Smiling girl with brown hair in a red polka dot dress, ideal representation result of the best Children’s Orthodontist at Carpinello Orthodontics in Drexel Hill, Newtown Square or Edgmont, PA.
Smiling teen with braces in casual clothes after visiting Children’s Orthodontist at Carpinello Orthodontics in Drexel Hill, Newtown Square or Edgmont, PA.

Give Your Child a Lifetime of Smiles

Your child’s teeth and jaw alignment are essential to give them a confident and healthy smile that lasts for many years. While the ideal time for orthodontic care differs for each child, Carpinello Orthodontics, in agreement with the American Association of Orthodontists, advises scheduling a first checkup for your child around the age of seven.

What is Early Treatment?

Starting treatment early at Carpinello Orthodontics can solve or even prevent bigger dental problems before they arise. This forward-thinking approach often results in quicker, simpler, and more affordable treatments. Dr. Paul Carpinello and Dr. David Carpinello achieve life-changing results for many children during early treatment that might be harder to achieve once the face and jaw are fully developed.

When is the Best Time for Treatment?

Experts suggest bringing your child for an initial orthodontic visit around age seven. Although the exact time for braces varies, most treatments at Drexel Hill, Newtown Square, and Edgmont start between the ages of 9 and 14. Some concerns, like underbites, are easier to correct earlier, possibly as young as age 7.

Role of a Children’s Orthodontist

A children’s orthodontist is a specialist in fixing misaligned teeth and jaws in kids from infancy to their teenage years. Unlike general dentists, they specialize in managing misaligned teeth and jaw growth in children from infancy to adolescence. Tools like metal braces, clear braces, Invisalign, retainers, and other orthodontic devices guide proper dental development and fix alignment issues.

Importance of Early Orthodontic Intervention

Early orthodontic care, also called interceptive orthodontics, treats dental issues early to stop more severe problems from forming. It offers significant benefits. Benefits include:

Preventing severe dental issues

A confident, radiant smile can boost your self-esteem and leave a lasting, positive impression on those around you.

Improving appearance and confidence

Starting treatment early reduces time, lowers costs, and minimizes discomfort.

Enhancing overall oral health

A healthy, bright smile boosts confidence and leaves a positive impression on everyone around you.

Benefits of Children’s
Orthodontic Treatment

Oral health plays a key role in your overall health and well-being. It’s more than just achieving a beautiful smile, it’s about keeping your mouth healthy, free from diseases, and functioning properly. This guide offers helpful insights and practical tips to support better oral health and hygiene.

Improved Oral Health and Hygiene

Orthodontic treatment promotes overall health by ensuring a clean and disease-free mouth. Essential habits include daily brushing, flossing, and regular dental check-ups to maintain optimal oral hygiene.

Enhanced Speech Development

Aligning teeth properly aids in clear pronunciation and improves articulation. Consistent dental care, proper oral hygiene, and a balanced diet play a vital role in supporting better speech development.

Prevention of Future Dental Issues

Strong oral care routines help prevent cavities, gum disease, and other complications. Preventive strategies include brushing twice daily, flossing regularly, cutting back on sugary foods, and scheduling routine cleanings.

Boosted Confidence and Self-Esteem

A healthy, bright smile builds self-confidence and creates a great first impression. Sustaining this confidence requires consistent oral care, regular visits to the dentist, and healthy eating habits.

Understanding Children’s 

Orthodontic Treatment

Orthodontic appliances are specialized tools used by orthodontists to correct misalignments of teeth and jaws, as well as to guide proper dental development. These appliances are carefully chosen based on each patient’s unique needs. Below are some of the most commonly used orthodontic appliances:

Braces

Braces are made of brackets that are attached to the teeth and connected by archwires.

Aligners

Transparent, custom-made plastic trays that fit snugly over the teeth.

Retainers

These are used after braces or aligners to keep the teeth in their new position.

Space maintainers

These are used when a child loses a baby tooth prematurely. 

Importance of Early Evaluation

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends every child have their first orthodontic checkup by age seven. Early detection of misalignments like overbites, underbites, and tooth crowding makes future treatment simpler and more effective.

A Children’s Orthodontist at Carpinello Orthodontics in Drexel Hill, Newtown Square, or Edgmont, PA, examines a girl sitting on her mom’s lap to show the Importance of early evaluation checkups with a Children’s Orthodontist.

Treatment Process

Consultation

Includes examination, X-rays, and impressions.

Appliance Placement

Orthodontic devices are fitted based on the treatment plan.

Follow-ups

Regular adjustments to monitor and ensure progress.

Retention

A retainer is commonly worn post-treatment to preserve the results.

A smiling boy gives a thumbs up in the dental chair for an appointment with the Children's Orthodontist at Carpinello Orthodontics in Drexel Hill, Newtown Square, or Edgmont, PA.

Appointment Duration and Frequency

The duration and frequency of orthodontic appointments depend on the appliance type and the complexity of the dental condition. For braces, adjustments are commonly scheduled every four to six weeks, while aligners are replaced approximately every two weeks. Each visit typically lasts between 30 to 60 minutes. Overall treatment duration can vary greatly, ranging from six months to over three years, tailored to the specific needs of each patient.

Common Orthodontic
Issues in Children

At Carpinello Orthodontics, we often address these common orthodontic concerns:
A smiling child in a white shirt holds a pink toothbrush and gives a thumbs up, showing common orthodontic issues in Children and recommending a trusted Children’s Orthodontist from Carpinello Orthodontics in Drexel Hill, Newtown Square, or Edgmont, PA.

Overbite, Underbite, Crossbite and Spacing Problems

Overbite: Upper teeth overlap with the lower teeth excessively, causing speech or chewing problems.
Underbite: Lower teeth protrude beyond upper teeth, leading to chewing problems and jaw pain.
Crossbite: Some upper teeth sit inside lower teeth, leading to uneven wear, gum disease, and bone loss.
Spacing Problems: Gaps or overcrowding can hinder chewing, speech, and oral hygiene.

Crooked or Misaligned Teeth

Crooked or misaligned teeth are often caused by genetics, thumb sucking, or injuries. These issues make cleaning harder, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease over time.

Crowding or Spacing Issues

Crowding happens when there’s not enough room for teeth, causing overlaps and making them harder to clean. This raises the risk of tooth decay. Spacing issues create gaps where food can get stuck, also leading to a higher chance of decay.

Thumb Sucking and Other Oral Habits

While thumb sucking is a natural habit in young children, prolonged behavior can lead to misaligned teeth and affect the shape of the roof of the mouth, potentially requiring orthodontic care.

Orthodontic Treatment Options for Children

Orthodontic appliances are specialized tools employed by dental professionals to fix alignment and spacing problems in the teeth and jaw. These appliances are available in different forms, each tailored to resolve specific dental concerns. Below, we explore four common types of orthodontic appliances: traditional braces, clear aligners, functional appliances, and retainers.
Smiling with traditional braces and glasses, from a children’s orthodontist at Carpinello Orthodontics in Drexel Hill, Newtown Square, or Edgmont, PA.

Traditional Braces

Traditional braces have long been a key part of orthodontic care and are still the most commonly used appliance for correcting alignment and bite issues effectively.

Components

Brackets, archwires, and ligature elastics.

Benefits

Highly effective for major misalignments, long-lasting, and ideal for addressing various dental concerns.

A smiling girl with long blonde hair holds clear aligners, promoting Children’s Orthodontist from Carpinello Orthodontics in Drexel Hill, Newtown Square, or Edgmont, PA.

Clear Aligners

Clear aligners are a modern, discreet solution that provides an alternative to traditional braces. They gradually shift teeth into proper alignment without the need for brackets or wires.

How They Work

Apply steady pressure to shift teeth gradually, changing to new aligners every two weeks.

Advantages

Subtle, easy to remove for meals and cleaning, and ideal for maintaining oral hygiene.

Pink orthodontic retainers, a key, and an open case are displayed, representing functional appliances from Children’s Orthodontist at Carpinello Orthodontics in Drexel Hill, Newtown Square, or Edgmont, PA.

Functional Appliances

Functional appliances are designed to correct jaw growth abnormalities and are typically recommended for children and teenagers during their developmental years.

Types

Twin Block, Bionator, and Herbst appliances.

Benefits

Enhances jaw functionality and facial appearance while reducing the risk of future dental issues.

Smiling, a young girl with long blonde hair shows off colorful retainers from a children's orthodontist at Carpinello Orthodontics in Drexel Hill, Newtown Square, or Edgmont, PA.

Retainers

Retainers play an essential role in preserving the outcomes of orthodontic treatment. They prevent teeth from moving back to their original positions, ensuring long-term results.

Types

Removable (can be taken out for cleaning) and fixed (permanently bonded).

Benefits

Crucial for preserving the outcomes of orthodontic care and ensuring a lasting smile.

A smiling kids in a dental chair showing the importance of early orthodontic intervention visits to children's orthodontist at Carpinello Orthodontics in Drexel Hill, Newtown Square, or Edgmont, PA.

Importance of Early Orthodontic Intervention

Interceptive orthodontics is a forward-thinking approach that targets dental concerns during the early stages of a child’s jaw development, helping to avoid more serious dental complications later. The advantages of early intervention include stopping significant orthodontic problems, enhancing appearance, and improving oral health. For children aged 6-10, this is the best time to address issues such as crossbites and crowding, as their jaw is still growing. From ages 11-15, when most permanent teeth have come in, it becomes an ideal time to use braces for correcting alignment challenges.

Finding the Right Pediatric Orthodontist

When choosing an orthodontist for your child, it’s essential to evaluate their expertise and credentials to ensure they are the right fit for your family. Seek out an orthodontist with specialized training in orthodontics and a strong background in treating children. Additionally, consider practical aspects, such as the clinic’s location, flexible hours, and treatment costs, including available payment plans or insurance acceptance. Being thorough in your selection process ensures your child gets top-quality care and has a comfortable, positive experience throughout their treatment.

A young girl with braces finding the right pediatric orthodontist at Carpinello Orthodontics in Drexel Hill, Newtown Square or Edgmont, PA.

Conclusion

Carpinello Orthodontics highlights the importance of scheduling early orthodontic evaluations for children, advising that the first visit occur around the age of seven. Early intervention can detect and resolve dental issues such as overbite, underbite, or crowding, minimizing the chances of more significant complications in the future. With individualized treatments like braces or retainers, children can experience better oral health, boosted confidence, and easier orthodontic care as they grow. Dr. Paul Carpinello and Dr. David Carpinello provide professional care in a welcoming, child-centered environment, ensuring every patient has a comfortable and positive experience.

FAQ

What age should a child go to orthodontist?

It’s great that you’re prioritizing your child’s dental health! The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children visit an orthodontist for the first time at around age seven. This might seem early, but it’s ideal for spotting and addressing potential issues like misaligned teeth or jaw development before they worsen. Remember, an initial visit doesn’t necessarily mean your child will need treatment right away. It’s more about keeping an eye on their development and making sure everything is on track.

Can a 6 year old see an orthodontist?

Absolutely! A 6-year-old can see an orthodontist with no problem. The American Association of Orthodontists suggests scheduling that first check-up by age 7, so visiting at six is actually a proactive step. Early visits help orthodontists detect issues such as jaw alignment or problems with developing teeth early on. If you’re considering it for your child, it’s a smart move to support their dental health and ensure their smile grows without complications.

How painful are braces for kids?

It’s perfectly natural for children to experience some mild discomfort or soreness when they first get braces or after having them adjusted. This happens because braces apply pressure to gently move teeth into proper alignment. The discomfort is typically temporary, lasting just a few days, and can often be relieved with over-the-counter pain relievers. Before long, most kids adapt to their braces and barely notice them anymore. While the process might feel a bit uncomfortable at first, it’s manageable and the results are well worth it!