Children's Orthodontics

Kids with crowded, crooked, or malpositioned teeth are more likely to experience potentially serious issues like gum disease and tooth decay. At Metropolitan Orthodontics, Kristin Nelson, DDS, MDS, and her team provides a full suite of children’s orthodontics to help kids and teens achieve optimal oral health. To make an appointment for your child at the practice in Fairfax, Virginia, call the nearest office today or click the online booking feature.

How does children’s orthodontics improve oral health?

At Metropolitan Orthodontics, your provider and team uses children’s orthodontics to:

• Close visible gaps between the teeth
• Improve speaking and chewing abilities
• Encourage long-term health of the teeth and gums
• Prevent excessive wear or trauma to the teeth
• Correct an improper bite

Not only can children’s orthodontics transform your child’s smile, but it can also help preserve their oral health for years to come.

What types of appliances are used in children’s orthodontics?

At  Metropolitan Orthodontics your provider and team uses various appliances to correct malpositioned teeth and jaws, including:

• Conventional metal braces
• Clear braces
• Clear aligners
• Space maintainers
• Lip and cheek bumpers
• Rapid palatal expander (RPE)
• Retainers
• Splints and jaw repositioning appliances

The team also uses retainers for children’s orthodontics. Retainers are custom appliances that prevent your child’s teeth from shifting out of their new position.

What does children’s orthodontics involve?

At Metropolitan Orthodontics, children’s orthodontic treatment begins with an in-office consultation. During the appointment, your child’s provider conducts an oral exam, reviews their dental health history, and takes a series of oral X-rays.

Your child’s provider also asks what your child dislikes about their smile and if they’re experiencing any symptoms like jaw or tooth pain. If your child is shy, feel free to answer these questions for them.

Once your child’s orthodontist assesses the alignment of their teeth and jaw, they develop a custom orthodontic care plan.

Often, that includes two-phase orthodontic treatment with braces, followed by wearing a retainer. More complex alignment issues might require other appliances like rapid palatal expanders (RPE) or lip and cheek bumpers.

How long does children’s orthodontic treatment take?

The length of time that children’s orthodontic treatment takes depends on several factors, including your child’s age and the severity of the alignment issues, addressed. Most children complete treatment within 18-24* months, but it can take longer.

To speed up the process, encourage your child to follow their orthodontist’s instructions and attend each of their check-ups.

 To explore the benefits of children’s orthodontics, make an appointment for your child at  Metropolitan Orthodontics by calling the nearest office or clicking the online booking feature.

*Individual results may vary.