Children’s Orthodontist in Kingwood, TX

Give Your Child a Lifetime of Smiles
Healthy, aligned teeth and jaws are essential for your child’s lasting oral health and confidence. While the right age for orthodontic care varies, Dr. Sebastian Paige and the American Association of Orthodontists advise scheduling your first visit at age seven.
What is Early Treatment?
At Paige Orthodontics, early orthodontic treatment can help address potential issues before it is too late. Early care allows Dr. Sebastian Paige to achieve results that might be harder or even impossible to accomplish once bone growth is complete.
When is the Best Time for Treatment?
The ideal time for a first consultation is age 7 while the bones and teeth are still growing. Orthodontic treatment in Kingwood TX often begins between ages 10 and 13, depending on individual needs. However, some conditions, like underbites, are easier to treat when addressed at seven years old.
Role of a Children’s Orthodontist
Importance of Early Orthodontic Intervention
Interceptive orthodontic treatment focuses on catching and resolving dental issues during the early stages of development. Benefits include:


Preventing Severe
Dental Issues
Addressing complex problems early can avoid severe dental concerns later in life like impacted teeth as well as damage and loss of adult teeth.
Guiding Bone Growth
Early care helps your child’s bones to grow correctly, helping to avoid underbites, crossbites, and severe crowding.
Enhancing Oral Health
Early treatment can allow for easier cleaning and eliminate the need for orthodontic treatment later in life.
Benefits of Children’s
Orthodontic Treatment
Improved Oral Health and Hygiene
Enhanced Speech Development
Prevention of Future Dental Issues
Boosted Confidence and Self-Esteem
Understanding Children’s
Orthodontic Treatment
Braces
These consist of small brackets on the teeth connected by a wire.
Aligners
Clear trays designed to gradually straighten teeth.
Retainers
Devices worn after active treatment to maintain newly aligned teeth.
Space maintainers
Protect areas for incoming teeth when a baby tooth is lost prematurely.
Importance of Early Evaluation
The American Association of Orthodontists suggests that children as young as seven undergo their first orthodontic evaluation. Early checkups allow Dr. Sebastian Paige to detect serious issues that must be treated early, such as a lack of space that can cause teeth to become impacted and poor bone growth that can cause underbites and crossbites.


Treatment Process
Consultation
Initial exams, X-rays, and impressions are taken to assess needs if any.
Appliance Placement
Minimal orthodontic appliances are place if needed.
Follow-ups
Dr. Sebastian Paige ensures progress through periodic appointments.
Retention
A retainer is often used after treatment to maintain results.


Appointment Duration and Frequency
The total length of treatment varies depending on complexity, treatment type, and patient needs. Early treatment typically requires adjustments every 1-4 months. Standard appointments last 20–60 minutes, with total treatment ranging from 12 to 18 months.
Common Orthodontic
Issues in Children

Overbite, Underbite, Crossbite, and Spacing Problems
Crooked or Crowded Teeth
Misaligned teeth can cause issues with cleaning and difficulty with the growth of adult teeth.
Crowding or Spacing Issues
Spaces between teeth can prevent adult teeth from growing and aligning correctly, while also causing front teeth to protrude.
Thumb Sucking and Other Habits
Habits like thumb sucking can cause teeth to stick out and separate as well as warp the growth of the jaw bones.
Orthodontic Treatment Options for Children

Traditional Braces
A trusted method for correcting even the most severe misalignments.
Components
Brackets, wires, and elastics.
Benefits
Highly effective for correcting significant misalignments, sturdy, and appropriate for simple and complex issues.

Invisalign Clear Aligners
Removable clear plastic designed for discreet and subtle treatment.
How They Work
Use consistent pressure to gradually move teeth.
Advantages
Clear plastics that are removable for meals and photos. They are also removable for easy cleaning.

Functional Appliances
Functional appliances are custom made at Paige Orthodontics to treat issues with bone development. They are usually recommended for young individuals and teenagers who are still growing.
Types
Twin Block, Bionator, and Herbst appliances
Benefits
Direct jaw bone growth at an early age to avoid irreversible issues later.

Retainers
Retainers play a crucial role in preventing the teeth from shifting back to their original positions.
Types
Removable (can be taken out for cleaning) and fixed (bonded).
Benefits
Essential for maintaining the results of orthodontic treatment, including an amazing smile. Although corrections to bone shape and size usually don’t require retainers, tooth alignment does.

Importance of Early Orthodontic Intervention
Interceptive orthodontics is a forward-thinking strategy designed to tackle dental concerns during a child’s jaw bone development. Early intervention offers numerous advantages, including the avoidance of severe and irreversible orthodontic complications such as underbites, impacted teeth, and loss of adult teeth due to root damage. The age group of 7 to 9 years is especially ideal for tackling challenges like underbites, crossbites, and overcrowding, as the bones are still growing. From ages 11 to 14, with the presence of permanent teeth, it becomes an ideal timeframe for full braces to correct tooth alignment.
Finding the Right Pediatric Orthodontist
When choosing an orthodontist for your child, it’s essential to ensure they have specialized training specifically in orthodontics and are a board certified orthodontist. Also that they have experience in treating children. It is important that they are in network with your insurance and accept HSA/FSA payments. Check that they have a schedule/availability that meets your family’s requirements. Finally, ensure that they have a large number of excellent google reviews, as other patient’s and parent’s experience are likely indicative of your future experience with their office.


Conclusion
FAQ
What age should a child go to orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists suggests that children should have their first orthodontic evaluation around age seven. While this may appear to be early, it enables the orthodontist to identify and address any emerging concerns before they escalate. Keep in mind that an initial assessment doesn’t automatically imply your child will require immediate treatment; it’s primarily focused on monitoring their growth and ensuring everything is progressing well.
Can a 6 year old see an orthodontist?
Certainly! A 6-year-old is certainly eligible to see an orthodontist. The American Association of Orthodontists actually suggests that kids should have their first orthodontic evaluation by the age of 7. This initial assessment can uncover any possible concerns regarding jaw development and incoming teeth. Therefore, if you’re thinking about an orthodontic appointment for your child, feel free to do so! It’s an excellent move to help secure a healthy and attractive smile for your little one.
How painful are braces for kids?
It’s completely normal for children to feel some mild discomfort or soreness when they first receive braces or after adjustments. This occurs because the braces are effectively shifting their teeth into proper alignment. The positive news is that this discomfort usually subsides within a few days and can often be alleviated with over-the-counter pain relief. Before long, their mouth adapts to the braces, and they may hardly even realize they’re wearing them. So, while braces might cause a bit of temporary discomfort, it’s both manageable and brief at Paige Orthodontics in Kingwood, under the care of Dr. Sebastian Paige.