Orthodontics for Kids
A Healthy Smile Starts Early
WHY EARLY ORTHODONTIC CARE MATTERS
At Waldorf Orthodontics, we believe in caring for smiles throughout every stage of life. For children, early orthodontic evaluations and treatments lay the foundation for a healthy, well-aligned bite that lasts a lifetime. By addressing orthodontic problems early while a child is growing and developing, we can help guide their teeth and jaws into proper alignment. This sets them up for future oral health success.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. This is a critical time when a child’s permanent teeth begin to emerge. Early intervention can prevent more complex problems down the road.
What is interceptive orthodontics?
GUIDING GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
Interceptive orthodontics is all about identifying and addressing dental or jaw concerns in children while they are still growing. By working with your child’s natural development, we can reduce, and in many cases prevent future complications with their teeth, jaws, and bite.
The main benefits of interceptive orthodontics are that it:
- Creates space for emerging permanent teeth
- Corrects bite alignment (overbites, underbites, crossbites)
- Improves dental-facial symmetry
- Reduces the need for extensive treatment in adolescence and adulthood
Space Maintainers
PRESERVING ROOM FOR HEALTHY TEETH
When a child loses a baby tooth too early, space maintainers are often used to hold that spot for the permanent tooth. Without intervention, the surrounding teeth may shift, blocking the natural eruption path.
At Waldorf Orthodontics, we offer both fixed space maintainers (nonremovable appliances to hold the space securely) and removable space maintainers that are ideal for younger children who may need some flexibility. Space maintainers help protect your child’s dental development and avoid crowding or misalignment issues as they grow.
Growth Modification Orthodontics
GUIDING JAW GROWTH FOR A BALANCED BITE
Sometimes, jaw growth may be uneven or misaligned, leading to overbites, underbites, or other problems. Growth modification orthodontics works with a child’s natural development to correct these problems early.
APPLIANCES WE OFFER:
- Herbst appliances correct overbites by guiding the lower jaw forward as it grows
- Reverse pull headgear is used to address underbites by gently encouraging forward growth of the upper jaw
By correcting these problems during growth stages, we can prevent more severe concerns and reduce the need for surgery later.
Our Orthodontics Services for Kids:
Guide healthy dental growth with early evaluations
Support proper alignment through interceptive care
Correct habits and straighten teeth with braces or aligners
Palatal Expanders
CREATING SPACE FOR HEALTHY TEETH
Palatal expanders are used to widen the upper jaw to make sure there’s enough room for permanent teeth to come in properly. They also help resolve crossbites and improve overall bite alignment.
At Waldorf Orthodontics, we offer both traditional expanders (fixed appliances that gradually expand the palate) and Invisalign Expanders (a removable, clear option that provides flexibility and comfort). Palatal expanders work best during childhood, as the jaw is still growing and easier to shape.
Habit Correction Appliances
STOP HARMFUL HABITS EARLY
Thumb-sucking, tongue thrusting, and other oral habits can cause significant alignment issues, such an open bites or misaligned teeth. Waldorf Orthodontics offers habit correction appliances to help children stop these habits and protect their smiles. Our team works with both children and their parents to correct these concerns in a supportive and encouraging way.
Modern Braces for Kids
STRAIGHTER TEETH FOR YOUNG SMILES
Modern braces are a reliable and effective treatment for correcting alignment concerns in children. Today’s braces are smaller, more comfortable, and work smarter than traditional options. At Waldorf Orthodontics, we customize each set of braces to your child’s needs, ensuring treatment is as efficient and comfortable as possible for them.
Invisalign Clear Aligners in Phase I Treatment
CLEAR ALIGNERS FOR GROWING SMILES
Interceptive orthodontic care doesn’t always require braces. Invisalign clear aligners are a fantastic option for younger children needing Phase I treatment. These aligners are virtually invisible, perfect for children who want a discreet option. They are removable which allows for easy eating and cleaning and are also comfortable, designed to fit perfectly for growing teeth. Our team uses digital impressions to create custom aligners that will gently guide developing teeth into proper alignment.
Retainers & Replacement Retainers
KEEPING YOUR CHILD’S SMILE IN PLACE
After orthodontic treatment, retainers are essential for maintaining results. Teeth naturally shift over time, so Waldorf Orthodontics offers a variety of retainer options to suit every child’s needs. Fixed retainers are a bonded option for long-term stability and clear, removable retainers are available as a more discreet option. We can also provide replacement retainers, ensuring your child’s smile stays straight for years to come.
Making Orthodontic Care for Kids Easy
GENTLE, FAMILY-FOCUSED CARE
At Waldorf Orthodontics, we make orthodontic care a positive experience for every child. From their first orthodontic evaluation at age 7 to customized treatments that grow with them, our team focuses on comfort, education, and results.
Our orthodontic treatments give children healthier teeth, improved oral function, and confident smiles that last a lifetime.
Schedule your child’s orthodontic evaluation today.
We look forward to welcoming you to the Waldorf Orthodontics family!
At Waldorf Orthodontics, we accept credit cards, cash, and checks. We also partner with CareCredit to provide affordable financing solutions, making it easier to fit treatment into your budget.
Apply for CareCredit.
Worried about the costs of treatment? During your consultation, we’ll review all the options available to help make your orthodontic treatment as manageable as possible.
