Children’s & Pediatric Orthodontics
Growth monitoring and early orthodontic evaluations in East Nashville and Hendersonville.
Orthodontic Treatment for Children
Your child’s smile changes as baby teeth make way for permanent teeth and the jaws develop. At SmileMaker Orthodontics, Dr. Jay Burton evaluates these changes and helps you understand whether your child needs observation, treatment or another type of evaluation.
Early evaluation helps us understand your child’s development, monitor changes and recommend treatment at the right time. Many children simply need observation.
When should my child see an orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic checkup no later than age seven. An earlier visit is appropriate when you or your child’s dentist notices a concern. By this stage, a mix of baby and permanent teeth often makes it possible to assess developing tooth and bite relationships.
This is a recommendation for an evaluation, not a deadline to begin braces. Some children benefit from early treatment for a specific concern; others can be monitored as they grow. Read the AAO’s guidance on the first orthodontic visit.
Growth and development: what we look for
An orthodontic evaluation considers more than whether the front teeth look straight. We assess how the upper and lower jaws relate, how teeth are coming in, and whether there is enough space for the developing permanent teeth.
We also discuss relevant habits and your concerns about chewing, the bite or changes you have noticed. The findings help guide recommendations based on your child’s stage of development.
Observation and growth monitoring
Observation is an active part of orthodontic care. Follow-up visits allow us to reassess tooth eruption, available space and bite development over time. Dr. Burton will recommend when your child should return and explain what changes we are watching for.
Monitoring can help identify when treatment becomes appropriate. It also gives families a chance to ask questions as their child grows. The timing of visits and any treatment recommendations are individualized.
Understanding your child’s bite—occlusion
Occlusion describes how the upper and lower teeth fit together. We look for concerns such as crowding, crossbites, underbites, open bites and deep bites, and explain what they mean for your child.
The type and severity of the concern, the child’s development and the goals of treatment help determine whether to intervene or continue observation.
Palatal expansion in growing children
A narrow upper jaw or certain crossbites may be reasons to consider expansion. An expander is an orthodontic appliance used to widen the upper jaw when that approach is appropriate.
Expansion is not needed for every child with crowded teeth. The examination helps determine whether it is suitable and which approach fits your child’s development. If recommended, we will discuss the goal, alternatives, care instructions, limitations and follow-up. Additional orthodontic treatment may still be needed later.
Airway, breathing and sleep concerns
Tell us if your child regularly snores, breathes through the mouth or has breathing pauses during sleep. These symptoms deserve attention and may warrant evaluation by a pediatrician, ENT or sleep specialist.
Questions about breathing and sleep can help identify concerns, but a questionnaire or orthodontic examination alone does not diagnose sleep apnea. When indicated, care should be coordinated with the appropriate medical professional.
Expansion may be considered as part of a coordinated plan for selected children. Its role depends on the child’s orthodontic and medical evaluation; it does not guarantee that sleep apnea will resolve. Read the AAPD’s guidance on screening and referral.
What happens at the first visit?
We discuss your concerns, evaluate your child’s teeth and bite, and explain the findings. The next step may be observation, early treatment for a specific concern, or further evaluation.
If treatment is recommended, ask about its purpose, alternatives, daily care, individualized timing and cost, and whether another phase may be needed as more permanent teeth come in. You can also explore what to expect at your first visit and our financial and insurance information.
Questions parents often ask
Should we wait until all the baby teeth are gone?
No. An evaluation while baby teeth are still present can help assess development and determine whether monitoring or treatment is appropriate.
Does an early visit mean my child needs braces?
No. An early visit may simply establish what to watch as your child grows. Treatment is recommended according to the findings and your child’s needs.
Can an expander prevent the need for braces later?
Expansion and braces address different treatment goals. An expander does not guarantee that later treatment will be unnecessary. Learn more about orthodontic braces.
Will my child need another phase of treatment?
Possibly. Early treatment addresses a particular concern while a child is developing. A later phase may be recommended after more permanent teeth emerge. Dr. Burton will explain what can be anticipated and what will need reassessment.
Plan your child’s orthodontic visit
Visit SmileMaker in East Nashville or Hendersonville to discuss your child’s development and next steps.
Request a free orthodontic consultation or call 615.865.6551.