at the appropriate time for the child. In other cases, Dr. Simonsen might find a problem that can benefit from early treatment.

 

• Early treatment may prevent or intercept more serious problems from developing and may make treatment at a later age shorter and less complicated. In some cases, Dr. Simonsen will be able to achieve results that may not be possible once the face and jaws have finished growing.

 

• Early treatment may give Dr. Simonsen the chance to:

- Guide jaw growth 

- Lower the risk of trauma to protruded front teeth

- Correct harmful oral habits 

- Improve appearance

- Guide permanent teeth into a more favorable position

- Create a more pleasing arrangement of teeth, lips and face

 

• Through an early orthodontic evaluation, you’ll be giving your child the best opportunity for a healthy, beautiful smile.

 

If your child is older than 7, it’s certainly not too late for a check-up. Because patients differ in both physiological development and treatment needs, Dr. Simonsen's goal is to provide each patient with the most appropriate treatment at the most appropriate time.

 

If you notice any of the following in your child, check with Dr. Simonsen:

• Early or late loss of baby teeth

• Difficulty in chewing or biting

• Mouth breathing

• Jaws that shift or make sounds

• Speech difficulties

• Biting the cheek or the roof of the mouth

• Facial imbalance

• Grinding or clenching of the teeth

 

Problems to Watch for in Children