Customized Orthodontic Treatment in Powdersville, SC

Getting a child’s smile straightened at a young age not only boosts their confidence but also sets them up for a lifetime of excellent dental health. At Issaqueena Pediatric Dentistry, we specialize in crafting customized orthodontic solutions tailored to your child’s unique needs. Read on to learn more about how modern customized braces and clear aligners gently guide teeth into proper alignment.

What Is Customized Orthodontic Treatment?

Customized orthodontic treatment for kids involves using dental appliances uniquely designed and fitted for each patient’s mouth, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. Our pediatric orthodontists take precise 3D scans of the teeth and jaw, allowing us to create appliances that apply ideal pressure on specific teeth to shift them into the correct positions.

Customized treatment plans may incorporate:

• Traditional or clear ceramic braces
• Clear aligners like Invisalign
• Expanders to widen the jaw and make room for crowded teeth
• Retainers to hold teeth in position after braces are removed

The custom fit ensures effective tooth movement while maintaining patient comfort. Appliances are adjusted periodically to incrementally move the teeth and jaws over time until the optimal bite and smile are achieved.

Who Can Benefit From Customized Orthodontics?

While children and teens make up the majority of orthodontic patients, adults are increasingly seeking treatment as well. If you or your child has any of the following, customized braces or clear aligners from an orthodontist for kids may help:

• Crooked, crowded, or gapped teeth
• Overbites, underbites, or crossbites
• Misaligned midlines between top and bottom teeth
• Blocked out, impacted, or missing teeth
• Jaw alignment issues like overjets or overbites
• Sleep apnea resulting from misaligned jaws

Ideally, we recommend children see a pediatric orthodontist for an evaluation by age 7, while their baby teeth are still present. Detecting problems early makes orthodontic treatment more effective and can reduce the need for extractions or oral surgery later. However, patients of any age can benefit from straighter teeth and an improved bite.

The Benefits of Customized Orthodontics

Straightening your child’s teeth is about more than just appearance. It lays the foundations for excellent oral health throughout their lifetime. Benefits include:

Establishes Proper Bite Alignment

When teeth are severely crooked, crowded, or blocked out, the upper and lower jaws cannot fit together correctly. This hampers chewing and can lead to fractured or damaged teeth over time. Straightening teeth, with underbite correction or overbite correction brings the bite into proper alignment.

Prevents Periodontal Disease

Crooked, crowded teeth with little space between them are harder to clean. Food and plaque become packed in, raising the risk of tooth decay and periodontal disease. By straightening teeth, orthodontic treatment by Issaqueena Pediatric Dentistry allows for better brushing and flossing.

Reduces Risk of TMJ Disorders

When bites are misaligned, chewing forces are distributed unevenly, straining the jaw joints and muscles. Customized treatment that establishes symmetrical bites prevents uneven wear, which can lead to painful TMJ/TMD disorders.

Closes Dangerous Gaps

Gap teeth may affect chewing and speech. But more concerning, they allow food to compact between teeth and gums. This can cause decay and periodontal disease. Closing gaps with custom orthodontics eliminates these traps.

Guides Jaw Growth

Custom treatment applies light pressure to bring the upper and lower jaws into harmony as a child grows. This can help avoid more invasive surgery to correct jaw issues later in life.

The Benefits of Seeking Early Treatment

Seeing a pediatric orthodontist for the first time before age 7 offers many advantages:

• Jaws are still growing and malleable, so early bite correction and jaw growth guidance is more effective.
• Two-phase treatment plans can be implemented, focusing first on jaw discrepancies.
• Erupting permanent teeth can be guided into proper alignment from the start.
• Extraction or oral surgery may be avoided.
• Retainer compliance is higher when starting young.
• Less complex mechanics are required.
• Children are excited to get braces and fit in with peers.
• Parents are highly involved in overseeing care.
• Overall cost is usually reduced compared to later treatment.

Types of Customized Orthodontic Appliances

Today’s orthodontic appliances are comfortable, convenient, and effective. We recommend the best options based on your child’s specific needs.

Clear Aligners

Popular options like Invisalign consist of a series of clear, removable plastic trays. Each tray gradually shifts the teeth further into alignment. Clear aligners for kids offer an esthetic and convenient alternative to braces.

Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces have tooth-colored or clear brackets that blend with the natural teeth. Ties holding the wires can also be clear or tooth-colored. This gives a more discrete look.

Lingual Braces

Lingual braces have brackets and wires attached to the back of the teeth. This makes them invisible from the front. Lingual braces take more getting used to but offer the ultimate in discreet orthodontic care.

Traditional Metal Braces

Stainless steel braces remain one of the most effective and affordable options. Advances like self-ligating brackets make braces more comfortable. Colorful ties let kids show off their personalities.

What Are the Costs for Orthodontics?

Prices vary based on the extent of correction needed and the type of appliances used. Traditional metal braces and clear aligners have different costs, with aligners often requiring fewer visits for adjustments. Dental insurance may cover up to 50% of children’s orthodontic treatment. Call one of our offices today to get the exact quote and learn how we can make treatment more affordable for you!

Achieve Your Child’s Healthiest Smile

If your child has crooked, crowded, or protruding teeth, an orthodontic evaluation is recommended. Your search for an orthodontist in Powdersville, SC is over. Here at Issaqueena Pediatric Dentistry, our pediatric orthodontist and team of Board-Certified pediatric dentists will determine if treatment could benefit their long-term oral health. We thoughtfully create customized solutions for children and teens that ensure effective care in the most comfortable way. To schedule a consultation at our pediatric dental offices, call Issaqueena Pediatric Dentistry today!