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Early Orthodontic Treatment In Anderson & Easley, SC

Home » Other Treatments » Early Orthodontic Treatment

Early Orthodontic Treatment For Children

What is the difference between early orthodontic treatment and regular orthodontic treatment, and why might my child need early treatment? How will early treatment benefit my child in the long run?

These are just a few of the questions surrounding the topic of early orthodontic treatment for children. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children see an orthodontist as early as age seven. At this point, your orthodontist will evaluate whether your child will need orthodontic treatment.

Early treatment (also known as Phase One) typically begins around age eight or nine (Phase Two will begin around age 11 or older). The goal of early treatment is to correct the growth of the jaw and certain bite problems, such as underbite. Early treatment also helps to make room for permanent teeth to come in properly, lessening the chance of extractions in the future.

How to tell if your child may need early orthodontic treatment:

  • Early or late loss of baby teeth (your child should typically start losing teeth around age five, and will have all permanent teeth around age 13)
  • Difficulty chewing and/or biting
  • Mouth breathing
  • Your child continues sucking his or her thumb after age five
  • Speech impediments
  • Protruding teeth (the top teeth and the bottom teeth extend away from each other)
  • Teeth that don’t come together in a normal manner or even at all
  • Shifting of the jaw when your child opens or closes his or her mouth (crossbites)
  • Crowded front teeth around age seven or eight

What Causes Orthodontic Problems, And How Will Early Treatment Benefit My Child?

Orthodontic problems such as crowding of the teeth, too much space between the teeth, jaw growth problems, protruding teeth, and bad bites can be inherited or caused by injury to the mouth, early or late loss of baby teeth, or thumb-sucking habits.

Most children lose all their baby teeth by age 13, and by the end of their teen years, the jaw bones will harden and stop growing. Orthodontic procedures for adults often take more time and can involve tooth extraction or oral surgery. Receiving early orthodontic treatment as a child can help prevent the need for orthodontics as an adult, leaving little to no chance of extraction or surgery in the future.

If your child is between the ages of seven and eight and shows signs of needing orthodontic care, or if you have been directed by your family dentist to visit the orthodontist, please contact our office and schedule an appointment. Our team will provide your child with an initial exam, and discuss with you the best steps to take toward caring for your child’s smile.

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Get Started Today!

The first step toward achieving a beautiful, healthy smile is to schedule an appointment for a free consultation. At the initial consultation, we will sit down with you one-on-one and create an individualized treatment plan for you to design a smile you are proud to show off.

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Patient Reviews

Our 5-Star Experience

T.J. E.
I’m not from Easley so my orthodontist search was in another city but I was referred here so I gave it a shot and honestly they made me feel at home. I was unsure about the entire process but I’m thankful I chose this place for this journey that I just started
Response from the owner:Thank you, T.J., for choosing us for your orthodontic journey! We're delighted to hear you felt at home. Your trust means everything, and we look forward to creating your perfect smile together.
Tucker S.
My son and I had an amazing experience at David McInnis Orthodontics.
Dr. McInnis and his team were friendly, professional, and seriously on point. They made the whole process smooth, informative, and fun!
If you’re looking for an orthodontist who makes the entire treatment experience easy and convenient, this is the place.
Thanks to the whole team for the warm welcome and for making us feel like part of the family. This smile journey is off to a great start!
Response from the owner:Thank you for the very best review! We love your family and cannot wait to see Tanner's smile transformation!!!
Virginia E.
The staff are amazing. The ladies are so friendly! The entire staff are so accommodating and welcoming from day one!!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for the five star review! We love treating your family here at DMO 💞
DURTY O.
I got in and did my consultation and had them installed in the same day. Was absolutely pleased
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your 5 star review! We are so glad that we were able to get you started with your treatment the same day that you came in for your consult! 😁 We can't wait to get to know you better and see your end result!!
Keena C.
I really like this place. They are very patient with us and not everything is in a rush. I have a toothbrush station if you come after school and you need to brush your teeth, you get some Dippin dots when you get your braces and after you get your braces and you get them taken off You get a little cup of candy and a T-shirt
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for the kind review! We love having your family as patients! 😁
Kim A.
Extremely thorough in explaining what needed to be done. We feel like we're in terrific and capable hands! Super friendly office staff and relaxing environment.
Response from the owner:We appreciate you taking the time to leave us feedback on your experience. We work very hard every day to exceed our patients’ expectations!
Annette H.
We love this place!! My son went to 3 different orthodontist and he picked this one 10 min after we walked in the door and he’s 13!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your 5 star review! We are so glad that you are a part of our DMO family! 😁 We enjoyed meeting you and Michael! We can't wait to get to know you both better!
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David Mcinnis Orthodontics

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We have convenient locations near you, so come visit us to get started! We can’t wait to meet you and your family soon!

Locations

EASLEY

  • 411 S. Pendleton St. Easley, SC 29640

ANDERSON

  • 2315 N. Main St. #120 Anderson, SC 29621

Phone

  • (864) 859-1676

Contact Hours

Monday 8:00am – 5:00pm
Tuesday 8:00am – 5:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am – 5:00pm
Thursday 8:00am – 5:00pm
Friday 8:00am – 5:00pm

EASLEY

ANDERSON

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