Early Intervention Orthodontics In Charlotte, NC

Give Your Child The Benefit Of A Lifelong Healthy Smile

Parents are usually relieved to learn that early orthodontics at Burrow Welchel & Culp Orthodontics is not about getting braces. It’s about setting your child up for a lifetime of optimal oral health, which is affected by the proper alignment and symmetry of their smile, jaw, and face. Your child’s early evaluation with our pediatric orthodontist in Charlotte, NC is not simply for aesthetics but will help guide the growth and development of their jaw and teeth – preventing more serious problems later.

When Should My Child See An Orthodontist?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that your child’s initial orthodontic evaluation occur by age 7 – the time when adult teeth are erupting. At Burrow Welchel & Culp Orthodontics, we evaluate erupting teeth to detect issues such as a possible overbite, open bite, crowding, or gummy smiles. We can tell if your child will benefit from early treatment, as many potential problems may not be visibly apparent until prevention is too late. Beginning treatment at this optimal time not only ensures the greatest result but also means less time and expense down the road.

Not sure if your child would benefit from an orthodontic evaluation? We are here to answer any questions you may have about the process.

Signs That Your Child Needs An Orthodontic Assessment

Treatment at this early stage may not even be necessary. However, it is especially important to schedule a screening with our orthodontist if you notice any of the following conditions in your child:

• Crowded or misplaced teeth
• Difficulty in chewing or biting food
• Early loss of baby teeth
• Mouth breathing
• Finger or thumb sucking
• Jaws that “pop” when opening and closing
• Misaligned teeth that close abnormally or without touching
• Jaws and teeth that are not in proportion to the rest of the face

What Is The Benefit Of Early Treatment?

While parents don’t need to rush into obtaining braces for their young children, some oral health issues can be avoided with early screening and treatment, including:

• Open bites – when the upper and lower teeth are unable to physically touch each other when the jaws are closed
• Crossbites – when the two rows of teeth don’t meet correctly. A misaligned bite can cause tooth decay, gum disease, stress on the jaw muscles, headaches, and more
• Speech impediments
• Injury to protruding teeth

Our Process

When your child comes in for their initial appointment, our team will perform a thorough evaluation of their smile and bite. This will allow our experts to determine which type of treatment will be best suited to their needs. We will also take the time to educate you and your child on what to expect from treatment, plus answer any questions you may have prior to beginning treatment.

Two-phase orthodontic treatment is used to address issues of facial bone structure as well as teeth alignment. By dividing the treatment into two different parts, it allows us to correctly fix all problems that contribute to the overall functionality of the mouth and teeth.

Phase One treatment usually involves early prevention with expanders or other appliances to address problems of the jaw and underlying bone while they are still developing. The second phase of Two-Phase Treatment is used to tweak and correct any problems that may have not been addressed or fixed by the first phase. It usually occurs after all permanent teeth have developed and acquired a place within the mouth. Braces or Invisalign are usually administered during this time to give each tooth a proper location and ensure they function in an optimal manner. In the ideal situation, patients may not need further treatment after phase one. However, if that is not the case, the first phase will allow for the second to be less involved and detailed.

Board-Certified Orthodontics Backed By Multiple Guarantees

Our offices have board-certified, award-winning orthodontists, and we proudly offer same-day appointments and treatment starts for your convenience. Additionally, we have a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for all treatments done at our office: all former patients benefit from no doctor fee for re-treatment; all re-treatments only include the cost of supplies.

Our office stands behind our Don’t Miss Work or School Guarantee. With our convenient appointment times, we guarantee you’ll never have to miss work or school for an orthodontic appointment with us!