According to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), kids should have their first consultation with an orthodontist at age seven. Not all kids are ready for treatment at this age but it allows Dr. Mendlik to determine whether your child will need orthodontic treatment now or in the future.

By the time kids are seven, most have a mixture of baby and permanent teeth, which makes it easier to diagnose and correct more severe issues. The goal of early orthodontic treatment is to correct the growth of the jaw and certain issues with a child’s bite, like an underbite, sooner and without the need for surgery. Early treatment will also help make room for permanent teeth to come in as they should and reduce the likelihood of extractions in the future.

Early treatment most commonly involves an orthodontic appliance such as a palate expander or partial braces. Early treatment does not eliminate the need for later treatment once all the permanent teeth are in, which is why it is often referred to as Phase One treatment. Following the first phase of treatment your child will enter a growth and development period, during which Dr. Mendlik will monitor their growth and how the permanent teeth are erupting.

A second phase of treatment typically begins around the age of 12, once all the permanent teeth have erupted. Second phase treats all the upper and lower teeth to establish an ideal balance between the teeth and jaws to create a functional and healthy bite, resulting in a beautiful smile that will last a lifetime.

Contact our office today at 402-334-2000 to schedule a complimentary initial consultation for your child!