Children's Orthodontics
Dr. Griffin can help make smiles more beautiful at any age!
The American Association of OrthodontistsOpens a new window to the AAO website recommends every child visits an orthodontist by age 7. By this age, most children have their permanent first molars erupted, which help establish the way their teeth fit together. Dr. Deborah GriffinLearn more about our dentist can evaluate your child’s dental development to ensure proper growth and alignment. Orthodontic treatment may not be necessary at this stage, but catching potential problems early is very helpful in getting the best possible result in the future. We take care of your child from the very beginning so they can enjoy a lifetime of healthy smiles!
During your child’s early dental development, Dr. Griffin can evaluate how their teeth fit together front to back and side to side. She will make sure everything is healthy and properly aligned.
If there’s something that might need adjusting, Dr. Griffin will provide tailor-made children’s orthodontics to encourage optimal development.
Some types of early treatment we provide are:
Metal braces are the most common type of braces for young people. These braces are made of high-grade stainless steel and are placed onto your child’s tooth surfaces.
They consist of metal bands that wrap around the molars in back, and small metal brackets placed on the front surfaces of the teeth. A thin metal wire, running through the brackets, gently guides the teeth into a proper position. The orthodontic wire is held into each brace with a small elastic, which can be any color your child chooses.
Dr. Griffin will arrange regular appointments to make any adjustments and check how the treatment is progressing.
Ceramic braces use the same components as traditional braces and thus work in a very similar way. The main difference between them are the brackets; they are made of a ceramic material that blends in with your child’s tooth natural color.
These braces can be an excellent option for your teenager, with no metal visible, unless you look closely. As the brackets are harder to see, it provides your child with more discretion and can help them feel more confident about wearing braces.
When your child’s braces are removed, he or she will enter into the retention phase of the treatment. This phase is just as important as your braces stage because it assures your teeth stay in their new position to maintain your beautiful smile. There are several different types of retainers, and Dr. GriffinLearn more about our orthodontist will select the one that is best for your particular needs.
It is essential for your child to wear their retainer as instructed.
Invisalign® Teen
Orthodontics continues to make strides towards more comfortable and convenient care. One of the largest leaps in the area of children’s orthodontics is Invisalign® Teen.
With this discreet method, Dr. Griffin uses specially designed clear aligners to straighten your child’s teeth. Almost invisible to the naked eye, Invisalign® Teen could be the ideal solution for your teen.
Learn more about this innovative treatment, which can make you and your teenager’s life easier!
Very friendly, kind, and caring. Reasonable prices. Dr. Griffin even called the night my son got braces to check in on him. We couldn't be happier!
Laura C. (Actual Parent)