Confident smiles from a children’s orthodontist are on display as two young girls run and smile in a sunny, grassy park with trees in the background thanks to Smile City Orthodontics in Sunnyvale, TX.

Children’s Orthodontist Sunnyvale TX

A boy with dark hair in a plaid shirt smiles outdoors amid trees and sunlight, reflecting the confidence that Smile City Orthodontics in Sunnyvale, TX can inspire as your trusted Children’s Orthodontist.

Give Your Child a
 Lifetime of Smiles

Your child needs straight teeth and aligned jaws for a durable, healthy smile. While the ideal age for orthodontic care can differ, Dr. Jacob and the American Association of Orthodontists recommend a first visit around age seven.

What is Early Treatment?

Early treatment at Smile City Orthodontics helps prevent or address major dental problems and makes future care shorter, easier, and more affordable. In some cases, Dr. Jacob can achieve results that would be harder to accomplish after the face and jaws finish growing.

When is the Best Time for Treatment?

While the age kids get braces differs, orthodontic treatment in Sunnyvale typically begins between ages 9 and 14, as some dental issues are easier to fix early.

Role of a Children’s Orthodontist

A children’s orthodontist is an expert in diagnosing and treating dental problems in kids from babies to teenagers. Unlike pediatric dentists who handle overall dental care, orthodontists focus on fixing crooked teeth and jaw alignment while monitoring growth.

Importance of Early Orthodontic Intervention

Early orthodontic care, or interceptive orthodontics, addresses problems early so bigger issues don’t develop. Benefits include:

At Smile City Orthodontics in Sunnyvale TX, a children’s orthodontist examines a smiling young boy’s teeth during a checkup, with both wearing protective gear in the dental office.

Preventing severe dental issues

Healthy teeth and jaws not only improve oral health but also how others see you.

Improving appearance
and confidence

 Starting treatment early saves time, effort, and discomfort.

Enhancing overall oral health

Straight teeth are easier to maintain, reducing the risk of gum disease and cavities.

Benefits of Children’s
Orthodontic Treatment

Taking care of your oral health is an important part of staying healthy overall. It’s not only about having a nice smile, but also about keeping your mouth free of disease and other problems. This guide will share helpful tips on how to improve your oral hygiene and keep your mouth in great shape.

Improved Oral Health and Hygiene

Orthodontic care keeps your child’s teeth and gums disease-free. Brushing, flossing, and regular check-ups are key.

Enhanced Speech Development

Straight teeth improve speech and pronunciation. Regular cleanings, brushing, flossing, and a low-sugar diet also help.

Prevention of Future Dental Issues

Healthy habits, like reducing sugary snacks, brushing twice daily, and regular exams, avoid cavities and gum issues.

Boosted Confidence and Self-Esteem

A great smile increases confidence. Keeping it involves hygiene, dental visits, and good nutrition.

Understanding Children’s 

Orthodontic Treatment

Orthodontic appliances are specialized tools orthodontists use to fix teeth and jaw alignment. These devices come in many types, each solving specific dental issues.

Braces

Braces are fixed to teeth and connected by wires.

Aligners

Clear, removable plastic trays that fit over teeth.

Retainers

These are used after braces or aligners to keep the teeth in their new position.

Space maintainers

These are used when a child loses a baby tooth prematurely. 

Importance of Early Evaluation

The American Association of Orthodontists advises a check-up for kids by age seven. Identifying problems like overcrowding or bite issues early simplifies care and prevents bigger complications.

At Smile City Orthodontics in Sunnyvale TX, a children's orthodontist examines a young patient’s teeth while she sits in the dental chair.

Treatment Process

Consultation

Includes examination, X-rays and impressions.

Appliance Placement

Orthodontic devices are fitted based on the treatment plan.

Follow-ups

Regular adjustments to monitor and ensure progress.

Retention

A retainer is often used after treatment to maintain results.

At Smile City Orthodontics in Sunnyvale TX, a children's orthodontist examines a young girl's teeth as her mother sits nearby in the inviting clinic.

Appointment Duration and Frequency

The length and timing of orthodontist appointments depend on the device used and issue severity. For braces, adjustments often occur every 4-6 weeks, while aligners are changed around every two weeks. Visits typically last between 30 to 60 minutes, with overall treatment lasting 6 months to 3 years or more.

Common Orthodontic
Issues in Children

Here are some common dental problems treated at Smile City Orthodontics:
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Overbite, Underbite, Crossbite and Spacing Problems

Overbite: Upper front teeth overlap lower ones too much, affecting speech or chewing.
Underbite: Lower teeth extend forward, causing jaw issues.
Crossbite: Some upper teeth fit behind the lower teeth, which can cause uneven tooth wear, gum problems, and even bone loss.
Spacing Problems: Gaps or overcrowding causing cleaning and chewing difficulties.

Crooked or Misaligned Teeth

Can result from genetics, thumb-sucking, or injury, making cleaning harder and increasing tooth decay risks.

Crowding or Spacing Issues

Too little space leads to tooth overlap, while too much space allows food to stick, both raising decay risks.

Thumb Sucking and Other Oral Habits

Continued thumb-sucking changes mouth shape and tooth alignment.

Orthodontic Treatment Options for Children

Orthodontic appliances are devices used by dental experts to fix problems with how the teeth and jaw are aligned. There are different types, each made to treat specific issues. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at four common kinds: traditional braces, clear aligners, functional appliances, and retainers.
Showcasing the expertise of a children’s orthodontist at Smile City Orthodontics in Sunnyvale, TX, a young girl with long brown hair and traditional braces smiles brightly, holding her face with both hands against a pink background.

Traditional Braces

Traditional braces have been used in orthodontics for a long time and are still the most common type of appliance today.

Components

Brackets, archwires and ligature elastics.

Benefits

Effective for serious alignment problems, are long-lasting, and can treat many different dental issues.

A young woman with long hair and glasses smiles while holding clear aligners, highlighting the modern solutions offered by Smile City Orthodontics in Sunnyvale, TX, beyond traditional children's orthodontics.

Clear Aligners

Clear aligners are a modern option for straightening teeth instead of using traditional braces.

How They Work

Use consistent pressure to gradually move teeth, with new aligners replaced every two weeks.

Advantages

Discreet, removable for eating and cleaning and convenient for oral hygiene.

Displayed on a white background are two red orthodontic retainers essential tools used by a Children’s Orthodontist at Smile City Orthodontics in Sunnyvale, TX alongside a pink plastic storage case. These retainers, often used alongside Functional Appliances, help guide proper dental development in growing children.

Functional Appliances

Functional appliances help guide proper jaw growth and are most often recommended for children and teens.

Types

Twin Block, Bionator and Herbst appliances.

Benefits

Can improve jaw function and facial aesthetics, preventing future dental problems.

At Smile City Orthodontics in Sunnyvale, TX, a girl with long blonde hair holds a vibrant retainers featuring blue and yellow stripes, highlighting the creative options offered by their Children’s Orthodontist.

Retainers

Retainers are important for keeping teeth in their new positions and preventing them from shifting back to their original alignment.

Types

Removable (can be taken out for cleaning) and fixed (permanently bonded).

Benefits

Essential for maintaining the results of orthodontic treatment and a lasting smile.

At Smile City Orthodontics in Sunnyvale TX, a children's orthodontist examines a young girl's teeth with dental instruments as she sits in the dental chair.

Importance of Early Orthodontic Intervention

Addressing jaw and teeth alignment during childhood while the jaws are growing avoids larger problems later. Ages 6-10 are ideal for tackling crossbites or crowded teeth while the jaw is still developing. Between ages 11-15, treating permanent teeth becomes a priority, making braces an effective option during this time.

Finding the Right Pediatric Orthodontist

When selecting an orthodontist for your child, consider their training and experience to ensure they’re qualified to meet your needs. Look for orthodontists who specialize in children’s care. Practical factors, such as location, convenient hours, and payment options (like insurance), should also be considered. Choosing the right orthodontist ensures a positive experience for your child.

At Smile City Orthodontics in Sunnyvale TX, a children’s orthodontist wearing a mask and gloves stands beside a smiling young patient in the dental chair, both facing the camera.

Conclusion

Smile City Orthodontics emphasizes the importance of scheduling an orthodontic evaluation by age seven. Addressing bite problems, crowding, and other concerns early simplifies later treatment and avoids serious issues. Specialized care from Dr. Jacob at Smile City Orthodontics in Sunnyvale helps children maintain healthy smiles, boost confidence, and improve their oral health for life.

FAQ

What age should a child go to orthodontist?

The American Association of Orthodontists suggests that kids have their first orthodontic check-up around age seven. It might seem early, but this helps catch any problems before they get worse. Keep in mind, an early visit doesn’t always mean your child will need treatment right away—it’s mostly to monitor their growth and make sure their smile is developing properly.

Can a 6 year old see an orthodontist?

Definitely! A 6-year-old can visit an orthodontist. The American Association of Orthodontists actually recommends that kids see an orthodontist by age 7 at the latest. This early visit helps spot any possible issues with jaw growth or new teeth coming in. So if you’re thinking about taking your child for a check-up, go for it! It’s a smart way to help your child build a healthy, beautiful smile.

How painful are braces for kids?

It’s normal for kids to feel some mild soreness when they first get braces or after adjustments. This happens because the braces are gently moving their teeth into place. The good news is the discomfort usually goes away after a few days and can be eased with common pain relievers. Soon, their mouth gets used to the braces, and they may barely notice them. So, while braces can cause a little temporary discomfort, it’s easy to manage and doesn’t last long.