Get a Head Start on a Beautiful Smile

As a parent in Glendale, CA, we know that you want the best for your child. That includes healthy teeth and a pleasing smile.

Our expert team will treat your children like our own by giving them the best possible orthodontic care.

Kids Should Get an Orthodontic Check-Up By 7

The American Association of Orthodontics recommends that children see an orthodontist for the first time around the age of seven. By seven years old your child's teeth have developed enough for subtle problems with jaw growth and emerging teeth to still be spotted while some baby teeth are still present.

This check-up may reveal that your child's bite is fine, and braces for kids aren't necessary.

Or, Dr. Babaan may identify a developing problem but recommend monitoring your child's growth and development, and then, if indicated, begin treatment at the appropriate time for your child.

In other cases, Dr. Babaan might find a problem that can benefit from early treatment. If this is the case, we’ll take the time to go over every aspect of what you can expect!

What is Early Treatment?

Early treatment may prevent or intercept more serious problems from developing and may make treatment at a later age shorter and less complicated. Early treatment allows Dr. Babaan to:

  • Correct and guide the growth of your child’s jaw, encouraging permanent teeth to grow in straight
  • Regulate the width of the lower and upper arches
  • Create more space for crowded teeth
  • Avoid the need for permanent tooth extractions late in life
  • Correct thumb sucking and help improve minor speech problems

In some cases, Dr. Babaan will be able to achieve results that may not be possible once the face and jaws have finished growing.

Choosing the Best Time for Treatment

While the age that kids get braces may vary, orthodontic treatment most often begins between the ages of 9 and 14. Some orthodontic problems are easier to correct if they’re treated early.

If Dr. Babaan determines that your child will need treatment, he’ll let you know the best time to get started.

orthodontics Glendale CA

Signs the Bite's Not Right

It's not always easy to tell when your child may need braces or has an orthodontic problem. Even teeth that look straight may be hiding a problem bite.

Here are some clues that may indicate the need for orthodontic attention:

  • Early or late loss of baby teeth
  • Difficulty chewing or biting
  • Breathing through the mouth
  • Thumb-sucking
  • Crowded, misplaced or blocked-out teeth
  • Jaws that are too far forward or back
  • Biting the cheek or biting into the roof of the mouth
  • Protruding teeth
  • Upper and lower teeth that don't meet, or meet in an abnormal way
  • An unbalanced facial appearance
  • Grinding or clenching of the teeth

Learn More at Your Free Consultation

If you notice that your child has a dental issue, please contact us to set up a free consultation at our Glendale office.

We’ll be happy to discuss your child's orthodontic options and develop a treatment plan customized to their specific needs.