus.

Visit the Office

Many orthodontists offer free consultations. This will give you a chance to check out the atmosphere of the office. Naturally, kids tend to do better in offices that are more welcoming and child-friendly.

Why Choose Philly Braces?

Philly Braces is well-regarded in Philadelphia. Their team is highly skilled in working with kids (as well as teens and adults). Here’s a breakdown of what makes them stand out:

• Experienced Team: Philly Braces has a team that’s been specially trained in pediatric orthodontics, so you can rest assured that your kid will be getting the best orthodontic treatment possible.
• Flexible Treatment Options: They offer everything from traditional braces to Invisalign for kids. This is great news for parents (and kids) who prefer to have lots of options.
• Remote Monitoring: With the DentalMonitoring app, it’ll be super easy to check on your child’s progress from home. This means you won’t have to take as many trips to the office.

Conclusion

Preventative orthodontic care is a huge decision, and it’s normal to feel a little nervous. We’d highly recommend taking your child for a free consultation to see what options are available.