Orthodontics for Children in Belmont and Foster City, CA

Straight Teeth and Healthy Smiles at Jacklyn Kurth Orthodontics

A beautiful, healthy smile starts early. That’s why many parents consider orthodontic treatment for their children at a young age. Orthodontics can correct bite issues, straighten teeth, and promote proper facial development in children. This treatment leads to improved oral health and self-confidence that can last a lifetime.

Dr. Jacklyn Kurth and her team at Jacklyn Kurth Orthodontics provide exceptional orthodontic care for children. With convenient orthodontic offices in Foster City and Belmont, CA, we make achieving straight teeth and confidence-boosting smiles easy for local families.

Call (650) 592-4850 for our Belmont office and (650) 525-9440 for our Foster City office to schedule your child’s free orthodontic consultation.

When Is the Best Time for Children to See an Orthodontist?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends all children have an orthodontic evaluation by age seven. Early detection and treatment of bite and alignment issues can prevent more extensive treatment later.

Some signs your child may benefit from early orthodontic evaluation and treatment include:

• Crowded, crooked, or protruding front teeth
• Extra or missing teeth
• Overbite or underbite
• Misaligned jaw growth
• Early or late loss of baby teeth
• Difficulty biting or chewing
• Speech impediments
• Mouth breathing or thumb sucking
• Jaws that shift or make sounds

Early intervention with orthodontic treatment can correct many of these issues, leading to properly aligned teeth and a healthy bite pattern. This helps avoid extensive treatment later while maximizing facial growth and development.

The Initial Orthodontic Appointment for Children

The first orthodontic appointment involves a thorough exam of your child’s teeth, jaw alignment, and facial growth. Dr. Kurth and her team use panoramic X-rays, impressions, photos, and computer imaging to fully evaluate your child’s unique orthodontic needs. This assessment helps determine the best age to begin treatment.

Some of the key things Dr. Kurth evaluates include:

• Overall tooth alignment and crowding
• Overbite and underbite
• Jaw alignment and growth trends
• Missing, extra, or early loss of teeth
• Habits affecting tooth alignment
• Face and jaw symmetry as facial bones develop

Based on the exam, Dr. Kurth explains all treatment options available to your child. This includes when treatment should begin to achieve the best results. Monitoring growth may be advised over starting treatment immediately. Dr. Kurth outlines anticipated treatment phases and estimated timelines for completing care to help parents understand and prepare for the orthodontic journey ahead.

Common Orthodontic Treatments for Children

Traditional Braces

For traditional braces, metal or ceramic brackets are bonded to the teeth and connected with flexible wire and elastic ties. Gentle pressure moves the teeth into improved alignment over time. Braces can be used alone or with other appliances.

Invisalign® Clear Aligners

Invisalign clear aligners are worn in a series, each moving the teeth incrementally until straightening is achieved. Aligners are removable for eating and brushing and are less noticeable than braces.

Space Maintainers

If a baby tooth is lost too early, Dr. Kurth may place a space maintainer appliance to hold the surrounding teeth in position. This maintains the space until the permanent tooth emerges.

Palatal Expanders

Palatal expanders widen the roof of the mouth using orthodontic pressure. This allows more room for properly aligned teeth and may also be used before braces to make room for the appliance.

Advanced Technology for Better Childhood Orthodontic Outcomes

Jacklyn Kurth Orthodontics uses advanced tools and technology for more precise, customized treatment. Digital scans, images, and X-rays provide detailed 3D views of each child’s mouth. Computer imaging predicts how the teeth will move during treatment, enhancing accuracy and reducing treatment time.

Dr. Kurth also provides accelerated treatment options like VPro, which uses gentle micro pulses to move teeth more rapidly. Treatment times can be reduced by up to 50 percent in appropriate cases.

Childhood Orthodontic Results to Smile About

The reward for orthodontic treatment is a beautiful, confident smile. With Dr. Kurth’s skill, our pediatric patients achieve:

• Properly aligned teeth without crowding or crookedness
• An ideal overbite and underbite
• Closed gaps between teeth
• Improved facial symmetry and profile
• Healthy jaw position and growth
• Increased self-esteem and social confidence

These benefits begin early with Dr. Kurth’s specialized treatment for children. Establishing proper alignment when faces are still developing prevents the need for extensive treatment later. It also boosts positive self-image during important social years.

Dr. Kurth enjoys seeing how orthodontics transforms smiles and lives every day. Schedule a free consultation at Jacklyn Kurth Orthodontics to learn how she can help your child smile confidently.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my child is older when we consider orthodontic treatment?

It’s never too late for a beautiful smile! Orthodontists regularly treat older children through their teens and into adulthood. Customized treatment plans address individual orthodontic needs at any age.

Do baby teeth need orthodontics?

Baby teeth hold space for permanent teeth. Maintaining proper alignment of the baby teeth with braces, spacers, or other appliances can be beneficial. An early orthodontic evaluation provides the best guidance on developing alignment into adulthood.

What orthodontic problems can be treated in children?

Common issues like crooked teeth, overbites, underbites, incorrect jaw growth, and more can be corrected. Interceptive treatment when growth remains guides proper development.

How long will my child need orthodontic treatment?

Treatment length varies based on the severity of alignment issues and whether growth modification is needed. On average, comprehensive treatment with braces or clear aligners takes about 18 to 24 months. Accelerated options can reduce this time.

Achieve Your Child’s Best Smile

Dr. Jacklyn Kurth and her team offer children specialized orthodontic treatment tailored to their unique needs. With two convenient Bay Area offices, flexible scheduling, and advanced technology, Jacklyn Kurth Orthodontics makes it easy to help your child smile confidently.

Schedule your free consultation to discuss how orthodontics can help your child. Call our Belmont office at (650) 592-4850, our Foster City office at (650) 525-9440, or request an appointment online to get started!