Ask Dr. Martin: “When should my child visit for an orthodontic consultation?”

Great question! Dr. Jennifer Martin will tell you that braces were originally considered to be best appropriate for teens. But these days, kids as old as seven are beginning their orthodontic treatment. Because preadolescent kids are typically not self-conscious, our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists suggest it could be a good idea to start early.

Experts, however, say it depends on the treatment required. Some children who get braces at an early age end up in a second phase of treatment, and end up having braces well into their teenage years despite starting young.

Most orthodontic treatment begins between ages nine and 14, and the folks at AAO estimate most orthodontic treatment lasts from one to three years, with two years being the average. It’s important, however, that children be screened no later than age seven for Dr. Martin to assess what the best age for treatment is.

We hope this helps! We invite you to give us a call if you have any questions about your child’s treatment and have yourself a relaxing and wonderful weekend!

You may request an appointment by filling out this form.

We hope you had a great weekend!

"My son is turning 7 - when should we visit for a consultation?"

Great question! Dr. Jennifer Martin will tell you that braces were originally considered to be best appropriate for teens. But these days, kids as old as seven are beginning their orthodontic treatment. Because preadolescent kids are typically not self-conscious, our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists suggest it could be a good idea to start early.

Experts, however, say it depends on the treatment required. Some children who get braces at an early age end up in a second phase of treatment, and end up having braces well into their teenage years despite starting young.

Most orthodontic treatment begins between ages nine and 14, and the folks at AAO estimate most orthodontic treatment lasts from one to three years, with two years being the average. It’s important, however, that children be screened no later than age seven for Dr. Martin to assess what the best age for treatment is.

We hope this helps! We invite you to give us a call if you have any questions about your child’s treatment and have yourself a relaxing and wonderful weekend!

You may request an appointment by filling out this form.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Ask Dr. Martin: When are two phases of treatment necessary?

Great question. Phase I, or early interceptive treatment, is limited orthodontic treatment (i.e. expander or partial braces) before all of the permanent teeth have erupted. Such treatment can occur between the ages of six and ten. This treatment is sometimes recommended to make more space for developing teeth, correction of crossbites, overbites, underbites, or harmful oral habits. Phase II treatment is also called comprehensive treatment, because it involves full braces when all of the permanent teeth have erupted, usually between the ages of eleven and thirteen.

When we have patients with clear developmental problems at an early age, it’s best to start work when they are young, before the problems get bigger and more difficult to treat.

Examples include:
•An upper or lower jaw that is not growing correctly
•A mouth growing in a way that doesn’t leave enough room for all the permanent teeth to come in
•A severe malocclusion, or bad bite, which means the jaw doesn’t fit together correctly

Has your child visited our Pleasant Hill, CA office for a complimentary consultation? If not, please give us a call and let Dr. Jennifer Martin help your child begin the journey to a gorgeous smile.

Dr. Jennifer Martin and staff, easing your child's fear of the dentist (and orthodontist)

Dr. Jennifer Martin and our team know that many children have fear when it comes to visiting the dentist or orthodontist. Recently, we found a great article on how parents can help their kids overcome fears of the dentist, courtesy of our friends at WebMD.

Making your child feel comfortable when they visit Dr. Martin for an orthodontic consultation is a priority for us, and we excel at making children feel comfortable when visiting with Dr. Martin or our friendly staff. In fact, most of our patients look forward to their next visit!

So when should kids come in for a consultation? It's best for Dr. Martin to see children by age seven to evaluate the need for orthodontic treatment and determine when the best time is for that treatment. The first permanent molars and incisors have usually come in by that time and crossbites, crowding and other problems can be evaluated. Has your child visited Dr. Martin's office? If not, it’s time to schedule an appointment for a complimentary consultation!

"My daughter is seven years old - when should I bring her in for a consultation?"

Great question! Dr. Jennifer Martin will tell you that braces were originally considered to be best appropriate for teens. But these days, kids as old as seven are beginning their orthodontic treatment. Because preadolescent kids are typically not self-conscious, our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists suggest it could be a good idea to start early.

Experts, however, say it depends on the treatment required. Some children who get braces at an early age end up in a second phase of treatment, and end up having braces well into their teenage years despite starting young.

Most orthodontic treatment begins between ages nine and 14, and the folks at AAO estimate most orthodontic treatment lasts from one to three years, with two years being the average. It’s important, however, that children be screened no later than age seven for Dr. Martin to assess what the best age for treatment is.

We hope this helps! We invite you to give us a call if you have any questions about your child’s treatment and have yourself a relaxing and wonderful weekend!

You may request an appointment by filling out this form.