Giving young smiles a healthy start

Parents can help to intercept many common orthodontic problems by bringing their children in for an orthodontic visit by the age of 7. At this young age, Dr. Durrett can check for signs of potential orthodontic problems and provide early treatment when necessary. Rest assured, though, Dr. Durrett will only recommend early treatment if necessary and will take a conservative approach in the treatment recommended. Warning signs can include thumb-sucking, difficulty chewing, speech problems, mouth breathing, and crowded baby teeth.

Early Orthodontics Tampa FL

Benefits of Early (Interceptive) Orthodontic Treatments:

  • Reduce or eliminate the need for future tooth extractions
  • Possible shorter treatment time in full braces during adolescence
  • Create more space for crowded teeth
  • Boost self-esteem
  • Correct bite and speech problems
  • Help with harmful habits such as finger- or thumb-sucking, improper swallowing or improper resting tongue posture

Harness your child’s natural growth pattern

If early treatment is recommended, Dr. Durrett can customize a plan that coincides with your child’s natural facial growth and development phases. A variety of specialized orthodontic appliances can be used to help guide the teeth and jaws as children grow.

Let’s keep in touch

If early treatment is not needed, Dr. Durrett may recommend monitoring your child’s growth and development over the years with an annual orthodontic checkup. In this way, we can provide the appropriate care if or when an orthodontic problem develops.

Contact our team today to learn more about early orthodontic treatments.

Teenager with braces