Pediatric Orthodontist in Buffalo, NY
The smile is one of the most defining features of the face. It acts as a welcoming statement, a stress relieving symbol, and a way to spread joy. It’s known that smiling significantly reduces stress which is why people tend to be happier and calmer around children. Most kids smile an average of 400 times per day. If your child is insecure about their smile, this can pose difficulties in their young life. Instead of feeling comfortable and spreading their joy, they may feel embarrassed and isolate themselves. Not to mention, poor teeth alignment can affect the way they eat, too. If your child is having an issue with their teeth or smile, a pediatric orthodontist could be a great step to take.
What is an Orthodontist?
Pediatric orthodontist is a specialist in the field of dentistry that focus on the proper positioning of the teeth and jaw. They aim to prevent, diagnose, and correct any misalignment or dental irregularities that they come across. Crooked teeth can not only make someone feel self-conscious, but it could lead to a facial deformity, speech impediment, problems with eating and chewing, and hygiene issues. By visiting a pediatric orthodontist, you can solve any discomfort or visible deformity related to the alignment of the teeth.
What Age Can a Child First Visit a Pediatric Orthodontist?
While it was once thought that children should not visit pediatric orthodontist because their teeth are still forming and shifting, this is widely disproven at this point in time. Now, it is recommended that children visit the orthodontist by the age of 7. At this point, they should have a mix of both adult and baby teeth. This can allow an orthodontist to predict and recognize potential orthodontic issues that they could experience in the near future. While 7 is the age recommended by the American Association of Orthodontics, not all children will need a visit with an orthodontist. However, it’s better to be safe and prevent future issues than wait until a problem becomes more apparent to the common eye.
Common Pediatric Orthodontic Treatments
There are many common orthodontic treatments for children including palatal expanders and partial braces. Palatal expanders are used to widen the jawbone, thus allowing the position of the teeth to change and fit together more properly. They are often used by pediatric orthodontist to fix a crossbite and crowded teeth, and they are traditionally worn for a year long. Partial braces are used to target specific sections of teeth that are misaligned, crooked, or turned in improper ways. They are partial because they are usually placed on a maximum of 6 teeth.
Pediatric Orthodontics Cost
The cost of a pediatric orthodontist appointment varies depending on the work your child needs completed. Every person and set of teeth are unique, so all treatments are individualized.
Depending on how long your child would require treatment and the type of treatment they need, the cost of treatment can vary significantly. On average, you can expect to pay between $5,000 and $6,000 for a comprehensive pediatric orthodontic treatment.
Visit a Pediatric Orthodontist
If you’re in search of a great pediatric orthodontist, Orthodontist Associates of WNY is here for you.
Our experienced orthodontists will treat you and your child with care and provide them with the treatment they need. We recognize how important your child’s smile and happiness is, and we want to help foster that.
For more information or for a free orthodontic consultation, contact us today!
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Orthodontists Associates of Western New York is proud to offer early orthodontic treatment throughout Buffalo, Lancaster, Olean, Hamburg, Orchard Park, and Dunkirk, New York.
At Orthodontists Associates of Western New York, our reputation as a leader in orthodontic care is based on one thing… Making a Healthy and Beautiful Smile
