What Parents Need to Know About Orthodontics

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As your child grows, their teeth and mouth will also undergo changes. Sometimes teeth don’t come in straight, which can cause issues with their bite and with their long-term oral health if left unaddressed. Our team at Smile Cove Pediatric Dental wants to help parents like you make the best choices for your child’s health, and we have put together this article to go over some key information you need to know about orthodontics.

What Parents Need to Know About Orthodontics

  • What is Orthodontics? – The word orthodontics comes from the Greek words “ortho” meaning “straight” and “odont” meaning tooth. Orthodontic dentistry is focused on the alignment of the teeth within the mouth and jaw, and orthodontic treatments are designed to correct misalignments.
  • Why are Orthodontics Necessary? – One question you may be asking yourself about orthodontics is whether the treatments are really necessary. In our experience, many people assume orthodontic treatments are purely cosmetic, but this is not the case at all. If your child’s teeth don’t line up properly, they could face serious discomfort when chewing as well as other ongoing issues.
  • How Long Do Orthodontic Treatments Take? – Another question parents often ask about orthodontics is how long the treatments take. The answer to this depends on your perspective—a single appointment with an orthodontist will usually last no more than an hour or two (with the longer sessions being the ones where we install braces and similar corrective measures), but the total time your child is in braces will usually be around two years.

Dietrich & Kelso Orthodontics provides orthodontic treatment and services for patients of Smile Cove Pediatric Dental and also accepts patients looking for orthodontic treatment only from any other dental office. Please visit the Dietrich & Kelso Orthodontics website for more information or give us a call at 727-789-4450.