Early Orthodontic Treatment In Evansville, IN
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that all children should visit an orthodontist by age 7. We understand each smile is unique, and we believe in providing the best possible orthodontic care for everyone, which is why we’re happy to offer early orthodontic treatment, also called interceptive orthodontic treatment, for developing smiles.
Dr. Cook is highly experienced in identifying troubling growth patterns in children’s teeth alignment and jaw development. Based on his diagnosis, he will prescribe a personalized early treatment plan or continue monitoring your child’s development, and recommend braces or aligners later on, if needed. Many children don’t require orthodontic treatment at this age, but for others, this early intervention will pave the way for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
During your child’s complimentary consultation with Dr. Cook, you’ll learn more about their unique orthodontic case and if interceptive orthodontics is right for them. On this page, you can discover a bit more about this service before getting started.
Explore Interceptive Orthodontics for Your Child’s Healthy Smile
As a parent, you want the best for your child. A healthy smile is an important part of that, and sometimes, early intervention can make a big difference. Using braces, clear aligners, or a combination of appliances, interceptive orthodontic treatment focuses on addressing alignment concerns, growth or potential bite problems in children who still have some of their baby teeth.
We encourage parents to pursue orthodontic treatment for their child when there is an emerging functional issue in the child’s dental development. Early treatment, also called Phase 1 treatment, helps guide the eruption of permanent teeth, create space for proper alignment, and even prevent the need for more extensive orthodontic treatment later on.
Because every child’s case is unique, we employ a gentle and informative approach to explore if interceptive orthodontics can help your child achieve a healthy, functional smile they can be proud of.
Interceptive Orthodontic Treatments Available at Cook Orthodontics
During your complimentary consultation, Dr. Cook may determine that your child will benefit from starting interceptive treatment. In that case, he will create a personalized treatment plan for your child, including one or a combination of the following treatment options:
Braces for Kids
Sometimes, a classic approach is the best solution. Braces are a time-tested and highly effective way to guide your child’s smile into proper alignment. At Cook Orthodontics, we use EMPOWER self-ligating braces, designed for comfort and efficiency.
These braces come in both metal and clear ceramic options and use a special clip mechanism to hold the wires in place. This translates to fewer adjustments and potentially shorter treatment times for your child. Self-ligating braces can also be more comfortable than traditional options, as they cause less irritation and put less pressure on the gums.
Invisalign First
Another way to achieve a healthy smile for your child is through Invisalign First: a gentle and effective treatment that uses removable plastic aligners.
We use Invisalign because it is the leader in clear aligner technology. Their aligners are made of durable material and are practically invisible, allowing your child to smile with confidence throughout treatment. Invisalign First is especially designed to work efficiently and comfortably to guide erupting teeth into their ideal positions and facilitate proper jaw development and alignment, creating a beautiful smile.
What if Phase 1 Orthodontic Treatment Isn’t Necessary?
During your child’s consultation, Dr. Cook may determine that treatment isn’t necessary right away. This means your child’s smile is developing without any issues! However, if Dr. Cook believes there may be future complications, he can monitor your child’s dental development every 6-12 months and in collaboration with their dentist. This prudent approach allows us to quickly identify and address any issues if they arise.
Our goal is to keep you informed and help your child achieve a healthy, confident smile. Sometimes, that means simply keeping an eye on things for the future.
Early Orthodontics in Evansville, IN: A Head Start on Healthy Smiles
Wondering if your child could benefit from early orthodontic treatment? Dr. Cook can help you discover if your child may be a good candidate. He’s a Board Certified orthodontist with extensive experience treating developing smiles. Phase 1 treatment empowers you to proactively address potential issues like crowding, gaps, misalignments, or bite problems before they develop.
Schedule your child’s complimentary consultation today and see why Cook Orthodontics is Evansville’s trusted choice for a lifetime of confident smiles. We’d love to help create a healthy and bright future for your child.