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Show Me Your Pearly Whites!
Cosmetic Dentistry for Kids
By Gwen Morrison
"Early straightening of the teeth is paramount," says Dr. Smith. "We can provide many services just to improve the alignment of the teeth in the first and second grade children. Additionally, much of the orthodontic work is done earlier with removable appliances. These appliances can reduce the time a child will spend with the metal mouth look and in many cases eliminate the fixed bands and braces altogether."
By visiting with your pediatric dentist regularly, he can identify crowded or crooked teeth and actively intervene to guide the new teeth as they come in the mouth. Not only will this greatly improve the look of your child's smile, but early intervention can ultimately prevent more extensive orthodontic treatment later.
There is much more to be said about orthodontic treatment that far outweighs the cosmetic benefits of it. Bite problems can be corrected, tooth extractions can be prevented and straight teeth are much easier to keep clean, making it less likely to experience decay and gum disease in the future.
"I believe dental aesthetics is on the mind of more adults and children in this century," says Dr. Maser. "Many adults don't want their children to have teeth like them, so they are willing to have orthodontic treatment started with their children. Depending on the orthodontist's philosophy, children can now be started earlier in treatment than the traditional 11 to 13 years of age."
There is nothing sweeter than the toothless grin of a 6-year-old child, but a 12-year-old is more conscious of how he looks. The first line of defense for ensuring a beautiful, bright smile for your child is always to practice good dental hygiene at home and visit the dentist for regular cleanings.
Healthy attitudes toward dental care start early. Give your child the best chance at a bright smile.