Kids’ orthodontics
Orthodontics for children
If you’re looking for an experienced children’s orthodontist in Knoxville and Seymour, Tennessee, you can count on treatment from Langford Orthodontics. Dr. Allen Langford and Dr. Jordan Ringer have over 20 years of combined experience treating patients of all ages and can help your child achieve a smile that fills them with confidence every day.
When should kids first see the orthodontist?
Early orthodontic treatment can help your child tremendously later in life, so bring them in for a visit as early as seven years of age. By age seven, your child’s mouth has developed enough that our orthodontists are able to see early warning signs of alignment problems that could worsen over time. Catching issues early allows our orthodontists to craft a plan for your child’s orthodontic needs and begin treatment at the right time.
Our process starts with a free consultation appointment. Dr. Langford or Dr. Ringer will use this time to inspect your child’s jaw and determine if you should have them return for further treatment.
Benefits of early orthodontic treatment
Seeing a pediatric orthodontist can lead to numerous benefits. Here’s why your child should see an orthodontist early:
- Detect early warning signs: Our orthodontists can assess your child’s mouth to predict how their teeth will grow into place. If they notice an issue, catching it early ensures we’ll be able to more effectively treat your child later in life.
- Find non-surgical solutions: Catching signs of misalignment early allows us to implement solutions that can prevent the problem from worsening beyond what normal treatment methods can fix.
- Grow a straighter smile: Our orthodontists can implement minor solutions that guide the way your child’s teeth grow. As a result, they’ll have a straighter jaw full of teeth that fit into the proper positions.
- Promote good habits: When your child sees an orthodontist early in life, they’ll learn more about what it takes to keep their mouth healthy. Dr. Langford or Dr. Ringer will help your child understand and practice habits that reduce the need for orthodontic treatment later in life.
Kids' braces
Braces can benefit just about anyone, including your young child. Though many parents wait to start orthodontic treatment for their children until their teenage years, there are many benefits to beginning orthodontic care earlier in life.
Langford Orthodontics can evaluate your child’s smile and see if braces are a good fit. Our friendly staff will welcome you to the office, and one of our orthodontists will walk you through different options. Together, we can improve your child’s oral health and give them a smile they love for years to come.
Why do kids get braces?
Catching orthodontic issues early on can prevent them from worsening over time. Your child may need braces if they experience the following:
- Difficulty chewing, talking or breathing
- Gaps when smiling or chewing
- Speech impediments
- Early crowding
- Rotated teeth
- Impacted or missing permanent teeth
Will my child need braces?
If your child’s dentist recommends braces or orthodontic care, we can help. During your initial consultation, we can determine the best time to start treatment. Your child may need braces right away, or we may wait until all of their adult teeth come in. We take a personalized approach to each patient to ensure the best possible results.
Some factors that can lead to early orthodontic issues include
- Thumb and finger sucking
- Mouth breathing
- Prolonged pacifier use
- Poor oral hygiene or inadequate nutrition
We have multiple devices we can use to align and straighten your child’s developing smile as they grow. We may start orthodontic treatment with a device that prepares the mouth and jaw for braces, such as an expander. Treatment for children may span years as the teeth and jaw fully erupt and develop.
Metal braces
Traditional metal braces include metal brackets that we attach to wires with colored rubber bands. We will replace the wire every few weeks to gradually align teeth, close gaps, and help adult teeth come in correctly.
Ceramic braces
Clear braces work on the same principle as the traditional variety, but they use ceramic brackets that blend in easily with your child’s teeth.
Invisalign®
We can use clear aligners like the Invisalign Teen system, to move your child’s teeth into place. These retainers are easy to take out and clean with a toothbrush.
Trust Langford for customized care
Langford Orthodontics has a team of specialized professionals equipped to provide superior orthodontic treatment. We offer compassionate care, modern technology and flexible financing for our patients. When you work with us, you get a custom plan that matches your child’s unique needs.
We help your child love their smile for a lifetime. Choose us for visible results and a welcoming family of professionals.
