How Early Does My Child Need Braces?

Your child’s smile lights up your life. The beaming pride of a parent raising a happy child is one of the most important treasures in life. This is why it is important for your child to develop good habits early on in life to protect that smile into adulthood.

The talented team at Pedodontics, P.C. in Omaha, NE is proud to serve the local community with quality dental care services, including early childhood oral care, so that you and your child are well-educated on matters regarding your health and establish good early habits.

Signs Your Child May Need Braces

Here are some of the most telling signs that your child may need braces:

  1. Misaligned Teeth: If your child’s teeth are crooked, overcrowded, or widely spaced, they may need orthodontic treatment.
  2. Difficulty Chewing or Speaking: A misaligned bite can make chewing or speaking clearly difficult.
  3. Jaw Pain or Clicking: If your child is experiencing jaw pain or clicking sounds, it could be a sign of a bite problem.
  4. Excessive Mouth Breathing: Mouth breathing can signify a misaligned bite.
  5. Thumb Sucking or Nail Biting: These habits can affect the development of your child’s teeth and jaw.

When Should You Schedule an Orthodontic Consultation?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children see an orthodontist for an initial evaluation around age 7.

This will allow the orthodontist to assess your child’s dental development and determine if orthodontic treatment is necessary.

Your Trusted Early Oral Care Professionals

Give your child more reasons to smile today. Our experienced and friendly staff is waiting to help you and your child on this journey towards a brighter smile and future.

We look forward to helping you in a warm and welcoming environment.

During your next appointment with the trained team at Pedodontics, P.C. in Omaha, NE, you can be sure you are receiving the utmost care and quality that you and your family deserve.How Early Does My Child Need Braces?

How Fluoride Treatments and Dental Sealants Prevent Cavities in Children

Parents and dentists associate fluoride treatments and dental sealants with pediatric dentistry in Omaha NE  for good reason. Children make up most of the patients who receive these services, and they have each proven extremely effective at preventing tooth decay, fillings, and tooth loss.

Fluoride Treatments

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry reports that regular fluoride treatments can reduce cavities by up to 95 percent when combined with dental sealants. Fluoride helps to strengthen tooth enamel, which makes it more difficult for bacteria to invade and cause tooth decay. Unfortunately, most kids do not get enough fluoride in their diet and products they use, such as toothpaste and mouthwash.

Fluoride is a mineral that exists naturally in the crust of the earth, as well as in water, many foods, and throughout nature. When giving your child a fluoride treatment, Dr. Lisa Strunk, Dr. Emily Strunk, Dr. Carmen Dana, or Dr. Rebecca Buss applies it to the teeth with a small brush. The entire process takes just a few minutes.

Dental Sealants

Sealants protect the back molar teeth that can be challenging for children to reach with a toothbrush. Flossing can also be difficult because there often is not enough space to string a piece of dental floss between two molars. Like fluoride treatments, getting dental sealants involves having one of our dentists apply liquid to the back teeth. The liquid quickly hardens and forms a seal in the grooves and pits of your child’s molar teeth to provide them with extra protection.

We Include These Treatments at All Checkups

We believe that pediatric dentistry in Omaha NE should always include fluoride treatments and dental sealants and will provide them unless you ask us not to. Please schedule an appointment for your son or daughter if we have not seen them in more than six months.