Braces for Kids

All Kids Should Get A Screening With An Orthodontist By Age 7

Orthodontics for kids start at a young age – maybe even sooner than you realize. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) says that all children should have an orthodontic evaluation by the age of 7 years, as permanent teeth are taking the place of baby teeth. An evaluation at this time gives the orthodontist an opportunity to spot potential issues early – before they become big problems that are harder to treat. Overcrowding of teeth and uneven bite become apparent as permanent teeth begin to erupt through the gum, for example.

Orthodontic care does more than improve someone’s appearance: properly aligned teeth and jaws improve the way a person bites, chews and speaks, and this can affect a child’s self-image as they grow older.

As with most dental and health issues, early diagnosis is the key to better results from treatment. Early evaluation creates an opportunity to take early action to prevent problems from getting worse, for example, and also helps ensure that treatment starts as early as possible.

Braces for Kids

All Kids Should Get A Screening With An Orthodontist By Age 7

Orthodontics for kids start at a young age – maybe even sooner than you realize. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) says that all children should have an orthodontic evaluation by the age of 7 years, as permanent teeth are taking the place of baby teeth. An evaluation at this time gives the orthodontist an opportunity to spot potential issues early – before they become big problems that are harder to treat. Overcrowding of teeth and uneven bite become apparent as permanent teeth begin to erupt through the gum, for example.

Orthodontic care does more than improve someone’s appearance: properly aligned teeth and jaws improve the way a person bites, chews and speaks, and this can affect a child’s self-image as they grow older.

As with most dental and health issues, early diagnosis is the key to better results from treatment. Early evaluation creates an opportunity to take early action to prevent problems from getting worse, for example, and also helps ensure that treatment starts as early as possible.

Braces for Kids

All Kids Should Get A Screening With An Orthodontist By Age 7

Orthodontics for kids start at a young age – maybe even sooner than you realize. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) says that all children should have an orthodontic evaluation by the age of 7 years, as permanent teeth are taking the place of baby teeth. An evaluation at this time gives the orthodontist an opportunity to spot potential issues early – before they become big problems that are harder to treat. Overcrowding of teeth and uneven bite become apparent as permanent teeth begin to erupt through the gum, for example.

Orthodontic care does more than improve someone’s appearance: properly aligned teeth and jaws improve the way a person bites, chews and speaks, and this can affect a child’s self-image as they grow older.

As with most dental and health issues, early diagnosis is the key to better results from treatment. Early evaluation creates an opportunity to take early action to prevent problems from getting worse, for example, and also helps ensure that treatment starts as early as possible.

Common Orthopedic Problems

  • Crooked teeth – occurs when the jaw is not wide enough to fit all of the permanent teeth

  • Gaps between teeth

  • Overbite – when the top teeth extend beyond the bottom teeth

  • Underbite – when the bottom teeth extend beyond the top teeth

  • Open bite – front teeth do not touch

  • Overjet – protruding front teeth

When is the best time for treatment?

The best time for treatment largely depends on the specific dental problem found in the evaluation. Tooth straightening with braces for kids is usually reserved for children between the ages of 9 and 14, after their permanent teeth have come in.


Early treatment provides a wide variety of benefits, such as:

  1. Guiding a child’s permanent teeth into a more favorable position

  2. Supporting facial and jaw growth for proper bite and tooth alignment later

  3. Correcting harmful oral habits

  4. Reducing the severity of dental problems and optimizing future treatment results

  5. Improving tooth alignment, which boosts a child’s self-confidence


While a child under the age of 9 may be too young for retainers or metal braces for kids, they may benefit from interceptive orthodontics that directs the growth and development of the teeth and jaws to minimize overcrowding and uneven bite later and therefore improve the outcome of braces when the child is older.

Contact Dr. Heidari if you note any of the following signs in your child:

  • Early or late loss of baby teeth

  • Difficulty biting or chewing

  • Mouth breathing

  • Jaws that make sounds or shift

  • Speech difficulties

  • Biting the inside of their cheek frequently

  • Facial imbalance

  • Clenching their jaws or grinding their teeth

The best time for treatment largely depends on the specific dental problem found in the evaluation. Tooth straightening with braces for kids is usually reserved for children between the ages of 9 and 14, after their permanent teeth have come in.


Early treatment provides a wide variety of benefits, such as:

  1. Guiding a child’s permanent teeth into a more favorable position

  2. Supporting facial and jaw growth for proper bite and tooth alignment later

  3. Correcting harmful oral habits

  4. Reducing the severity of dental problems and optimizing future treatment results

  5. Improving tooth alignment, which boosts a child’s self-confidence


While a child under the age of 9 may be too young for retainers or metal braces for kids, they may benefit from interceptive orthodontics that directs the growth and development of the teeth and jaws to minimize overcrowding and uneven bite later and therefore improve the outcome of braces when the child is older.

Contact Dr. Heidari if you note any of the following signs in your child:


  • Early or late loss of baby teeth

  • Difficulty biting or chewing

  • Mouth breathing

  • Jaws that make sounds or shift

  • Speech difficulties

  • Biting the inside of their cheek frequently

  • Facial imbalance

  • Clenching their jaws or grinding their teeth

The best time for treatment largely depends on the specific dental problem found in the evaluation. Tooth straightening with braces for kids is usually reserved for children between the ages of 9 and 14, after their permanent teeth have come in.


Early treatment provides a wide variety of benefits, such as:

  1. Guiding a child’s permanent teeth into a more favorable position

  2. Supporting facial and jaw growth for proper bite and tooth alignment later

  3. Correcting harmful oral habits

  4. Reducing the severity of dental problems and optimizing future treatment results

  5. Improving tooth alignment, which boosts a child’s self-confidence


While a child under the age of 9 may be too young for retainers or metal braces for kids, they may benefit from interceptive orthodontics that directs the growth and development of the teeth and jaws to minimize overcrowding and uneven bite later and therefore improve the outcome of braces when the child is older.

Contact Dr. Heidari if you note any of the following signs in your child:


  • Early or late loss of baby teeth

  • Difficulty biting or chewing

  • Mouth breathing

  • Jaws that make sounds or shift

  • Speech difficulties

  • Biting the inside of their cheek frequently

  • Facial imbalance

  • Clenching their jaws or grinding their teeth

Ready to transform your smile with clear aligners?

Dr. Heidari can offer the best treatment for your children at the right age of their development. Schedule an appointment with Symphony Orthodontics in our modern, state-of-the-art Bristow, VA, orthodontic office by calling or filling out the online form. We also offer virtual consultations for your convenience.

Ready to transform your smile with clear aligners?

Dr. Heidari can offer the best treatment for your children at the right age of their development. Schedule an appointment with Symphony Orthodontics in our modern, state-of-the-art Bristow, VA, orthodontic office by calling or filling out the online form. We also offer virtual consultations for your convenience.

Ready to transform your smile with clear aligners?

Dr. Heidari can offer the best treatment for your children at the right age of their development. Schedule an appointment with Symphony Orthodontics in our modern, state-of-the-art Bristow, VA, orthodontic office by calling or filling out the online form. We also offer virtual consultations for your convenience.

WildSmiles designer braces for children

Parents, kids, and orthodontists love WildSmiles Braces! Why? WildSmiles offers patients a unique way to be in control of their orthodontic experience. When patients are excited about their treatment, they are more willing to put in the effort braces require, such as brushing, flossing, and avoiding certain foods. With so many fun shapes to mix or match, WildSmiles gives patients the freedom to find the joy of a beautiful, healthy smile in the making.


Take your orthodontic braces from mild to wild with WildSmiles Braces!Mix and match bracket shapes from the signature or Disney collections.Pair with your favorite color of elastics for a style that’s all your own.WildSmiles provides the same orthodontic results as traditional brackets but with way more style and fun.

Problems to watch for in growing children

Crossbite of front teeth

Top teeth are behind bottom teeth

Crossbite of front teeth

Top teeth are behind bottom teeth

Crossbite of front teeth

Top teeth are behind bottom teeth

Crossbite of back teeth

Top teeth are to the inside of bottom teeth

Crossbite of back teeth

Top teeth are to the inside of bottom teeth

Crossbite of back teeth

Top teeth are to the inside of bottom teeth

Crowding

Crowding

Crowding

Open Bite

Front teeth do not meet when back teeth are closed

Open Bite

Front teeth do not meet when back teeth are closed

Open Bite

Front teeth do not meet when back teeth are closed

Protrusion

Protrusion

Protrusion

Deep bite

Deep bite

Deep bite

Underbite

The lower teeth sit in front of upper teeth when back teeth are closed

Underbite

The lower teeth sit in front of upper teeth when back teeth are closed

Underbite

The lower teeth sit in front of upper teeth when back teeth are closed

Spacing

Spacing

Spacing

Oral Habits

Sucking on thumb, fingers

Oral Habits

Sucking on thumb, fingers

Oral Habits

Sucking on thumb, fingers