Early Orthodontic Treatment in Albuquerque You Can Trust
Early orthodontic treatment is about setting the foundation for a lifetime of healthy and confident smiles. The American Association of Orthodontics recommends that children see an orthodontist around age seven. At this age, Dr. Ross Mohr can identify and correct issues like crowding, extra spacing, and bite misalignment.
If it’s determined that your child could benefit from early treatment, we’ll create a custom plan with you to give your child a healthy smile they’ll love for life. However, many children won’t need early intervention! Dr. Mohr only recommends early orthodontics when absolutely necessary. You deserve a partner in your child’s health that you can trust.
What Is Early Orthodontic Treatment?
Early orthodontic treatment, also known as Phase 1 orthodontics or interceptive treatment, is a proactive approach to identifying and addressing orthodontic concerns in young children. Around the recommended age of seven, most kids have a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth. This means oral structures are still developing, making them much less resistant to gentle corrections that can guide jaw growth, improve bite alignment, and make space for incoming teeth.
The Benefits of Early Treatment for Your Child
A growing smile deserves the right support at the right time. Early orthodontic treatment can make a big difference in how your child’s smile and confidence take shape. We take a thoughtful, personalized approach to early care, always focused on what’s best for your child’s development and your peace of mind.
Take a look at the benefits your child can enjoy as a result of interceptive treatment:
Reduced Need for Future Extractions
By catching concerns like crowding early, we can gently guide jaw development in the form of orthodontic expansion. This makes room for permanent teeth and helps reduce the need for future extractions.
Lower Risk of Dental Injuries
Children with protruding front teeth are more vulnerable to injuries from falls, sports, or play. Early treatment can gently reposition these teeth, helping to prevent trauma and preserve your child’s natural smile.
Easier Speech and Swallowing
Misaligned teeth or jaws can interfere with how your child speaks, chews, and swallows. Dr. Mohr can help improve these functions by correcting bite and alignment issues before habits are formed that are harder to fix down the road.
Confidence That Lasts
There’s nothing quite like seeing a child smile with confidence! Early treatment helps improve appearance, comfort, and oral function, giving your child a reason to smile bigger and laugh more often at home, in school, and everywhere in between.
Our Advanced Treatments for Little Ones
Every child’s smile is unique, so Dr. Mohr tailors each plan to their needs, ensuring their treatment is comfortable and efficient. Using the latest orthodontic tools and techniques, we offer several advanced treatment options for Phase 1 treatment, including:
Our LightForce braces are a game changer in early orthodontic care. These 3D-printed, custom-made braces are more efficient, comfortable, and often faster than traditional braces. Custom LightForce braces smooth, clear brackets.
Younger patients can benefit from discreet and flexible clear aligners as an early treatment option. At Mohr Orthodontics, we use in-house uLab aligners to get your child started faster. These nearly invisible aligners enable us to provide highly customizable orthodontic care without brackets or wires.
Some children may have issues concerning teeth crowding or improper bites. For these children, we may use a palatal expander to gently widen the upper jaw. This makes space for adult teeth to come in and the jaw to develop properly. Palatal expanders also allow us to reduce the need for extractions. Dr. Mohr is cautious and doesn’t support early expansion in cases where it isn’t needed.
What To Expect at Your Child’s First Consultation
When your child walks into our office for the first time, they’ll be greeted with bright smiles and friendly faces. You and your child will meet Dr. Mohr for a full evaluation that will include:
- A review of your child’s medical and dental history
- A gentle exam of their teeth and bite
- A 3D image of your child’s smile
- A custom treatment plan tailored to their growth and development, if necessary
- A conversation about financial details, including cost and payment options
We believe in the full participation of parents in their child’s orthodontic treatment. Dr. Mohr has parents build a new smile for their child alongside him, which helps you know whether your child needs extractions or other measures. You’ll always be the one to decide on your child’s treatment plan with the guidance of an expert orthodontist by your side. Additionally, parents are welcomed and encouraged to sit in on their child’s subsequent appointments. Your involvement helps your child feel comfortable and allows you to fully understand why treatment is (or isn’t) happening.
What if My Child Doesn’t Need Early Treatment?
Not every child will need interceptive treatment when they first come into our office. That’s great! We’ll just keep an eye on their smile as they grow. Early check-ins give us the opportunity to catch any potential issues before they turn into bigger, more extensive concerns.
Dr. Mohr doesn’t believe in unnecessary early expansion or putting every child in braces. He knows that some children simply won’t need orthodontic treatment as they develop. Transparency with your child’s care is something that makes you Smile Mohr.
Why Parents Trust Mohr Orthodontics With Their Children’s Smiles
Get Started With Early Treatment and Lifelong Confidence
Early orthodontic treatment can make a lifelong difference. Whether your child is ready to start treatment now or simply needs a watchful eye as they grow, Dr. Mohr will provide honest recommendations tailored to your child’s needs. We’re here to guide you and your child through a memorable and successful orthodontic journey, from the first appointment to the final reveal. Our fantastic team can’t wait to meet you and your family!