Does it seem like everywhere you look you see a young child with braces? Are you wondering why your child would ever need braces at seven years old? You aren’t alone! Today orthodontists have changed the way they think about and treat their younger patients and we want to help Indianapolis families understand why.

When should my child see an orthodontist?

Hallmark Orthodontics recommends having your child evaluated by an orthodontist no later than age seven. At this evaluation, your child’s dental and skeletal development will be assessed. Even though your child’s teeth may appear straight, there may be problems that only an orthodontist can detect or manage. In many cases, your orthodontist will recommend no treatment and continue to monitor overall growth and development. But it’s better to be safe and have an expert make that recommendation. Think your child might be a good candidate? Hallmark Orthodontics offers free consultations. Schedule a free consultation.

What does early orthodontic treatment actually treat?

The primary goals of early orthodontic treatment include:

Creating room for crowded, erupting teeth
Creating symmetry through influencing jaw growth
Reducing risk of trauma to protruding teeth
Preserving space for unerupted teeth
Reducing need for tooth removal
Reducing treatment time with braces
Evaluating habit cessation such as thumb sucking or finger sucking
What do braces look like today?

The technology and science behind orthodontia care has come a long way since braces first came into the mainstream. At Hallmark Orthodontics, they offer different types of braces to suit your child’s look and lifestyle. The braces may be bold, with changeable colors, or subtle, tooth colored brackets that are much less obvious. Depending on the patient’s needs, anything from traditional braces to Invisalign may be the best option.

What happens after early treatment?

After early orthodontic treatment your orthodontist will likely provide you with a retainer. Your child will wear the retainer as indicated while the remaining permanent teeth develop. After reaching an appropriate stage for final orthodontic treatment, or phase two, your orthodontist will review with you the benefits of secondary treatment. This phase will typically be utilized to detail and finalize all of the permanent teeth and bite.

Early treatment can contribute to an easier and more efficient orthodontic experience. Hallmark Orthodontics’ goal is to provide patients with the best treatment at the best time! Dr. Tasha Hall, Dr. Andrew Raber, and the team believe that orthodontics is a crucial component to your child’s overall health and well-being. Hallmark hopes to be a resource for families in Indianapolis area at any point in your orthodontic journey. Get to know about what makes Hallmark unique! The office has two convenient locations in Noblesville and Elwood, an easy drive from Indianapolis, Fishers, Carmel, and Geist. Dr. Hall is also the Director of Craniofacial Orthodontics at Indiana University in Indianapolis and practices in Carmel and Shelbyville.