In a teal-walled room in Kingwood TX, a girl in a pink shirt uses a blue toothbrush to brush her teeth before visiting the children's orthodontist.

Children’s Orthodontist in Kingwood, TX

a child and a dental give a thumbs-up for Paige Orthodontics as Children’s  Orthodontist best 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

Orthodontic specialists like Dr. Sebastian Paige focus on correcting orthodontic issues in children and teens, including impacted teeth, crooked teeth, gaps, uneven bites, and abnormal jaw growth. Orthodontic care allows healthy development and ensures properly aligned teeth and bones for the future.

Importance of Early Orthodontic Intervention

Interceptive orthodontic treatment focuses on catching and resolving dental issues during the early stages of development. Benefits include:

Abstract, irregular cream-colored shape on a plain white background, reminiscent of the smooth precision found at an orthodontist in Kingwood, TX.
A child is examined by a dentist while sitting in a dental chair with an open mouth at Paige Orthodontics in Kingwood, TX

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

Orthodontic treatment delivers both oral health and self-confidence benefits. Paige Orthodontics is committed to helping families understand how proper care can lead to healthier bones, smiles, and improved well-being.

Improved Oral Health and Hygiene

Aligned teeth make brushing and flossing easier, helping prevent decay and infection.

Enhanced Speech Development

Proper placement of teeth enhances articulation and clarity during communication.

Prevention of Future Dental Issues

Addressing bone and tooth growth early can avoid serious future problem.

Boosted Confidence and Self-Esteem

A beautiful smile builds confidence and leaves lasting, positive impressions.

Understanding Children’s 

Orthodontic Treatment

Different orthodontic treatments target specific issues to restore proper alignment and function. Common tools include:

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.

Abstract, irregular cream-colored shape on a plain white background, reminiscent of the smooth precision found at an orthodontist in Kingwood, TX.
a dentist wearing gloves and a mask examines a boy's teeth in the dental chair at Paige Orthodontics in Kingwood, TX

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.

Abstract, irregular cream-colored shape on a plain white background, reminiscent of the smooth precision found at an orthodontist in Kingwood, TX.
a dentist uses a model to demonstrate dental care to a young girl in the chair at Paige Orthodontics in Kingwood, TX

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

Here are some frequent orthodontic concerns addressed at Paige Orthodontics:
A dentist in blue gloves examines problem a child's teeth in Kingwood TX at Paige Orthodontics in Kingwood, TX

Overbite, Underbite, Crossbite, and Spacing Problems

Overbite: Upper teeth stick out which can leave the upper teeth vulnerable to injury and chipping.
Underbite: Bottom teeth extend beyond the upper, affecting chewing and jaw health. This can be permanent and worsen if not corrected at an early age.
Crossbite: Upper teeth sit inside of the lower teeth, causing wear, gum issues, or jaw strain.
Spacing: Gaps and overcrowding impact adult tooth growth and hygiene. Teeth can damage each other inside the bone and become impacted.

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

Orthodontists use orthodontic appliances to guide teeth and bones into the correct shape and location. This guide will explore the details of four prevalent types of orthodontic devices: conventional braces, invisible aligners, functional appliances, and retainers.
Against a light blue background, a teen boy from Kingwood TX with metal braces and a yellow shirt gives a thumbs-up.

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.

A boy in a yellow shirt smiles and points to his teeth, holding a clear dental aligner outside in Kingwood TX.

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.

two pink dental retainers with metal wires are displayed alongside a small metal tool at Paige Orthodontics in Kingwood, TX

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.

a smiling person holds both a dental retainer and a model set of teeth at Paige Orthodontics in Kingwood, TX

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.

a young girl with blue glasses smiles from the dental chair at Paige Orthodontics in Kingwood TX

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.

Abstract, irregular cream-colored shape on a plain white background, reminiscent of the smooth precision found at an orthodontist in Kingwood, TX.
a dentist demonstrates tooth brushing to a young girl seated in a dental chair with a toothbrush at Paige Orthodontics in Kingwood, TX

Conclusion

Paige Orthodontics offers complimentary early orthodontic evaluations for kids at age seven and older. Early intervention can address serious issues like overbite, underbite, and crowding to avoid severe issues later on. Early treatment for children can avoid permanent bone shape and size issues as well as tooth damage and loss. Dr. Sebastian Paige delivers specialized orthodontic treatment in a fun and friendly atmosphere for children in Kingwood, TX.

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.