948 N 200 E, Spanish Fork, Utah 84660
(801) 798-6000

Pediatric Orthodontics

Orthodontic care for kids is important. It’s not just about cosmetics, it sets the stage for a healthy smile for life.

By acting early in your child’s life, you can prevent serious dental issues later on. Examples of early treatment include:

  • Correction of bad habits
  • Correction of incoming permanent teeth
  • Correction of bite problems

Taking care of quirks early ensures a solid foundation for their oral health.

Get Early Detection

Understanding the Need for Early Orthodontic Visits

It is recommended for children to have an orthodontic evaluation by age 7.

At this stage, we can identify and work to fix issues such as:

  • Crowding
  • Uneven bites
  • Bad habits 
  • Late loss of baby teeth
  • Speech problems
  • Clicking jaw joints

The objective is to address concerns at an early stage so more serious issues can be prevented.

Serious Issues Prevented by Early Orthodontic Treatment

Crowding Teeth

Crowding teeth makes it difficult to brush and floss effectively. Long term, this lack of oral hygiene causes:

  • Gum disease
  • Tooth decay
  • Cavities / Root canals

Your child will also be dealing with uneven wear on teeth and jaw pain until the issue is resolved.

Uneven Bites

Uneven bites wreak havoc on your skeletal structure. Problems follow when your jaw isn’t where it’s supposed to be:

  • Prone to tooth wear
  • Speech problems
  • Difficulty chewing
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Migraines
  • TMJ

Luckily, if you bring in your child while their bite is still developing, many of these problems can be resolved.

Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJ)

TMJ is specific to uneven bites and causes extreme pain in and around the face. Other symptoms include:

  • Stiffness in jaw muscles
  • Limited movement
  • Locking of the jaw
  • Ringing in ears
  • Vertigo / Dizziness

Once TMJ has developed, there’s no treatment and symptoms could flare up anytime. However, remedies are available to limit the severity and frequency of symptoms. They include medication, physical therapy, custom mouthguards, and even jaw surgery.

Bad Habits

Bad habits can be long lasting and cause problems throughout life. Some of these bad habits include:

  • Thumb sucking
  • Lip and nail biting
  • Tongue thrusting

These habits may seem minor but they can cause problems if not corrected early. Problems like slowing down or even stopping proper jaw development. 

The earlier that these habits can be caught the better chance of correction. 

Late Loss of Baby Teeth

The late loss of baby teeth can cause major problems for adult teeth. Some of these problems include:

  • Cavities
  • Gum problems
  • Misalignment of adult teeth
  • Prevention of adult teeth from moving in

The late loss of baby teeth often occurs as a side effect of bad habits.

Speech Problems

Tongue thrust and thumb sucking cause improper development of the roof of mouth and teeth and can cause speech problems. 

Tongue thrusting pushes the front teeth forward and can make pronouncing words difficult. 

Thumb sucking often leads to deformity in the roof of the mouth. 

These bad habits, if caught early, can prevent speech problems.

Clicking Jaw Joints

Clicking jaw joints have negative effects such as:

  • Can be painful
  • Clenching and grinding of teeth
  • Jaw misalignment

Along with pain and annoyance, teeth can be affected by this as well. Many that experience clicking joints often grind their teeth short. This can affect appearances as well as cause pain when chewing or talking.

See an Orthodontist by Age 7

The age 7 is recommended by the American Association of Orthodontists to start promoting proactive oral hygiene. Starting assessments early will lead to strong and long lasting dental health.

The First Orthodontic Appointment – What to Expect

Our goal is to create a positive and comfortable experience for your child right from the first visit.

We know the importance of a child-friendly environment and our team is focused on reducing dental anxiety in young patients.

Feel at Ease with Your New Family

During each and every visit, our orthodontic team takes special care to make sure your child feels at ease. 

We explain procedures in an age-appropriate manner. We also use colorful and engaging visuals so everyone can understand what’s happening.

Our goal is to build confidence in your child, making following visits more predictable and stress-free.

Fresh Baked Cookies at Every Appointment

Our office is intentionally designed to be friendly and comforting, ensuring a warm and welcoming atmosphere for your child.

We believe in the power of positive reinforcement, and that’s why we offer fresh cookies at each appointment. 

Growth Monitoring in Orthodontics

In our dental practice, we use a strategy known as growth monitoring to anticipate and address potential issues. 

Growth Monitoring Identifies Emerging Concerns

We monitor tooth, jaw, and facial alignment at an early stage so skeletal problems can be addressed while the bones are still forming. 

This active observation allows our dental team to identify emerging concerns.

Concerns Identified Early Can Prevent Complex Problems

By acting early, we can often address issues with simpler and less invasive measures. This is the best move before they become more complex.

Active monitoring is the most crucial during the developing years when your child’s facial and jaw structures are still maturing. 

Addressing potential orthodontic issues is our commitment to providing the best and most effective care for your child’s oral health.

Benefits of Early Orthodontic Care

There are many benefits of early orthodontic care. Practical perks and benefits of pediatric orthodontics includes:

  • Improved Oral Hygiene

Early orthodontic treatment makes it easier for your child to maintain good oral hygiene. Straighter teeth mean brushing and flossing become more effective, keeping cavities and gum issues in check.

  • Better Chewing Function

Orthodontics helps align teeth for improved chewing function. Your child can enjoy their favorite foods with confidence, making mealtimes more comfortable and enjoyable.

  • Enhanced Self-Esteem

A straight and healthy smile contributes to enhanced self-esteem. Early orthodontic care sets the foundation for a smile your child can be proud of, positively impacting their self-confidence.

  • Correcting Bad Habits

Early intervention, such as addressing thumb-sucking, can prevent potential dental issues in the future, promoting better oral habits. 

  • Avoiding Oral Surgery

Handling dental concerns early on may help avoid the need for oral surgery later. By addressing issues promptly, we aim to steer clear of complex dental procedures down the road.

Choosing our practice means opting for a journey filled with tangible benefits – a healthier smile, improved confidence, and long-term dental well-being.

Why Choose Us for Your Child’s Orthodontic Care

Personalized Orthodontic Treatment

In our care, it’s not about one-size-fits-all. 

We relate with the idea that every child is different. Our approach is deeply personalized, crafting treatment plans that cater to your child’s specific needs for the best possible results.

Child-Friendly Environment

Our studio isn’t just an orthodontic space, it’s a haven designed to make your child feel right at home. 

From the cozy waiting area to the guest chairs in the back, we’ve curated a child-friendly environment. Our team strives to create an atmosphere that turns orthodontic visits positive and enjoyable.

We’re Committed to You and Your Family

But it’s not just about the kids, we know parents play a crucial role too. Our team is here to:

  • Be your partner
  • Answer questions
  • Provide information
  • Guide you through each step of your child’s orthodontic journey. 

We’re committed to making the process smooth and stress-free for both kids and parents.

Choosing us means choosing a journey that’s more than just straightening teeth. It’s about creating healthy, happy smiles in an environment designed just for you. 

Pediatric Orthodontist Experts Near You

We are dedicated to providing a unique and personalized experience for your child’s smile. 

We provide personalized care that tailors treatment plans to their unique needs. 

We work hard for a child-friendly environment designed to make every visit enjoyable.

It’s a Whole Family Affair

Our commitment extends beyond the children to the parents, recognizing the crucial role you play. 

We’re here as partners, ready to answer questions, provide guidance, and ensure a smooth and stress-free journey for both you and your child.

We invite you to take the next step and schedule a consultation for your child. 

Join the Kuhni Orthodontic Family today!

Contact us today at (801) 798-6000 to begin this exciting chapter in your child’s dental health. We look forward to welcoming you to our orthodontic family!