Children’s orthodontics can address common oral health problems such as gaps between teeth, misalignments, and overcrowding. Treating these issues early on with children’s orthodontics can prevent them from getting worse. At Torok Orthodontics, the caring team proudly offers children’s orthodontics services at two convenient locations in Santa Monica and the Westchester neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. To schedule your appointment, call the office nearest you or book online today.

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What is children’s orthodontics?

Children’s orthodontics works to straighten teeth and correct bite issues in children and teenagers. Young people are ideal candidates for orthodontic treatment because their mouths and bone structures are still developing. As a result, they respond well to oral appliances and require less treatment time compared with adults.

The team at Torok Orthodontics recommends that all children undergo their first orthodontic assessment at age 7. This enables the team to identify and treat potential problems before they become more serious. 

What happens during a children’s orthodontics appointment?

At Torok Orthodontics, a children’s orthodontics appointment begins with a thorough oral exam and a review of your child’s medical history. Dr. Torok also takes digital impressions of your child’s teeth using the iTero Element® intraoral scanner or the 3Shape TRIOS® oral scanner. 

These advanced tools provide information about the position of your child’s teeth. They also provide insights about facial growth and allow Dr. Torok to monitor that growth for early modifications.

Are there different types of children’s orthodontic treatment?

At Torok Orthodontics, the team offers several types of children’s orthodontic treatment, including:

Expanders

If the roof of your child’s mouth is too narrow, Dr. Torokmight recommend an expander. An expander is an orthodontic appliance that gradually opens the roof of the mouth. This realigns the jaw and prevents bite problems. The team usually recommends expanders for children ages 7-10. This is because children have soft spots on the roof of their mouths that don’t harden until puberty.

Retainers

A retainer is an oral appliance made of metal and plastic. It’s custom-crafted to fit the unique curvature of your child’s teeth. If your son or daughter has spaces between their teeth, a retainer can close the gap. Retainers are also used to prevent teeth from moving out of place after your child has finished wearing braces.

Clear aligners

If you have a teenager who’s self-conscious about traditional braces, they might benefit from clear aligners. The team atTorok Orthodontics offers two types of clear aligners: Invisalign® and SureSmile®. Both treatment options are discreet and much less visible than metal braces. 

What type of orthodontic treatment is right for my child?

Only a qualified orthodontist can determine the type of treatment that most benefits your child. Following a consultation and discussion about your child’s goals for treatment, the team at Torok Orthodontics can develop a custom care plan to align with their needs.

To schedule a children’s orthodontics appointment at Torok Orthodontics, call the nearest office or book online today.